For all the talk of gapping and heel leads and paso content and sticky out bottoms, when all's said and done, aren't we really all just looking for that elusive 'X' factor?

In the series I've watched to date, the winners, Darren G, Mark R and Alesha were all capable on occasion of just lighting up the dance floor in that indefinable, inexplicable way and that, in my opinion, is why they won.

It's not talent, or even personality, call it charisma, the goosebumps moment, the wow, the X factor, whatever, I don't think you can win Strictly without it.

This season Austin's produced it for me on two occasions - with the tango and the paso and got close with his jive and Rachel managed once with her rumba. Which means that, unless the others pull out something very, very special going forward, Austin is going to win.

I agree, I think everyone wants a couple to appear and consistently perform, showing the 'X' Factor week on week. At the moment, there isn't that star.

The issue then is people disagree on what they think their 'X' factor performances have been this series. For example, while I agree with you over Rachel's rumba, I've been more impressed with Tom in the Quickstep and Tango than any of Austin's dances.

Whereas last year, many people would agree that Alesha's waltz blew them away, and her cha cha was fantastic, this year the dancers are all good without being exceptional - and therein lies the problem.

I think the producers of the programme were exceptionally lucky last year with their celebrities. Not only Alesha but Gethin and sometimes Matt DA were X Factor material. This year it is spread too thinly!

I agree, they need an indefinable something which makes them so exciting to watch.
I am not sure that any of the contestants have the entire package this year.