I don't think there is a thread for this pair yet so thought I'd start one up!! I'm really excited to see what this pair can produce. Gleb clearly will have an impact this year, and Anita came across so well on the launch show. For people who want a laugh, check out Anita's twitter feed, I think she is quite happy about getting Gleb! I really hope they do well.

https://twitter.com/itsanitarani

And Anita herself posted a team Glita twitter update, so think the team name is sorted!

As I'm from across the pond, I've seen Gleb a few times on DWTS and he's a good dancer very much in the style of Maks C. He came across as serious about his role as the pro but was also quite laid back, sweet and patient with his 'star'. I didn't know who Anita was but I have to say I liked the first impression. I'm hoping this will be a good partnership for both of them. I hope Anita has some 'moves' and she can also help the new Russian get used to the UK way of things. It seems the newbies from eastern Europe seem a bit stunned at first but once they settle down they really enjoy the camaraderie. Looking forward to the show. Go TeamGLITA!

yay good to hear nice stuff about Gleb. i do worry about them as a pair in terms of popularity as gleb is unknown and not sure how much of a fan base anita has although hoping the countryfile peps will come out and support.

here are their first steps. Think gleb will take a while to get used to anita's sense of humour but think they look fab together and she has a lot of potential. I am envisaging her being quite confident in the sultry dances and brave with lifts etc so think we should see some fiery dances!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD6kuqqndyg

she looks like she needs to sort out her balance though!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KJpdmyr22g

Interesting interview with Gleb.

Well, apart from the mistake at 1:21, that looked like a damn fine Cha-Cha-Cha to me!

Considering she is one of the true amateurs in the competition...pretty dam impressive for the first week - in my limited knowledge. Looking forward to her doing well.

Mistake or not the most entertaining dance for me together with Carol's tonight .... Think I will be keeping an eye on this firecracker in the long run ...

Anita was exuberant and a joy to watch last night. My favourite going into the competition and my favourite of the night. Gleb was alright too .

Yes, I agree with the comments here. I really enjoyed this performance. It was a great routine, and I thought pretty adventurous in parts, (under the legs business). Aneeeee a (as Matt Baker calls her) was terrific. I love Countryfile.

I absolutely agree with you, what a first dance! I wish I could see the whole show but unfortunately have to to rely on the BBC clips, no judges comments and no upstairs with Claudia .... sob.....

here's a positive comment from me, Nina

Anita Rani really surprised me, i wasn't a fan of her in the launch show, but she turned me around.


#TeamGlita has a fan from the Netherlands

That's my experience too, Nicky. She was a surprise for me and I like it when that happens.

Loved Anita. Think Gleb could have been more supportive

What a truly amazing episode of Who Do You Think You Are Anita's was last night. I'm trying to find a way of putting this without trivialising what she discovered -popularity on a reality show is a lifetime away from what her family and others went through- but I can't help but now watch her on the show with a different perspective. I'm sure some will think that it was a cynical move on the BBC's part to have her take part in WDYTYA and SCD in the same month, but strip away all of that spin and scheduling- those events still happened and she came across as a genuinely nice person struggling to deal with terrible news.

Maybe this is available to you?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIe0xjE8-lc

Thanks Fatskia, the whole episode eventually showed up on youtube, so was able to get my fix. Yeah! I am now working on Who Do You Think You Are.

I managed to see yesterday's ITT clip and am so impressed with Anita and Gleb. She's a strong woman, funny, hard working and very supportive of Gleb - loved her praise of his choreography. She is looking out for him. He in turn has embraced his wellies and did a dance in waders. What more could you want? He's also enjoying the whole Strictly experience, even more than all previous DWTS' put together. I like this guy.

I think Gleb is pleasantly surprised that he has someone with potential and he did choreograph a proper CCC.

He has a chance to impress this year - Anita is already there.

BIB - So true.

These two are going to be one of my favourites this year. Looking forward to the Charleston.

One of my favourite couples so far looking forward to their Charleston tonight

This girl is really good . Hard to believe she's not trained . Just goes to show that if you have it in you then it can be brought out . Well done anita and gleb .

Loved their Charleston great choreography from Gleb, I also thought it was undermarked by the judges

Lovely girl and so polite

Very happy to see Anita and Gleb go through. I really enjoyed the routine. Anita seems quite fearless..........already!!!!! I don't see nerves, just immense pleasure. Definitely one of my favourites.