Fair do's but aren't you supposed to be in touch with the production team during live shows? I know Bruce harks back from a different era of live TV but if it's the norm nowadays surely he could give it a go (unless he already has)? Seems a bit unfair to me that Tess has to wear one and then direct him to a certain extent. She'll have the producers shouting in HER ear all night


Yes I remember that Matt and Flavia thing. It was a bit insensitive to say the least considering she was still officially with Vincent! Couldn't have been much fun for Vincent to hear that over and over again.

Kate Thornton is a very good presenter and I never understood why she got the push from XF? Dermot's a nice fella but all he does is shout! Kate's less 'youth' and would be much better suited to Strictly anyway.

That was her lowest point for me and I'm sure she regrets it now. Having said that, last year she went on far too much for me about Mark Foster taking his shirt off or stripping down to swimming trunks. I guess not everyone can be good at ad libbing (like Bruce!).

Claudia in a ballroom gown...never!!

shes more suited to an intimate audience

bump bump

She's not my favourite TV host by a long way. On Strictly - I don't like her style, her grinning and her lame double entendres/fawning. I think Bruce's professionalism is what gives the show its spark - I can't see what Tess adds.

Saying that, I can't think of an obvious replacement. As much as I don't rate Tess D, I think even less of Kate Thornton who probably fills that spot. Fearne Cotton would be brilliant, but unlikely. Who's that woman that presents X factor extra or whatever it's called? She'd probably be good.

I doubt Ms D would give it up without a fight though and plenty seem to like her. They should have sacked Tess, kept Arlene and given Alesha Tess' job. Now that would have worked.

Picking up on the possibility of Kate Thornton taking over from Tess. What a slap in the face for Simon Cowell that would be!

The thing is she seemed pretty unrepentant about it when interviewed about it saying it was obvious to anyone but even if that was true it didn't make any easier for any of the three people involved. Vincent was scathingly critical of her in his red top expose of the matter and I think quite rightly as she showed no considering for how having it rubbed in his face by her made him feel.

It was pretty clear that Austin didn't like all the guns comments either last season although Mark didn't seem to mind.

It's clear that Tess is the price you pay for having Bruce. She has no unique charm or talent as such and is dependent on his favour. I've been largely bemused for years on Strictly by her unusual ill-fitting wardrobe which looks like her granny ran up some fabric remainders from C&H. She might be Bruce's furniture but so long as the real cast of Strictly, the performers, react well to her, she can be tolerated.
But as soon as Bruce goes, she goes.