I must admit to being interested as to how Lesley will get on and how far she'll go.

I think it's great to see someone of 70 doing Strictly, as I really do believe that dancing is for everyone.

But given her age, she's not going to have the stamina/flexibility of Claudia for example. And given that unlike other years there's not a batch of 50something potential duffers (it's 'fairly young and fit, then Ed Balls, then Lesley) she might struggle when it comes to the judges marks.

And then of course there's the public vote - where I think she'll gain 'admire her for being so game' votes and then there's Anton's fanbase.

Or maybe she will turn out to be a natural dancer, with the musicality of say Pamela (who I thought was outstanding in that respect, as was Chelsee Healey)? That would help offset any fitness issues, until a really demanding dance like the jive.

What are your thoughts?

I'd absolutely love it if she turned out to be a really promising dancer.

I don't suspect her to be a contender for the win but then like you say, if Pamela can get to the final and she was in her 60s and I thought Pamela was really very good.

I think she certainly has potential to be good. I wouldn't say I'd guarantee it but I certainly wouldn't rule her out. I know she's 70 but she's in good shape. I have to admit that I'm quite interested in Lesley too. One of the ones I'm most looking forward to seeing

Lesley seemed to move really well in the group dance. She has said that she is looking forward to the Latin dances, although Anton doesn't always seem to shine in these.

Having a good fan base will help Lesley too, although i hope that she will do well in the competition for the right reasons (if she is a good dancer), rather than because of her popularity/partnership.

She seems to have loads of energy and didn't look too bad in the group dance. Not Pamela, perhaps, but she could do okay!

Is anyone? Claudia is very bendy indeed.

This is a short clip of the 'Annie' trailer with a brief scene( at about 30 seconds into the clip) showing Leslie in a dance routine. Seems to keep up well with the others. I think she could do well - maybe not to the final but perhaps Blackpool?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmiH...kxOuiJVq82xc75

Interestingly Craig was also in it, I think there is a clip on youtube of him dancing too, he certainly is a good advert for hip replacements!

Can't compare Lesley to Pamela. Pamela was still youthful, fit and gorgeous, Lesley is at the beginning of being an old lady. However I hope she does well, good on her for having a go. I also hope she doesn't say embarrassing things and make everyone cringe.
It was obvious Lesley would be paired with Anton.

My thoughts exactly. Lesley certainly won't be alone in that respect

I do think Lesley could surprise us. It's a pity she didn't do Strictly a bit sooner as despite being fit for her age she does look a little bit frail. She certainly doesn't look to have the kind of physical strength Pamela did. I'd quite like for her to come out and blow people's socks off though

I think she will be okay until you get the really fast moving dances. She might be great at ballroom

Lesley is amazing Poppy.

average ballroom apauling Latin

I have a feeling that Lesley is very supple.