OOH my first thread/post, apologies if this has been discussed.

In the supermarket today, I noticed confectionary wrappers with Alesha Dixon plastered all over them! (somesort of competition for SCD obviously). I have also noted numerous comparisons on the press between Alesha and Cheryl Cole.

This has really made me feel that in this series, it seems to be all about the judges and Alesha specifically, rather than the dancers (celebs) - as has been in the past.

Seems to me that the press are cranking up the competition between the judging aspect of the programme (like the X Factor) . I think this is a real shame. SCD was all about the dancing/the celebs/the outfits. Such a shame the BBC (or Jay Hunt specifically) has seen fit to try and take on the X factor rather than get on with what they were good at.

I can't be bothered with the X Factor for that reason (all about the judges - yawwwn) and think its sad Strictly is going down this route. This is the first year I am feeling slightly non plussed about Strictly starting (have always loved it in the past)...we shall see!

Desperately fighting the urge to say:

Hi Arlene/ Karen/ Hayley

Drat! Too late.

Seriously though Brucie, haven't noticed thats the case personally, though as far as I am aware from the press this weekend, only Joe Calzaghe and the lovely Kristina are taking part this year.

Forgot to say, Happy first post x

OOPs, nearly sussed me then!!!

haha, it must be the trashy rubbish I tend to read then!..
I haven't got any probs with Alesha apart from that bleedin laugh!!! Arrghh..

Joe and Kristina - who ?

Most of the pictures I've seen for the show (TV mags and the like) have been of Brucie and Tess as it always has been.

Any hype up of Alesha is being done by the press, not the BBC.

The face of mediocre winners?

The Toblerone wrappers are ALESHA's promotion, and not Strictly Come Dancing promotion. Alesha has had these lined up for months. There's a free song offer attached to them.

Yes you are right! I stand totally corrected!!

Would have saved some bother if you had checked your facts before posting

What is she promoting? Surely her singing career has to go on the back burner for the next 3 months.

Yes, again you are right, however, thats only half the post. I have seen these comparion tables in magazines/newspapers between Alesha and Cheryl and still offer the point that suddently there is a lot more emphasis on the judges than there has ever been before - that I remember at least. I don't recall ever seeing comparisons between Sharon Osbourne and Arlene, or Simon Cowell and CRH for example (now thats a thought).

My main point is that it seems that the some of the focus of SCD is now on the judges (as in the X Factor) rather than the traditional aspects of the show.. Thats all.

Arrgghhh, look at the banner Ad above - Simon and Bruno. Thats exactly what I mean, more focus on the judges than I recall in previous years! Maybe its just been less obvious for the last few years.

Not much to say with regards to your post but I LOVE your username!

Hear hear!
Nice to know that the rug is computer literate.

I think you'll find that all the comparisons between judges etc are the Tabloids trying to whip up a media storm, IT'S SILLY SEASON !!

Seriously though Brucie, haven't noticed thats the case personally, though as far as I am aware from the press this weekend, only Joe Calzaghe and the lovely Kristina are taking part this year.[/quote]

Joe Calzaghe is the only name people recognise! The others, well, sorry, but they couldn't get a gig opening a Lidl store!

Joe Calzaghe is the only name people recognise! The others, well, sorry, but they couldn't get a gig opening a Lidl store! [/quote]

Unfair, Linda Bellingham would get a gig at Lidl, Ahh!!! Bisto

It's the only way she can shift her music.... I'd eat the chocolate and scrap the song. Now how many of her songs will she be plugging during the series, solo numbers v dance routines with the pro's, potential for loads, gord help us. Still, while she's shaking it and warbling she cannot scare me with the oh so sincere laugh...

Another highlight will be her constant flirting with Bruce, yippee, happy days. I'm still surprised the BBC have hired her, when she was on the cover of Cosmo it didn't exactly fly off the shelves. Still, it'll only be me and three others who'll be watching, everyone else will be watching the X Factor or waiting for the Saturday afternoon repeat (can they use both programmes in their figures for the ratings?). Oh call me cynical why don't you, I've heard worse.

While I don't think Alesha was the best choice to replace Arlene on the panel, I'm still a fan of hers. I'm going to reserve judgement until I see her on Friday's show.

Not cynical although maybe misguided...

SCD has all the advantages here:

- Longer running time
- Starts first
- Live show rather than pre-recording auditions
- Live voting and results

Why do you think ITV got so upset at the scheduling?

OP just wanted to say I also love your user name!

The chocolates were actually announced before her last single was even realised I think, but for whatever reason, it took this long for them to trickle out to shelves.



She managed just fine before they came out

I don't think you are cynical, maybe just on a different celestial plane to most people.

Story of my life! It explains a lot. "To most people", that means there are others like me..... We could start a cult.

Totally, at least I'm bonkers enough to realise it unlike others around here!