I am definitely drawn to the male celebs (Ray, Mark, Peter) as I was last year with Darren and Colin. It definitely isn't because I fancy any of them because I don't, I just feel somehow that they are trying really hard and giving it their all and I admire these qualities. Yes, there are good women out there but they just don't do it for me as I suppose the male celebs have to work just a little bit harder than their female couunterparts. I have a hunch that Mark and Karen will win this year (just look at poll results on here for example) and he is really good but I have a soft spot for Peter and think Ray is great.

I can honestly say that I am affected in no way by the pro dance partner of each celebrity. I can't see what the big fuss is about Anton for example, and yes Lilia is cute but it doesn't change how I feel about her partner. I am not keen on Brendan and Claire they just don't do it for me.....

In short, yes I am finding it hard to have a favourite this year, but I'm pretty sure that one of the boys will win !

Spot on! My favourites seemed to vary from one week to the next. (although Mark and Karen are generally allways up there).

First week: Mark/Spoony/Ray, Louisa seemed to have a lot of fun in the group dance
Second Week: Emma but could see Carol had potential, Mark shone in the group dance.
Third week: Louisa, Also liked Mark and Peter
Fouth: Mark and also Carol

Defo with you on the 'Louise/Vicenzo & Mark/Karen' rooting, Mambo Italiano . Those two stick out from their respective groups (dance-quality wise) and besides that these partnerships have good chemistry amongst themselfves

Not at all rooting for Claire/Brendan though please enough raunchiness & filth (that I do enjoy ) around as it is. Nothing special there.

Two outsiders I'll be keeping an eye on are:
Carol/Matthew (may be lacking in the dance-department but at least she doesn't seem to have as much trouble with 'liveperformance-nerves' as does let's say Emma Bunton);
Ray/Camilla (once his latin takes off, I predict few (of the boys) will be able to keep up; perhaps only Rampy, but hey he's my favourite anyway.

And as for Emma/Darren (with which plenty of you seem smitten), I honestly think her nerves will get the better off her and then she'll start making mistakes Darren won't be able to cover up. Sad but true. :yawn: I liked her in the beginning but she's developing that 'Zoe-quality' (you can also call it whining) which I disliked last year and still don't appreciate :sleep:
Don't get me wrong the girl is above average with her dancing abilities (duh :yawn: she was a Spice Girl) but I would be more than surpised if she reached passed the quarter/semifinals..... Just my opinion.

I quite like the fact that my favourites change from week to week this year depending on the dance and how well they perform it, it can get a bit too boring and predictable when there is just one clear winner from the start and although a lot has been made about the Emma/Darren partnership I can see it won't be as clear cut for them as was first thought. Carol could well be a dark horse and sneak up on the other faves.