I think the reason that Claudia came across as so relaxed in the pit is that she spends time with the dancers during the week on ITT so she's managed to build up a rapport with them away from the Saturday night pressure.

I always get the distinct impression that Tess doesn't see them in between shows so has no real relationship with them.

If Claudia did the main show instead of ITT, she wouldn't have the time to spend with the dancers in the week. Would she therefore be able to have the relationship with them just from spending time with them backstage that she is able to build from ITT?

I love Claudia's style (but do agree with the slouching - I wanted to tell her to stand up straight and stop jigging about). She is far more natural than Tess, but I wouldn't want to lose her from ITT.

You're right - I completely missed that.

I loved her quick change "time to read serious bit from autocue" moments - then back to ditziness.

I just love people to be natural (which Claudia really is)

We can move too much towards the american style of presenting where everything is too polished, too scripted , no room for error and well...no room for natural fun.

Claudia, you're just the best

sorry Tess, you're lovely, just somewhat vacuous to me

A couple of dancers who left the show have said Tess is very cold when the cameras are not on.

I thought Claudia was fantastic on Saturday, so much more natural and funny than Tess. However when I made the same comment to my mum today she said she though Tess was good as Bruce but preferred Tess in her usual role to Claud - funny isn't it - people have such different ideas about things!

Would hate to lose Claud from ITT for the Saturday show though!

As far as I'm concerned she's the bees knees, she can do no wrong. I bet she'd make a brilliant best friend, in fact I wish she was my best friend. She's fab !

no no, she has to be my best friend!

Claudia for main Strictly show, I think. Though would she quit ITT? I love that show. She has a really good friendship with the stars/dancers when interviewing them on her show, and they genuinely appear to be enjoying the interview(s) rather than just being told they have to be there.

I like that she has a sense of humour, a genuine interest in whoever she's interviewing, always has plenty of questions and is able to respond spontaneously without autocue. In these respects she is a very good presenter/interviewer.

But there are some things I find really irritating - her "kevin and perry" style swaying and fidgeting, the fringe always in her eyes and her rather unconvincing "incompetence" at Len's masterclasses.

She certainly has a passion for SCD though and I can't imagine anyone else doing such a good job of ITT.

I'm sorry, but I nearly fell off the couch laughing when Len and Claudia attempted the John Sargeant/Kristina floor drag. She's such a tiny thing and he could barely move her.

I wouldn't give up seeing those masterclasses for anything!

I agree that Claudia is perfect for Saturday's behind the scenes gig - where support is needed etc.

I do fear that ITT is becoming somewhat redundant. Its too much of a love-in - there's no real interview, no new information, its just people saying the same things every day, every week, every year.

"my partner is great"
"our dance is hard this week"
"that dress will look amazing"

When some issue or contoversial thing does come up, Claudia does not / cannot / will not actually get anything out of the guests, its all too superficial and glossed over.

Likewise, the celebs and pro dancers cannot say anything remotely interesting as they fear they'll get voted out. They paint those grins on and don't let them slip for a second, for fear of being seen as arrogant/a bad sport.

The only interesting parts are when Karen/knocked out Pro comes on and gives the show actual CONTENT to talk about coreography(sp... soz) etc.

I'd miss it if it was gone, but if it was a bit longer and not on 5 days a week, maybe the quality would increase. 30 minutes a day is quite a lot really, to build up to and dissect the Saturday shows.

I think she's fab when she's sitting down! I don't like anything she wears (they all look like black sacks to me - and those leggings!!) It's not so noticeable when she's not standing up! Also, her fringe drives me potty.

But she's a great presenter - very natural. Couldn't imagine ITT without her.

Exactly. I was just going to post that she is too fidgety for Tess or Bruce's role. And as has already been pointed out, the rapport she has built up with the contestants and pros would be forefeited if she had to forego ITT.

I've commented in a couple of threads that she is so much better when she is sitting down. It is not so much the weird outfits as the fact that she is just very awkward and fidgety when standing up. OK she is a bit manic sitting down but she gets away with it then.

She was certainly more entertaining than Tess backstage but I am not sure it was in a more professional way. Her comments like 'time to read the serious bit', and her 'raccoon impression' may seem endearing and funny to some but to me was a clear sign of her being out of her depth and drowning, just as she was co-presenting Let's Dance.

I find Tess inept backstage so saying Claudia is better is not saying much. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a vacancy, but if there was I don't think Claudia should fill it.

My post in another thread about possible SCD *various* replacement presenters picked up on the fact that 3 other people had mentioned Claudia and .... some other person.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s...1&postcount=30

I think Claudia is wayyyy stronger than both Tess or Bruce!

(just IMHO of course!)