This is my annual thread which I usually leave until the celebs have been paired up.

This year, however, I have decided to do a 'pre' and 'post' version of the poll to compare and contrast the two. As a result this poll will close on 2nd September, a day before the Launch Show.

So, with all 15 celebs now revealed, who's name will be on the first taxi 'outta' there?

Ed balls

I have a feeling that we might end up with a mid table dance off - primarily because I think that those at the bottom might get through on the back of a strong fan base or the fact that they are the entertainment/comedy dancer, hence I reckon people like Ed Balls and potentially Lesley Joseph will be safe.
So my bet is that those perhaps with a comparatively smaller fan base who have had middle of the road, somewhat forgettable dances might end up in the DO.

So I'm actually going to have a guess at a Melvin Odoom v Daisy Lowe dance off - with Melvin getting the chop and (after the shock of her being in the dance off) Daisy staying in for many weeks to come...

I agree with the bit in bold!

I went for Melvin too - just think he's got the lowest profile in general of all the celebs.

i agree with everything you've said here except that I think the first boot will be Daisy.

Melvin used to be a dance teacher so, despite not maybe having the fanbase, I feel he would still be able do enough on the dance floor to be saved. Unless Daisy is also a decent mover, not having said fanbase will hit her harder.

Daisy won't be in the dance off for weeks. I expect her to be a contender and high up the leaderboard. She's almost guaranteed Aljaz or Brendan, two of the highest profile and most popular pros and also among the best teachers and choreographers.

I've wanted Louise to do Strictly for a few years but could be the wrong year for her to sign up. Think she'll get lost in the vote if she isn't stand out brilliant from the beginning.

Melvin ok if he gets Janette. Wow lifts will pull in votes and he seems a fun personality.

I may be the only one but I'm shock first booting Danny Mac (unless he's with Joanne).

Have just guessed to be sociable but I feel Ed will have a lot of support from both followers of politics and fans of Norwich City.

I expect Daisy to be a contender too, I just think she might get a bit lost in midtable after the first few dances, and perhaps not having as big a fan base as some of the other contestants it might land her in the dance off - but I wouldn't expect to see her there again for many weeks to come after that.

On paper it's such a strong lineup this year, that I think it's highly likely that we'll have a kind of 'shock' dance off like that really early on.

Though I think Danny Mac could actually be another shock early 'dance offer'!

no clue!

not seen them dance yet

That's the point. Its called "predicting".

Some people even put money on their predictions doncha' know...!

Have voted for the - imo - odious Mr Balls as I hope he will depart swiftly.

In reality, I expect it wont be him

I don't think it will be Ed. His signing has generated more publicity than any other. The only reason it might be him is that his supporters are likely to be casual viewers and outside the Strictly voting base.
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I think Naga, Melvin and Lesley/Ed will be the first few boots.

Ed Balls

I think the first exit will be a real surprise. The contestants more likely to near the bottom of the leaderboard; Ed, Lesley, Tameka will have fans to keep them in. I can see Danny, Daisy and Melvin in danger.

I went for Melvin in the end.

I wouldn't call Ed "odious". That is a horrible word which I would reserve for peoiple such as Katie Hopkins and Piers Morgan. I can't offhand think of anything truly hateful that he has done, and outside of politics he seems like quite a decent chap.

However, I did vote Ed in this poll because although I would like him to enjoy it and stay in for a couple of weeks, I don't see how he could beat people like Danny and Melvin, even though they are relatively unknown, unless they were truly awful dancers. High scores would keep them safe for a while. He could surprise and do some lovely ballroom, though.

Chose Lesley just because every contestant they've ever had north of 65 has been gone within the first two boots, and there's loads of talent there who could take her down.

Melvin or Lesley.....

But I wouldn't listen to me - the year Chris Hollins won I had predicted him for first boot!

Naga or Ed but if Lesley is paired with anyone but Anton it could be her.

Aside from, bizarrely, Glo Hunniford!

I wish footage existed of that Jive where she just walked around pointing at things.

I would add Kevin into that equation as I think he would be one of the more adept at "choreographing to suit" his contestant's abilities without obviously covering up their limitations (Anton, I'm looking at you!)

I also think Lesley will actually end up with Kevin and her general popularity will see her though, at least a couple of rounds.

I like Anton, but I really wouldn't like to see him with anyone but Lesley this year (I wouldnt mind if he got Naga but I don't know whether they would do that after the Laila thing). Giving him anyone else feels like it would be a real waste (I didn't feel that with Katie as I don't think she would've been great at Latin with anyone and I think she got a lot further than she would have otherwise because of the whole get Anton to the final thing) but the women this year all feel like they have potential which wouldn't be realised with him. Who knows though until we see them dance - there could be a Rachel Riley in there who would be perfect for Anton

If that ends up being the case, I don't see how whoever puts them together can justify getting paid because to call it boring, uninspired and plain lazy is an understatement. You need to mix things up to keep them fresh. Though not all of his ideas come off, that's one thing I like about Simon Cowell... at least, understands that concept.

People always go on about this "waste" thing with Anton but, if he was so useless, why is he the joint longest-serving pro on the show? As for his perceived inability in Latin, how the hell did he ever pass the audition to become a Strictly pro then? All I know is, he is far better than me at Latin so, I tend reserve my judgement

Personally, I would love to see him get a younger, more able contestant this (like Louise, for example) just because we haven't seen that dynamic before. Who knows, they may just bring out the best in him. In addition, it would be nice to finish off what is probably his last year with a bang!

BIB Here Here couldn't agree more, maybe if that happened maybe another final for Anton possibly? or se him dancing in December?