Originally Posted by Three Left Feet:
“Ignazio,
I think Alesha is in a definite "no win" situation, but having taken a tidy wedge to be a judge, she has to take criticism on the chin, just as Craig has to, as he, too, has taken a tidy wedge (albeit to spend 8 weeks in close proximity to Flavia, rather than sandwiched between Len and Bruno in the case of Alesha.)
The real issue is that somewhere along the line, the judges became performers. The show would indeed be dull if they just sat there and stuck up their paddles, or opined dryly on a few timing issues, but I think things have gone a bit too far. They can be critical and amusing, without being offensive.
"It was a dance that only a mother could love" to Joe C was pitched at the ideal level - it makes the point (the dance was cr*p) without getting too personal.
Len's "Spanish Waiter" comment to Austin last year would also have been good, if he hadn't said it so grumpily.
Craig's comments about Jo Wood's dances being good until she started moving were also (just about) OK.
I think Alesha's real problem is that she isn't funny. Craig RH is, and the other two can deliver a prepared line with good timing (although not always.) To make a performance impact, Alesha only really has the options of extreme marking or blunt/rude/offensive comments.”
Just quoting really because you make some excellent points. To add, I would also include that when the other judges took up their roles on the panel, they were unknown quanties to the public at large with no perceived persona. Alesha, on the other hand, has always come across as upbeat, hard-working and grounded and her comments to Craig really jarred with our perception of her.
Originally Posted by RichmondBlue:
“I can't understand Alesha's "endure" comment.
The nature of the show dictates that the selected celebs will be of different talents when it comes to dancing. Craig stayed one week past his "sell by date" which resulted in the loss of Zoe. Prior to that there were weeks of "enduring" similar bad performances from other no-hopers.
Of course, they could change the format and select only celebrities who had experience of dance in some form or another..that could be done very easily. The audience figure would plummet, only die-hard dance fans would be interested. Even having one or two obviously experienced dancers spoils it for many people, thankfully they are usually challenged by those with more "personality". Some don't like that concept, but it's what draws in the viewers.
Take Dancing on Ice..Ray Quinn was brilliant, but that particular series was finished as a competition from week 1.
SCD relies on those celebs who are prepared to make a fool of themselves..just as much as it does on those with genuine, natural, dancing talent. Of course they all have an ulterior motive, their agents are happy to accept the gig..but Alesha needs to take a look at the bigger picture and not bite the hand that feeds her.”
Watching the "behind the scenes" bit on ITT last night really confirmed how out of place Alesha's comments were. Everyone was happy and excited, one of the celebs mentioned the Pros coming off the floor screaming "IT'S ELECTRIC!!" Contestants are having a great night, Craig was highly likely to be leaving but had the consolation of knowing it was in front of a home crowd.
I really can't understand why Alesha had to take that away from them and us. I'm only grateful the controversy happened at the end of the dancing as the last time things got nasty on air (Bruce berating CRH) it put a damper on the rest of the evening for me.
Some posters have likened this show to a pantomime and as such tell us we shouldnt be bothered by the villainous comments. True, both are a family show, but at least the villains always get their comeuppance and no one leaves a pantomime with a bad taste in their mouth
Originally Posted by tonydancer:
“Well, as you've obviously still got a copy, why not put it on YouTube and give us a time reference to look at.
If you can't or won't do that, I'll consider this utter tosh.”
I really think that was a tongue in cheek comment tony