I've read quite a few messages, along the lines of:

Boring!
Who are these people?

Well, I for one actually might watch again properly (instead of dipping in and out) for the first time since the first series.

I'm exciting by the older line up:

Esther Rantzen - household name and legend - has been annoying in recent TV appearances though. Interesting to see how she'll come across.

Brian Paddick - Really looking forward to seeing how he turns out. Was the best mayoral candidate but overshadowed by his big opponents. May have some good gossip abount Iain Blair/Stockwell shooting (I believe he was sidelined in the Met because he told the investigation the truth)

Kilroy - I just want to see him suffer! That will be satisfying.

Martina Navratilova: Another legend!

George Takei: Another legend! Come on, Trek (and Heroes). How can you go wrong!

And there's actually potential for interesting conversations round the fire (if ITV don't cut them out)

Don't care about the others much but that's always the case.

I'm not sure if ITV were going for a different demographic or it's just who they managed to book but I think it'll drag in some new audience (whether it'll bore everyone else who isn't a sci-fi/politics geek though...)

I am sure the line up will intrigue a lot of people and they will tune in to see how it all goes, whereas like the OP they would not normally do so. My only hope is the the producers do not mess about with the format, let the action happen, and don't force it through by dividing the camp or any other naff tactics. We want to see how this group of people operates together and works together.

ive only watched it now and again in previous series but this one i might watch from the beginning!

I usually watch the trials as they are the most entertaining part of the show. Bring on the bugs forget about everything else.

I know at least 10 people who have never watched it before. They are all watching it this time to see Martina Navratilova.

I'm amazed at how quiet this forum is given that the show starts tomorrow .............

Wonder if it signifies a lack of interest............