Is anyone else ridiculously excited about the Strictly launch tonight?

[CeliaFate]

I can't wait! It's the highlight of my Saturday. Got my wine and nibbles in ready. Da da da da da da da, da da da da da DUH DUH DUH DUH
I've got high hopes for Holly, Harry and possible Lulu.

of Lulu

I disagree with you about Rory DeepLeaf - much as I love him I think he'll be crap - and Dan will be even worse, made of pure teak.

Hadn't had a chance to get on here until now but....

Love love love Jason and don't care he came across a bit odd in places - he looks like he's going to be a proper workhorse and I reckon he's going to make it to the Top 3 and hopefully win it... I also really liked Anita, she came across as a total sweetie... and Russell could really move, he is going to go far. So in summary, totally agree with DeepLeafEverything

Although, would like to see Rory Bremner out a bit earlier - just can't seem to warm to him and never have! And whilst I will wait judgement on Lulu until I get to see her in action, she's another one I'm not wild about. Not sure I agree with the whole 'best line up ever' crap they spout every year

And I like Zoe Ball and whilst she might not be Claudia, I reckon she'll make a nice enough replacement for this year... here's hoping it's a one off gig unless of course Claudia gets to do the main show more.. bloody hate Bruce!

I love SCD mainly for the pro's!
I sooo enjoy watching the gent's....Argentine Tango.....Vince mmmm !
Must confess tho'...Kristina is well sexy, wish I could move like her!
Definitely agree Bruce has passed his "display until" date.

My dance teacher says Kristina has some of the most beautiful feet she has ever seen: the way she uses and shapes them is exquisite.

In an ideal world I'd dance Ballroom like Erin, Latin like Ola and Argentine Tango like Flavia. The reality is very very different

I'd love to have the opportunity to dance ballroom with Anton. Sadly he's not been giving lessons for the last 2 or so years due to TV commitments, but my dance teacher knows him on a professional basis and said she's thinking of asking him to come and do a demo/lesson for her pupils. She's used him and Erin in the past, before SCD, and said he's amazing with kids - he tells the boys to imagine they have rocket boosters connected to their elbows

I think Harry Mcfly will be a finalist.

My prediction for the top 3 is (in no particular order)

Jason
Anita
Harry

I think Holly will be quite good but won't get the votes, reminiscent of Zoe Lucker and Gabby Logan so will be out by end of October. I don't think Lulu will be in that long, she doesn't seem that popular, not just on MN but she doesn't seem very well liked generally. My prediction is either Nancy or Chelsee to go first.

I'm looking forward to seeing Zoe on ITT. Much as I like Claudia, I do think Zoe will be an excellent replacement as long as she doesn't say "Oh bless" too much.

I think that Russell will do very well. I didn't like Craig's reaction to Flavia and Russell, but may be that's part of his 'baddy act'.
I have never been a fan of Zoe, but i think that she will be brilliant on 'It Takes Two'. Let's give her a chance.
I personally find Lulu annoying, but thought that Anita Dobson was lovely and looked amazing.

I think Holly will get the votes as she seems likeable and witty. I hope she doesn't lose "lots of weight" as she has a perfect figure IMO. They all get a bit scrawny though, it's such hard work physically. Kara Tointon is a hard act to follow though. I'd put both Aussies as the favourites at the moment. I can't wait to see how they will all be in their first couple dance though esp Robbie/Ola, Anita/Anton Lulu/Brendan(!).

I may also be developing a #crushofshame on Robbie. Esp. if it turns out that he can actually dance. Mind you, Ola seems to quite like him too. I'm not a fan of her husband so I did when I saw the Ola/Robbie pairing.

I think Craig's reaction was much like mine - Flavia is such a great dancer (one of my favourites) it would a shame to see her go early doors. Russell has the right attitude though and I think he does have some idea about rhythm and movement, more than say Widdi or John Sargeant anyway. But I fear even if he does have further significant weight loss and improvement in fitness it won't be enough for him to get beyond, say week 5. Good on him though, I hope he does well.

Agree with others that Zoes deserves a chance on ITT (plus she was my nanny when I was small so I'm biased ). And if Claud could replace Bruce on the main show I would be over the moon!

Otherwise, I am excited to see how Russell does, like many I was surprised at how well he moves so he will be interesting to watch. Can't help but like Jason, I always like those who work hard! Chelsee is weird and Lulu gets on my nerves. But Holly seems sweet as does Harry (plus he's a bit cute which always helps!) Otherwise I'm not that bothered but may well change my mind once the dancing proper begins!

If Holly is really good (which she might be) then the judges' scores will be able to keep her in for ages even if the public hate her - even without the dance off. But I'd be very surprised if she wins - I think Jason and Harry will attract a lot of votes.

I'd love to see Audley doing well - he and Natalie could be very appealing to watch on the floor if he has any ability whatsoever (big big if).

Katya is utterly gorgeous. It took me ages to figure out where I had seen her before when she first appeared. She played "Morgan" the bitchy dancer in Take The Lead. If you haven't seen it, go to YouTube and search for "Take The Lead Tango" and watch her smoulder with Antonio Banderas - one of my favourite film dance scenes

Wardrobe were avin a larf with Edwina and Nancy - terrible dresses just accentuated thick waists

God I love SCD!

Can't predict at the moment who will be good. Too tough to call at the moment.

I'm in the can't stand Lulu/get rid of Brucie camp!

Also, why oh why do we have to endure Alesha again? I would personally LOVE to see Karen Hardy on the judging panel. Anyone else?

I'm also going to dearly miss Claudia. She is a highlight for me - so so funny!

I think I'm the only strictly fan who still loves Alesha. I'll forgive her anything for the sake of her fabulous shocked comment to Joe Calzaghe two years ago as they stood waiting for the judges' comments (Joe was standing behind Kristyna) "Was you smelling her hair?!!?". He was soooooo smelling her hair.

I love Alesha. She was fantastic with Matthew, although I didn't see the need to replace Arlene.

Loathe Karen Hardy, almost had to switch off whenever she was on It Takes Two.

Come back Matthew!!

I think Zoe could do quite well on ITT, although Claudia will be veeerrry missed. Evening meals used to be timed around ITT so I had no interruptions when it came on!

I also don't mind Alesha although I much preferred her as a contestant. Bruce on the other hand, I often mute when he starts speaking.

My favourites so far seem to be Anita and ... um ...Russell (didn't see that one coming!) Will reserve judgement on the rest until the dancing begins