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.

My favourite show. Chelsea was actually quite good in the group dance - think she may stay a while if she calms down a bit. Jason was good too. Nancy was awful.

I am sooo happy this programme is back.
I have to say I love Chelsea. She looks hilarious and I think she'll be a fantastic character to have on the show. I feel all maternal towards her, I don't know why
Can't stand Lulu or Nancy or Edwina, the male pro dancers all looked yummy tonight. And Artem, phew! So incredibly yummy.

I dont watch Waterloo Road, but Chelsea reminded me of Fizz from Corrie without the red hair.

I watched this and was super excited about it. Have to say some of the pairings are disappointing.

I love Jason so hope he does well. I love James Jordan so hope Alex is good. I like Harry, Russell and Anita too.

Don't like Pasha's partner, she's a bit loud and what on earth does she look like. Can't see them being another Kara and Artem :)

I can only watch it if i mute Aliesha. Shes horrific. But my minds been made up for me, i definately cant watch this year. I become physically violent if i have to see or listen to Lulu and Alex Jones. Nope, im afraid im going to have to give it a miss.

I like: Jason, Anita, Alex, Robbie, Russell and Harry (but do not like Aliona).

I am meh about: Holly, Audley, Rory, Chelsee and Dan.

I do not like: Edwina and Nancy.

I really do not like: Lulu. And it seems Brendan's not too keen either. Or did I get that wrong?

I agree but I think her attitude to him was awful :(

As an aside, MorelliOrRanger - both .

That whole Lulu/Brendan thing was bizarre. First time I've ever felt sorry for him was when she was backing away from him. Thought it was hilarious when he bundled her off < drops crumpled feminist hat in the bin >.

She kept trying to redeeem herself, shaking her head and going 'no, no,' but wasn't given the chance - because, guess what? It's not all about you, Lulu!

Can't like Alex Jones. Nancy Del'Ol was repulsive and not even in an amusing way. Chelsea I kind of felt for, but kept wishing she'd keep her mouth shut.

Jason Donovan has that annoying s p e a k i n g s l o w l y but saying nothing funny or interesting.

Anita Dobson - great figure, seems genuinely a nice person. Edwina - please let her not do a Widdie. Russell does look quite a suave mover.

Off to look at the Lulu thread.

was it just me seeing things or did jason have to move Nancy out of the way in the group dance (don't have sky plus or anyting posh like that so I can't check, I imagine that she so up herself that won't have gone down very well!).

DD's did make my laugh with a "that lady looks like a chicken" (Dolly P dancing!!!).

Oh and another of the dislike Lulu intensely (you don't the bad press she has without some basis in reality)

What WAS Lulu on about? She seemed to be trying to take over when the slebs were all sat together with Tess; it's like she thinks she's the biggest star there!

Oh, hang on...

Already I am loving Russell and Anita (will she be another Pamela S? She stood out in the group dance). Jason I hope is good, certainly he looks like he'll put the work in. Edwina I am sure will be fab - I think she'll be an anti-Widdie however. Where Ann was keen to avoid any raunch, I suspect Edwina would describe herself as 'sensual'. Cannot wait to see her do Latin, she will be a hoot.

Cannot stand Alex, or Brucie. I shall make tea or get wine whenever they are on.

i am another SCD fan and watched yesterday too

They're calling us dullards? Wait until I remove my slanket and slippers, I'll show 'em!

Forgot to say i really like Harry, have met him several times and hes lovely.

I love love love Strictly and cant wait until it starts

Not a Brucie fan and was quite surprised he has made it onto the show again, he really is past it now

What no Claudia on It Takes Two - why ?

As for Lulus arrogance at not wanting to be paired with Brendan , thought he handled it well

Claudia has recently had a baby? maybe.

Yes, a baby: here.

Yes Claudia is on maternity leave! I mean, fair enough reason but could she not spare a thought for us being subjected to Zoe Ball??

I will have to admit to being a little disappointed at the initial view of the slebs, although on reflection think it might make for a more interesting series if there is no obvious front runner early on. I also think Anita and Russell might be better than people think but Audley looked really stiff and boxers have been notoriously difficult to get moving in the latin. Am pleased to see Natalie with a challenge though as her smugness irritates me.

Loved the pro dances, was (as always) rolling my eyes at Bruce and seem to be the only person who quite liked Tess's jumpsuit! Ok the colour was a bit much but with her height she can pull that kind of thing off.

Just a quick post to Mark my place but I'm quite intrigued by Russell. He had some rhythm & seemed up for it. All he's got to get is the steps. Could be a surprise one there.

Loved the launch show but it lacks something with Ian not being in it now.

Not liking Lulu, Chelsea and hating Holly - how awful did she sound begging for votes in the sey polls in her video part.

Jason to win although for some unknown reason I'd quite like Russel to do well.

Me Me Me ! But have to watch on I Player ( overseas) & catch up with the goss on the thread after so can't join in. V annoying.
Will miss Claudia though - think I almost love ITT more than the actual show .

Claudia will be doing the backstage bits of the Sunday show I think with Tess out front and Bruce having a little lie down, which is my dream ticket because I find Tess much less annoying as a straight presenter than when she tries to interact with human beings. Plus, less Bruce!