First Impressions...

Well, given that everyone is now coupled-up, I felt that I should look at the pairings, and a few of the new bits...

The new set looks great. I love the lighting, I love the bridge across the top, it's all really fresh. And it all feels bigger. The only think I'm not sure about is the decision to move the 'Red Room' (or 'Tesspit') to a balcony above the floor. The whole point about the Red Room was that it was away from the judges. It's a bit strange having it 'upstairs' and seemingly within earshot.

On to the couples. It's quite difficult to tell anything from what we saw on Friday, especially in a chaotic group number, but here are a few thoughts...

Ann & Anton is a match-up that we were all expecting pretty much from the moment she was rumoured to be a part of the show. Ann looked so uncomfortable throughout the whole group number and was frequently out of step.

Felicity & Vincent should have lots of fun. Felicity looked pretty good in the group number, and looked to be having a blast.

Katya should be pleased to have the much-coveted Gavin. Gavin didn't look as good in the group number as many thought he might, but it's early days. She made a dancer of Phil Tuffnell, so I'm sure she can do the same for Gavin.

Goldie looked to be quite a mover, and appeared to be a good lead. Hopefully Kristina will now be able to showcase what she can do with a partner who should be able to keep up.

Jimi also looked pretty good. Flavia might get beyond Blackpool this year.

Kara looked stunning, and her moves were pretty stunning too. She looked totally in control and knew exactly where she should be and when. New boy Artem should have plenty of time to make his mark on Strictly, as they won't be out early.

We didn't see much of Matt in the group number. The tiny glimpses we got looked OK, but I think I'll have to reserve judgement until he and Aliona take to the floor. Hopefully Aliona will get a chance to win over the public this year.

We didn't see too much of Michelle either, but she looked comfortable with a couple of lifts at the beginning, and we know how Brendan loves a lift!

I thought Pamela did a brilliant job when she was front and centre. She could do quite well, and I think she and James will be great as long as she works hard.

Patsy didn't get too much screen time either, but looked pretty good when we saw her. It'll be better when we can see her and Robin on the floor by themselves.

Paul actually looked better than I was expecting. I don't think Ola will be getting back to the final, but they could last a couple of weeks. I suspect Paul will need to watch his shoulders.

Peter also looked better than perhaps I gave him credit for. Erin is used to sportsmen having danced with more of them than anyone else on Strictly. They should have a good time.

Scott was difficult to pick out in the group number (they should have put the celebrity men in brighter shirts), but when I caught sight of him he looked good. Could Natalie be final-bound again?

Tina looked good during the group number, and will be nipping at Kara's heels this year I think. Like Artem, Jared should get the chance to show what he can do with a capable partner.

Roll on 1st October, so that we can see what these couples can really do. I cannot wait!!