That's just too cute! Go Mick go (but where is your Twitter account??)

Not long now ..... I wonder who is going to open the show? Eeeeeek!

Thanks, Chachaclo . He is really cute.

Good morning Ochre . I can't believe Mick keeps brining me up here. He is a darling.

Good morning, Lou It's your responsibility to beg Laura on behalf of all the fans to set up an account for him.

I think Rinder will open the show.

Laura and Giovanni's First Steps VT

She looks really good! Lots of banter

Hi Lou and Sarah, dashing out, will post a few more thoughts later

Hi both

Loving that footage, Laura looks fantastic and I am really liking the chemistry between Laura and Giovanni. And they're dancing on Friday Whoop

Laura looking good. Can't wait to see what she brings out on launch night!

Laura can dance, only problem is that I can't see my darling Mick.
I still doubt whether Laura will get a fair ride on Strictly. I just don't trust some hypocrites.

BIB - Does that mean women on Friday and men on Saturday??.

I would have thought they'd mix it up a bit Sarah?

Does it mean that they are on on Friday or just that the show starts on Friday

Both, they are dancing on Friday. There are two shows, Friday and Saturday and no one is eliminated.

Dashing back in . . .

Laura's Strictly blog for Glamour mag Part 3.

She gives some interesting insight in to her week, I thought she might take video footage with her to New York. Will probably post an essay on First Steps and her blog later

Not getting done what I'm supposed to ha ha, I am off on the school run now though x

With all these distractions, you might forget to pick up your kids one day.

I'm hoping he makes a surprise cameo, or he's sat there in the front row on a giant pizza cushion! I'm not really a dog person at all but dammit Mick is too cute, he's winning me round!

Looks as though there is some ease and naturalness in her movement from that little clip, and I always think that makes a dance feel more comfortable to watch, rather than wanting to cringe! Hopefully nerves won't take over too much on the night.

They seem to be having fun too.

Thanks for the link!

I do like her sense of humour. She's kind of deadpan and self-mocking at the same time as high energy. I'm liking this pair more and more. The first steps vid is promising too.

Laura is in a good place for Strictly -- she seems a natural learner and a good mover, but she's also got a strong character. Maybe it'll rub some people up the wrong way? But she certainly won't fade into the background as the show goes on. I feel that Gio and Laura will be really good together on ITT.

It seems a good year all round

Already loving Laura and Giovanni. I have too many favourites this year!!

Looking good! And a lot of chemistry which bodes well for the dances. I can see them falling out sometimes cos they are both a bit fiery I think, but think they'll have a fab partnership!

First steps are encouraging. Laura looks not bad and despite what others say I think they seem to have a fun relationship with good chemistry.

Couples photos have been posted!

Here's Laura and Giovanni

Ok, I'm gonna get my Giodrooling over with first; he looks damn hot in that training VT

As for Laura, she looks very relaxed, which is always the first thing I look for in training. It's a good sign she's not out of her depth.

Can't wait for Friday!!!

*Performs head count* All accounted for . . . I did nearly put my phone in the washing machine earlier though trying to multitask while reading Laura's blog

Their official couple photo is simply stunning. My favourite closely followed by Ore and Joanne's.

I think Ore is the only celeb who is not wearing his Launch Show outfit - at least, I don't remember him wearing tails! The pros seem to be wearing different outfits, though.

I remember Ore posting a photo of Joanne in that ballroom dress when they were filming the couples for the opening credits a day or two after the filming of the launch show, I rather like Ore in tails

Glad Laura is wearing her launch show outfit as I really do love that yellow dress.