Not by most Irish in fairness . He has a following but they are mostly older women and a small minority of the population . The same pool of people follow him around like the Pied Piper
And no , dont hold your breathe on him being anymore animated than a broom handle

I have to emphasise that I am not a fan... just before anyone suggests it. .... however, the thing which people seem to have a problem with is that he seems genuinely to be a gentle, self-effacing individual who is somehow coming across as a bit of a misfit in an industry largely populated by brashness, self-promotion and gross over-reaction.

Maybe we have come to expect that everyone in showbusiness has to be constantly effervescent practically to the brink of explosion but he, whilst clearly not an introvert, is just very placid and calm.

For the sort of performances he puts on and the target audience, his character is probably ideal - but it's just not what most of us expect from the personalities who usually take part in Strictly. Lots of them just try waaaaay to hard to be liked by the voting public and sometimes it has the opposite effect.

I have my doubts about how he will get on in the Latin dances - but he seems well-suited to Ballroom.
Last edited by Moany Liza : 26-09-2015 at 15:27

I am Irish and have never been a Daniel fan (my mother loved him, bless her, and I had to suffer listening to his DVDs growing up) but he did better than I thought last night.

He was clearly almost catatonic with nerves, which surprised me. He would not have the biggest personality in the world but he does seem decent enough (for years I thought he was too sweet to be wholesome but I think I may have misjudged him). I think he will do well in Ballroom but as others have said, Latin will be his undoing.

It was lovely to see his wife and stepson there supporting him. She is recovering from breast cancer and was clearly moved by his performance. I wish them both well.

I think Strictly could be the undoing of Daniel. He had a couple of off guard moments last night, like the eye roll as he came up to talk to Claudia before he composed himself and went into bot mode.

Just need Anthony/Ainsley/Iwan/whoever to get him tanked up in the bar afterwards and I bet he'd let rip.

He is a complete plank, and not even a good singer. Awful

This is my opinion too!

Totes agree!

Yes, we probably have no idea how nerve wracking doing a first dance on SCD can be for anyone .
Once the first dance is out of the way lets hope they can relax more and enjoy the experience .

Oh I do hope so...

He's just too cheesy for me and I have to admit I hate his singing.

I know ! It's crazy that anyone can judge someone not in their circle of friends on personality . It's not like he's on telly 7 days a week , 3 times a day , and he's never done big brother . It's just bizarre to attack his personality , or lack of .
He seems a perfectly nice guy , in that there are no horror stories doing the rounds on him . Even the nonsense about botox and fillers in his face makes me laugh out loud . The man would never touch all that auld crap , he is what you see . Apart from the make up they all wear for Strictly .
He was nervous, was told to keep smiling and tried to do so . His dancing was not bad at all , but latin will be his downfall I think .

He rolled his eyes and went phew ! in relief at having done his dance . What's the big deal about that . We've all (yes all) done similar after surviving a tricky situation .
Nice pic of him just before the show with his little grand daughter .

https://twitter.com/Majodonnell/stat...477312/photo/1

I agree Heather . Couldn't also believe the nonsense about botox and fillers when there is NO way Daniel would bother with such rubbish .

He seems a nice enough bloke but ive seen livlier people in an undertakers.

Tbh all I know about him is the reputation of 'cheesy Irish singer particularly loved by grannies' and I did wonder whether he'd had botox after last night - unfortunate combo of suspiciously smooth face and rigid expression. Sorry Daniel!

Yes, I know. It was a natural and spontaneous reaction which was welcome contrast to his otherwise very guarded persona. I'd like to see more of that side come out.

Despite his teeth looking like the belong on a model in Madame Tussauds ?!

I agree wholeheartedly with all you have said.

Ah, leave him alone! He's a bit out of his depth here but they can't all be dazzling extroverts. Otherwise there would be a BIG problem in the eliminations.

I'm actually shocked at the vitriol aimed at the man , on week one too.

Come on people., for God's sake, nobody is asking "you",/ anybody to like his music, but for Goodness sake, give him a break and leave off with the rotten insults.

He was so obviously nervous tonight, and kudos to him for doing as well as he did.

Jesus....

Lame attempt at humour. His teeth are fine.

Try another insult, it might be more accutate.

I am not getting into an argument

In your opinion, and that's cool. I accept your opinion.

However, don't dislike the guy for his dancing on SCD, that's blatantly unfair and predujiced.

Nobody asked you too.

Well said Scarlet . I really cannot be assed with comments about his singing or his teeth or his hair . It is a dance competition , not Strictly Come Singing/Dentistry/Hairdressing .
He did just fine for someone so clearly incredibly nervous .