are the most desperate out of all the competitors

they all want to win to enchance/renew their careers.

"Desperate" is another of those blanket words used to describe the contestants this year, along with the dreaded "smug". I can't understand it myself.
Actually I think they are all fab and good luck to them!

well I have watched SCD for a long time and I think these three are the most desperate ever.......sorry if it is a blanket word

Actually I think Lisa has got a pretty good career as it is.

Dont know anything about Rachel and Tom`s future careers.

Me too, from the first episode ever in fact.
I personally don't see the desperation.

I think they're all alright. Everyone that takes part in SCD sees it as something that can further their career. I don't think Lisa or Tom's careers are in the doldrums really. And I'm not gonna hold it against Rachel that hers may be (I'd be happy if anyone can correct me here, its just I haven't seen her in a while). But she doesn't seem desperate to me, she just wants to do well.

All perception obviously.

I can't say I've noticed desperation from any of them! Surely when you start something you want to finish it, I know I do. If we're really going to label anyone desperate I think it would have to go to Alesha last year (don't jump on me I love the gal). She very clearly wanted to win, more so than any of this years contestants I think!

That's exactly it. I don't understand why people expect these celebs to agree to do the show but "only for enjoyment." Anyone worth their salt wants to do the best they can and enjoy the experience. Why do we instantly jump on someone because they want to win? In the same position, I can't imagine any of us would want lose! That's not desperation (or not to me anyway!)

I'm not saying any of the final 3 went into Strictly with the intention of furthering their careers, but I reckon even if they had, that that desire has probably been overcome by the - appologies for the cliche - love of dancing. These three, more than anyone else this year imo, seem to be loving the experience of SCD and learning to dance in general. We know from ITT that Lisa especially is a huge fan of the show, and probably leapt at the chance to do it, regardless of where her career was going (and it's quite good, no?) Tom, to me, comes across as genuinely ecstatic to be in the competition, and has a real flare for dancing. And Rachel, I dunno, but I definately wouldn't describe her as desperate!

They may be desperate to win (like Austin himself said he was), but whether it's to enhance/renew their careers I am not sure. I am not clairvoyant.

Good point...none of us are.

I do think furthering their career is a factor in it though but I'm unfair to label everyone as doing it for that reason.

I'm not sure desperate is the word, but anyone who reaches the semi-finals has been working very hard on Strictly for many weeks and must feel that the ultimate prize is just within reach.

Wouldn't you work extra hard and become even more ambitious to succeed in that situation? I think I would.