Hi,

I was just wondering who will be in the xmas special. Not sure if this has already been posted or not!

Thanks

It has, so far to date we have:

Ian and Zoe
Colin and Erin
Darren and Lilia
James and Camilla
Evander (Holyfield) and Karen Hardy
Rachel (Hunter) and Brendan Cole

Hopefully tonight on ITT we will discover that Anton and Lesley are in there too. There are only 2 female celebs so far, so it would make sense to put another couple of them in to even things up.

I personally think that the Christmas special should include Darren Bennett, as the reigning champion in some capacity. If Jill cannot dance, he should be paired with someone else, or even do a show dance with Lilia, so that he is included.

if it is six couples like last year, perhaps he and Lilia could do a latin cabaret, and Anton (although not a fan myself he is very popular) and Erin could do a ballroom cabaret, perhaps while the votes are being verified?

Both these couples are regular cabaret performers around the country, so this shouldn't be a problem for them at all. If Brendan (as a previous winner) is appearing, I think it only right and fair that Darren B should be in the show in some capacity, as he won series 2 and is the Champion of Champions.

What do others think of this idea?

Tube talk on this site says that Jill and Darren are competing...

will it be live by the way?

Can I ask where this info comes from as from all reports, Jill is unable to compete because of contractual difficulties with the the panto she is in, and Darren has stated that he will not now be taking part. If something has been sorted out, that would be brilliant!

It would certainly be a good way to include everyone.

The only flaw is that there won't be a public vote as it isn't live - but that's no reason why there can't be showdances. In fact, I love to see Ian and Camilla dance, too.

There was a thread a couple of weeks ago saying that Jill definitely wasn't competing, but it would be great news if she did. I would love to see her again.

I would also quite like to see Darren B compete against Lilia, especially if Lilia wins this year's competition.

I would like to see this too, Libby. It would be great entertainment. I know there wont be a public vote, but even if it is an audience vote, they will have to check and verify the results, so I hope something can be sorted out!

Yep I agree bewest. Anton & Erin and Darren and Lillia should do a dance. Their American smooth was lovely together.
Even though I am an Anton fan, I do feel strongly that Darren Bennett should be on it as reigning champion. If he isn't I'll be mad.

I hadn't thought of an audience vote - did they have one last year? It would be a good idea to have some sanity to balance up the judge's sometimes erratic marking.

we voted last year, didn't we?

Anyone else heard rachel hunter has been taken to hospital with stomach pains!?? arhhh!!

bad timing or what! it was in the daily mirror today!

We did. But I dont think that the shows going to be live.

No offence to the producers, but this whole Xmas special seems to be a complete mess.

I still think even having another poorly conceived Xmas special this year is an unnecessary step too far.

Will it be aired in the US or is it for British eyes only?

Oh.my.word. *dies*

Must.watch.

I agree! It is just like grab any couple u can and put them in!!

(I blame Jill Halfpenny for messing it up!)

Just have an hour of Anton and Lesley dancing, I say!!

Nat
xxx

The reason they said they would not have a public vote was that the public would naturally vote for the couples they know rather than the new people from America and that would be unfair - can see their point

That is, if Karen herself is physically able to do it....although instinct is telling me that pain or no pain, if she can breathe and stand upright, she'll push herself all the way to the limit of her endurance. No doubt she'd expect the same of Evander....but then again, in his former line of work breaking physical and mental limits was/is something he'd be more than accustomed to.

That being done, I still believe what I said earlier. Having done it all and accomplished more as a dancer than most, I don't want to see her dance if doing so would only make whatever pain she has worse and compromise her health.. She's done enough by being who she is and giving us all what she already has.

So in my mind, she's got nothing to prove to anyone here, least of all me. Ultimately, whatever she decides I hope she does what she feels is best for HER.