Hi Lewis.

I think the intention was to keep this thread for confirmed celebrities, and leave the speculation to the "Rumours" thread.

Doesn't look like there are going to be any surprises then.

Totally agree! It was just a joke. I don't know why Neil gets so much criticism. He's quite extrovert, but I find both he and Katya are very polite on Twitter, liking and responding to tweets. Also from what I've heard (dance teacher) he is friendly and outgoing 'in real life'.

I think it is really exciting having someone of their calibre on Strictly.

As for Laura, I have to admit I haven't heard of her. She looks like a dancer, but appearances can be deceptive.

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I must admit I thought that post was hilarious Having had a look at both the Jones Twitter accounts there seems to be plenty of banter both between them and others. I like Katya's tweet regarding Neil doing a Gleb and taking his shirt off lol.

I wasn't impressed with the concept for their showdance that made the news but want to keep an open mind about them. Having looked out some clips they're incredible dancers.

And I want to see plenty of competition this series I imagine any of the male pros would be thrilled to get Laura from a dance point of view.

Maybe I am analysing too much Ochre (Moi?)

As I said, the ballroom world is a whole different ball (ha ha) game to the real world and, as you say, it might come under the "banter" category. Without wishing to sound desperately insecure, I would struggle a bit to watch my husband dancing with and developing a close relationship with another woman - especially a gorgeous one as most of the pro dancers are. So it's probably my issue rather than theirs

The celebs are auditioned - or at least given a 'run through' so there will be clues as to natural ability.

Is he trying for the vacant Mr Jordan slot?

He may be a fantastic dancer but some of Neil's choices in show dances and twitter remarks are to say the least crass !

You might be on to something there!

Pray tell...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvq2iAoSe20

Neil Jones
‏@Mr_NJones
@thewhitmore welcome to @bbcstrictly I know all of us pro's will be fighting over you today at rehearsals 😉👍🏻 #strictly


If you don't find either of these examples crass then there is nothing more to add

OMG!!!

ENOUGH said Sandy - particularly with that "hilarious" routine

I wonder who Katya Jones will be after as her partner lol. If Neil is happy with whoever he is partnered with, is a good teacher and professional in his first season then I might quite like it if he's competitive and outspoken too


Strictly needs a new 'bad boy' Brendan's mellowed in his old age.

There was an interesting article in the Radio Times for the 2012 series about how they go about building a cast - it's about targeting each member of the family, so Michael Vaughan was for "cricket-obsessed dads", Kimberley was for young girls, Johnny Ball was for older viewers, etc. They don't expect anyone to have "watched the right TV" to have heard of everyone, it's about using different celebs to appeal to different floating viewers.

I bet Laura gets Giovanni. They will want to create media speculation regarding Geogia being jealous etc, you can see it a mile off. Daisy Lowe, now she is gorgeous. Much prettier than Laura. If she does it I think she will get Alijaz.

Laura also does the Brits coverage each year, that's where I know her from.

Apparently she's 5ft6, according to Wiki, so tallish, but not really tall. I think it's the fact that she permanently seems to be in high heels, that makes her appear to be a tall person!

Deleted. Changed mind about posting.

Aljaz would be the only option for Daisy Lowe as he's the only male pro over 6ft.

From the confirmed announcements so far, Will Young is the only one I find interesting. Not expecting much from Ed Balls, and I've no idea who Laura Whitmore is

I don't think Will is a natural born mover, but he's extremely hardworking and professional - and very competitive too! No danger of him not putting in the training hours and thinking he can blag it with smarm and cheesy grins, like some previous contestants He should be good value for money, but he's far from being a nailed-on winner.

The best way..in a COMPETITION!

Are we gonna get a name today

Same here.

No, it doesn't. The last thing we need is a gobby idiot trying to be "controversial" and "saying as it is", and being a complete obnoxious @rse at the end. Not everyone appreciates that kind of personality, really.

ETA: Brenda wasn't as bad as bad as Jimbo Jordan, I was thinking about him when I wrote the post.

I've certainly never been an appreciator of James Jordan Brendan I am a fan of.

I'm not saying Neil Jones will take the bad boy role on the show. I don't know a lot about his personality but I'm impressed by his dancing and achievements from what I've seen. He comes across as confident in expressing his opinions on social media, I'm certainly all for that if it isn't spiteful (looking at you James).

Strictly does benefit from having different personalities, some loveable, some Marmite. It's all part of the pantomime.