Yep the marks do seem to be rising and rising. This year alone 5 40s have been given out. Most years its just one ...if that!
I dont mind them all getting high marks in the xmas special though as its in the christmas spirit and all.

Didn't Jill and Darren jive to this same song in the first Christmas special (the ludicrously named "Champion of Champions") ?

I don't really mind, although I feel a bit sad for Aled's Samba, which I think is one of the most beautifully choreographed routines ever on Strictly, but only got 30/40! At that point he was also the strongest male celeb Strictly had seen, although obviously things have picked up a lot since then.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MxUSMfZD-9A

The 40s this year have been ridiculous... not counting xmas, there were four forties over five series. Now suddenly there are nine!

I would like Rachel to do well but I cant see a Christmas Rumba going down well. Although Alesha and Jill are good I would like to see someone win who hasnt already won something because I just think its nice to spread it out a bit. I wouldnt underestimate the sympathy vote for Kelly if she scores well and Bruce reminds people why she left last year, but I think I will root for Rachel and Vincent.

I agree on someone new winning- it was so nice when Colin won in 2006. But I would still kind of like Jill to win!

Gethin should have won last year. Not Darren Gough AGAIN!!!

No pandas yet, I see, although it is a little early.

Jelly-baby, anyone?

thats why i cant see Alesha winning. Waltz and VW really dont get the studio audience up on there feet or voting whereas an american smooth (especially darrens which had a quickstep style to it) has more wow to it.
I cant remember all the winning dances i know katie, that you've mentioned th emajority were ballroom but am i right in thinking all the ballroom were either AS or quickstep? I know Colins was!

So if were were to follow the trend then Lisa or Jill will win.

I think Jill might just win it again.

Yes, they have all been relatively upbeat:

2004 (Jill Halfpenny) Jive
2005 (Darren Gough) Quickstep
2006 (Colin Jackson) Quickstep
2007 (Darren Gough) American Smooth

I think ballroom has become much more important to the audience than it used to be though, although a great latin routine will always win the show. I could still see Tom's Foxtrot winning it.

The order is also important - whoever dances last will be advantaged.

I agree a VW is't usually a wow dance, but a VW showdance is one of the most beautiful and showstopping dances to watch when it's done well to good music. Anyone who hasn't seen one should youtube Marcus and Karen Hilton's.

I can't see Alesha and Matthew doing one like that, unfortunately, so I don't think they're going to win. I'd love them to get 40/40 as like Goughie they never got it during their series, so it'll be almost as good as winning for them.

I think Kelly is going to win, and I'll be happy for Brian if it happens - a trophy in his first season! Jill is doing a showstopping dance, and Rachel and Lisa may get sympathy votes after losing. Or there may be residual goodwill for Tom after his win, so any of the above 4 could win.

I think Alesha is least likely to win, sadly!

Well ofcourse that would have been nice. they both got 40 for their dances but the AS against the waltz, I can see why they went for Darren it was more showy.

Last year all the latin ones got lower marks, that was Alesha, Matt and Mark with only Letitia doing another ballroom other than Geth and Darren.

This year they are all ballroom except Kelly and Rachel and hers is a slow one anyway. I can see Lisa's QS and Jill's AS going down well.

Latin just doesn't say Christmas to me! Although the upbeat numbers have an advantage because they are fun- but Tom dancing to Rudolph may manage that anyway.

I'd love to see Alesha and Matt win, their VW was something else.

Ellie

Wonder what time it was being filmed.

Who knows? It was filmed late afternoon last year I think but no reason why it would be this year.

Want to see Rachel & Vincent triumph to make up for their loss this weekend, but I'm not holding my breath!

I suspect Kelly will walk/dance-away the winner.

pandas

Any news?

Awwww.

No news yet then ......not quite like the normal spoiler no idea what time if finishes etc.

It must be over now. Alesha posted a blog on her site a few hours ago saying "It was nice to dance the VW with Matt" etc, implying she had already done it.

when did alesha post that?

fingers crossed for Rachel. I adore Alesha and Jill but lets have someone win that didnt win there series! Actually scrap that because knowing my luck Lisa will win Id even rather kelly won then Lisa.

LMAO I thought the same thing.

Perhaps our source has let us down.