Man the baricades!!

Vive la revolution!!

Ahem i watch it and don't think I am brain dead ( I have an MA altho that was many years ago so I could have gone brain dead since then!!) And I am certainly not clueless as regards the pantomime which is X factor but really SCD is not much different- each programme has a format and judges who play their part from baddie to Mr nice guy.

Indeed it did. There was a real buzz about Strictly tonight. It is great. Back to it's best.

Well I suppose you know it at least.

It so felt good tonight. The opener could have been the final couldn't it...(I hope that is not a bad omen) with Matt's good performance. It is going to be 'must see' tv this year...and we haven't seen Anne yet!

Indeed...what are the faults with Strictly? Come on...I know when the judges are trying to manipulate me...and I either agree or vote with my feet...now when is John Seargent?

I don't think that anyone disputes the elements of pantomime in either show. However, I think the overarching aim of a show like the X Factor is to make money for one man - Simon Cowell (and whoever is in his "circle of trust", I'm looking at you Cheryl Cole). I just feel slightly grubby and used even thinking about the X Factor.

xf is more xciting i mean brucie n tess!! cmonnnnnnn it could be so much better ... i like strictly but love xf and it will take some workn on to convert me x

SCD is far more credible in that it appeals to all, and features people of all ages etc. I don't believe it is as blatant as TXF. Cowell's purpose is to make money through TXF. That isn't the case with Strictly.

Me to. My point exactly. That is exactly how I feel. I actually feel uncomfortable when any of them appear on screen. They just make me sick. He will use anyone and everyone to feather his own cap, and only care about number 1...He is laughing at all the numpties who haven't quite got it yet.

Oh dear. I am not a big fan of Tess, but love Brucie. For me Brucie does it for the love of the show, Cowell does it to boost his bank account, that is the difference...and that is what makes me sick.

Claud is doing the results show with Tess. She is good. I like a bit of Claud.

...oh and another thing...what is with the standing ovation thing that the numpties do in the studio every time someone breathes on TXF? I know we like instant these days, but honestly, this takes it to a whole new unhealthy level. If someone has done genuinely great things, then fair enough...but singing on a karaoke show...come off it.

Who cares what Simon Cowell is doing it for? I couldn't give two hoots, tbh. But if people enjoy the X factor and the acts then good for them.

Don't you get it?...because they watch, they support and endorse Cowell.

Yeah and that's their choice. I expect most people that watch it don't even think about it and just watch it for the entertainment and why should they think any different? It should be all lighthearted shouldn't it?

I feel like i should be viewing Cowell as some evil mastermind

I agree with most sentiments on here. There was a real buzz about Strictly last night. The contestants mostly have entertaining personalities, there was some really good dancing already, the new set looks great, some of Brucies jokes were actually funny , Alesha seems to be more natural compared to last year and the opening titles are quite classy as well. I think for once, BBC Entertainment have got it right.

I find SCD to be such a positive show and thats what appeals to me the most. It also doesn't take itself seriously or pretend to be something it's not. XF is the opposite - it's cynical, manipulative, monopolistic and up itself.

I'm 19 and have been watching Strictly since I was 14, so if Cowell thinks people who watch Strictly are past it, then I guess I'm past it.

Well I fall into both camps! Love strictly Inc ITT but also like XF. Have to record both though. Then start watching XF about 15mins after the show starts to fast forward over the adverts and still finish same time the programme finishes. Have to record SCD as I am afraid cannot bear Brucie. Never had and I think he is just getting worse- I know he is all part of the pantomime and completely plays the part (came across very differently in 'who do you think you are') but doesn't make him any easier to swallow so always fast forward over his bits.

Love simon cowell (!!) I know he is arrogant but there is a genuine twinkle in his eye! I believe he has to say some of the things he does the way he does just to get through the incredible thick and distorted skins of those performing because if he gave then any suggestion they could carry on they would think they were a star and waste goodness knows how much more time and money trying to achieve something they are never young to because they are so tone deaf.
He had worked Incredibly hard for where he had got too so why shouldn't earn lots of money for that.

I know there are people that disagree but why not big up SCD all you want - I will do that too but save dissing other programmes in your wake - we are a better class of viewer those that watch SCD to need to do that

pootleman I totally agree with your post. I hate the British trait of hating successful people. Not every one likes Cowell but what does he care and like CRH he says it how it is . I have read his biography and surprised how well liked and genuine he is in the industry. He also does a lot of charity work behind the scenes so he can't be all bad!

He may be a money making machine who doesn't really care about talent but perhaps that isn't really true and we should ask Leonie Lewis and Alexandra Burke that question?

Spot on - but that's just our opinions.

I watch both shows and think it's tragic that people say X-Factor is for chavs and SCD is classy.

LOL. I'l inform my parents that they're chavs (so far from it it's unbelievable) and they think that SCD is total tosh....

Each to their own but there's room for both and people don't have act like complete snobs just to prove that "their" preference is better than a SC programme.

Thought the show was great yesterday-bring on 6pm!

Totally agree with you. Strictly is actually a nicer show isn't it. The motives behind it are very different. Cowell's brief is to just make money for himself...Strictly doesn't have that...the beauty of the BBC.

Cowell is far too wealthy. I totally disagree with all his greed. Where is the tax man? Cowell could clear the deficit and still have some left...

More seriously, it is very unhealthy for one man to have total dominance in any field. I say the same for Murdock in the world of news to.

Money sadly buys influence, and therefore power, which is not only totally corrupt, but unethical and immoral to. No one person, company or organisation should be allowed to have the monopoly...in fact I believe quality suffers as a result of it for all concerned...um...yes Mr Cowell, I am talking to you.

I think having it on later gave it a buzz. Strictly should go out after The Cowell Factor. That would give him something to crow about

The difference is that Cowell is driven and motivated by the Ker-Ching factor which can't be said for CRH. Whoever wins Strictly, CRH does not benefit financially, that is the difference.

Oh and as for Cowell and charities...do you think he would give to charities if he couldn't afford to? Him giving to charities doesn't wash with me at all...and don't mention the dreadful Leona or Alex. Can't stand their music. Furthermore, I don't know anyone as boring as Leona. The chair I am sitting on has more personality.