Hiya BuddyBontheNet, just out of curiosity as a few others have said this too that this years is better than the last couple of series, why exactly, what's been improved, is it just the selection of this years celebs or the format has altered.

Yeah I do agree with you Winehouse about maybe it has something to do with the judges that I've got bored with, and I'm bored with the commentator believe it or not, maybe I would like it if they got new presenters, Brucey is great but be good to see someone else do the role. And Get in 4 completely new judges, and new style of doing it and new commentator, mix it up a bit. Still the die hard fan will say if it ain't broke don't fix it.

I actually think these are fair questions- it's unfortunate that so many of these kinds of threads are actually thinly veiled "What on earth are you losers doing watching ballroom dancing?" that it was all too easy to assume at first that this was another.

From my point of view, you lost me at "but it's just dancing" because that's the entire reason I watch. I dance myself, I go places to watch dancing, I like talking about dancing... Strictly is great because it's the one time in the year when other people sort of "get" that dancing is fun and something to discuss.

Would I watch with members of the public? Yes. I actually prefer So You Think You Can Dance. For me Strictly is camp and Christmassy and a chance to not only share dancine with my non-dancing friends and family but also to watch dancing (and dancers) being showcased weekly on the BBC. I'm not very good with celebrities so I hardly ever know much about the contestants at the start anyway.

Do I watch the spin off show? Yes. Again, we get to hear more about the dances from the previous Saturday and see how the training is progressing. Claudia is hilarious. I love seeing the friendships blossoming between the celebs and the pro dancers. And again, it's camp and Christmassy- what could have been better entertainment last year than the dance machine challenge?!

Do I think it's too long? Last year yes, it was getting that way. In large part though because of the cast and the growing inevitability of Chris' win.

Do I watch the other versions? I've seen the odd show of DWTS and watched the German version regularly a few years ago.

I think it is a combination of things. In the run up to the show there were a lot of VT and interview teasers, with something new released every day. This was great because some celebs were a bit of a shock, so it was good fun to see little glimpses of what they would be like. By the time the first show was due to start, there was a real buzz about the show e.g. on Twitter, etc. Having the first show on the Friday night was a good move because there was very little competition from other channels, so the whole series got off to a great start.

The opening sequence and set look good and the singers/band were great - plus the actual shows were much tighter because time was short. But the best thing imho was how entertaining the performances were as there were several real surprises (good and bad), but even the duffers were better than expected! I never even thought about the pros who had left and had been relegated!

Bearing in mind I am a real fan, this year's show feels much more like series 4 or 5 and that suits me down to the ground!

I'm not sure I get what exactly the OP is getting at, to be honest.

"At the end of the day, it's just dancing and it is quite dull."

That's a matter of opinion. I don't find dancing dull at all, I find it a joy to watch. The BBC may make a "song and dance" about it, but they have to in order to sell it to viewers.

If dancing is dull, then why bother watching the show? It's not like there's not a gigantic warning in the title that it's about dance.

I agree with what somebody said earlier about how now it seems like it's all about the "ratings" and I think, in some way, that's not helping matters. Personally, I don't care if it's not getting the mega viewers X Factor gets. SCD manages to hold a reasonable number of viewers for a Saturday night show. Unfortunately, there's been such a fuss made over the last few years about the XF vs SCD ratings war that I think that's what people will automatically boil it down to regardless.

I ook forward to it no matter what and I'll be happy as long as it's on my TV. I enjoyed this weekend a lot. More than I've enjoyed the opening weekends over the last couple of series.

The only way is up.

Quality control consists of paying attention to the imperfect whilst acknowledging the perfect. Cruise liners routinely plant their staff masquerading as passengers to find out what customers like and do not like.

Those who said all was well and laughed to scorn minority messengers of alarm made the banking meltdown and economic disaster possible.

Maybe my comment about it bit dull is harsh, it just I don't know seems too much fuss about it when its just a dance, But that said you can say that about lots of shows on these. Another thing that baffles me is cooking show and the about of fuss over these, A comedian said on a panel show about Gordon Ramsey " Calm down mate, deep breathes, it just a bit of dinner, its not life and death, just calm yourself down", totally spot on, back to Strictly. Yeah I can watch it and did used to but what I was trying to just get my little head around was it's general mass appeal, why so many think its so great, If I was been honest I'm very surprised at its huge appeal amongst young and old. If someone said a few years ago do you think it would be a good idea to bring back Come Dancing, I'd of said no, it will be a flop, but how wrong I would of been.

Hi franglemand, I can totally see it from your point of view, you are going to love it being a dancer yourself and I understand it's appeal to dancers. The celeb part maybe is what makes it to me seem a little over the top. like this morning I read in a shop on front of News of the world, that Tointon girl from Eastenders saying, how Strictly saved My Life, it just seems blown out of proportion, I mean come on girl, get a grip. I'd prefer it more low key is what I'm trying to say in my long winded way.

Please excuse my harsh comment about it being dull, wrong use of words, it's not dull, I was just trying to say the concept of a show about ballroom dancing on paper does sound a little dull to me , yet it has masses adore it, It fascinates me that's all.

All that going head to head with the xfactor isn't good either, 2 completely different types of show, it's not a competition, well the both are but you know what I mean not against each other they are not.

No - but you could if you want to.

The OP hasn't insulted anyone - merely asked what stimulates the interest and enthusiasm of SCD fans.

Out of interest have you watched any of this series yet? As others have said it's been refreshed a bit this year and is shaping up to be a great series. Some of the changes are a definite not to DWTS but I don't necessarily feel that that is a bad thing.

It Takes Two is fab, it enables you to get to know the couples better & last year I actually looked forward to that more than the main show last year.

Not to worry, I didn't take offense- I would guess I'm key demographic in the sense that a show like this is always going to appeal to me but I'm also aware that I'm very much in the minority in general. I'm also totally with you on the bit I've bolded. I haven't seen that headline but did literally just laugh out loud at it. Honestly, I just want to watch people dance. I still don't understand how the John Seargent thing got so out of control. I had no desire to watch him dance but so far as I can see, there's no crime in wanting to do so. Quite possibly part of why I prefer So You Think... is that it is a little less overblown, but at the same time Strictly is what it is and a lot of us love it for the stupid over the top, Christmas lights flashing, fireworks at midnight, gold covered fairy cake sheer ridiculous campness of it!

Also in all fairness, it may be overblown but it does take that from Dancesport itself. I vividly remember my first university dance competition... Not as camp as Strictly but there are definitely some surreal moments for a newcomer to the sport! There's a section of the day where each team walks on, stands in a line and claps for a bit. Then everyone yells about who's going to win. Then you all trail off again. It takes about half an hour. Completely pointless and *very* confusing if no one's told you what's about to happen.

And yes, X factor is a totally different programme. It's a shame the BBC and ITV play up the rivalry because so far as I can see, a singing competition was always going to have a wider appeal than a dancing one.

I don't know if I would be interested in watching Come Dancing if it returned and I'm old enough to have watched it first time around. I love seeing the pro dances and was thrilled watching the pro tour this year. I'm just not sure that I'd want to watch that week in week out, as it might lose its appeal. I'd give it a try and see.

If someone posts a link to an interview or an article about the show, I will usually read it, but most of the time what the tabloids write about the show is quite simply rubbish. I couldn't stand John Sergeant on the show.

Just answering some more of your questions -

Is it the celebs you watch it for or would you watch it if it was members of the public doing it?

I don't think I can really answer that because I don't think the second option is viable. When the celebs do SCD, it is their job for the duration and I can't see a wide enough range of members of the public being able to devote enough time to the show.

Do you watch the spin off show with Claudia?

I do watch ITT and would record it if I couldn't watch it live - I love it!

Do you think the whole thing is dragged out too long and would be better in say 6 weeks ?

No. The first series was 6 weeks and I'd say 12 couples over 10 weeks is the ideal. I'm in favour of double elimination weeks.

Do you watch the American version and other versions from around the world?

I watch DWTS and SYTYCD (I don't watch X Factor any more).

I think what you don't get is that the show is not just a dance show. It is as much about the celebs, the pros, the judges, the presenters, the singers/band/music, the costumes/hair/makeup - and the journey. ().

All of these things combined make SCD what it is - an entertainment programme. Not everyone finds the same things entertaining, but it is still the BBC's flagship show and in the Guinness Book of World Records for the number of countries who now have the show - so is does seem to be universally popular!

Do I think this show has had it's day ? God no, I love watching it, and can't wait for it to come back every year. We watch every show again because we record it, and also wouldn't miss Claudia on ITT either. Don't watch DWTS because we can't get it and I'm not bothered by that. I don't think for a minute that it's too long - it could go on a lot longer for me !

Did i think the show had had its day last year? - Yes, it felt tired, long and cheap. Do i feel the same this year? No.

I would very much see this year as SCD mk 2. I would say SCD mk 1 had the same professioals every year that people loved, didnt really allow any extras (props and lifts), it was very much a more traditional dance show. The problem being it didnt let itself room to evolve much, so was basically the same every year, and even a small change and people were up in arms. This lead to a very tired looking show.

I think this year they have changed the whole basis of the show, and said we are not a traditional dance show, we are an entertainment show. So in have come the dance troop, props seem to be allowed, as have some lifts, the set just looks bigger and more showbusiness. I also believe they have actively gone for professional dancers that bring more sex appeal, and ones that are going to give you choreography that has more of a wow factor, rather than the professionals that would traditionally more about keeping in the rules and concentrate on the technique, and letting the dance speak for itself.

Look at Brendon, he was always seen as the out of control one, that did the illegal lifts and could put a big piece on that was totally different to the rest. The judges would usually hate it (except Craig) and Len would say how it wasnt traditional and their was illegal lifts. This year most of the new ones are extreme Brendons, so expect some big numbers and the use of more lifts and props, and he will look quite tame.

With all this i can understand why alot of people dont like the new SCD or think its lost its heart, and to be honest it probably has. However, what you have now is a show that feels fresher and i think will be able to grow again this year, and not declined like i think it would have if they had kept it like last year.

I very much doubt that you were ever a fan more like a troll.

You posted this in another forum a few days ago


http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s...&postcount=487

So you used to be a fan of a show for years but never saw its appeal! Just admit to being a sad troll, only here to start trouble!


Hilarious stuff from a Coach Trip fan!

Friday and Saturdays launch shows were the most watched strictly opening episodes ever! It's not going anywhere

why bother to start a thread if you are so not interested - just to see your name in print -

three shows in one thread - to a dancer; dance is everything, the same with a cook or singing - don't be so pathetic because you have never cared about anything

All the music sounds too self-consciously contemporary and it all sounds too jarring and harsh. None of the Cha Cha seemed to have a Cha Cha sound or feel, they all sounded disco mix/ministry of sound dance club.

Hi Jake

A troll, not sure what one of these is so don't know if I'm one to be honest. Yeah I was never a fan, I watched the show when it first came on and it was just watchable on Saturdays nights because there was nothing else on, I could never say I much liked it or disliked it, I just think it has gone on too long and should of ended a couple of years ago. I've said its garbage which again is a harsh word and I don't understand why so many people are still loving it. I do say stupid things sometimes but that's been said now I'm just trying to find out what people still see in the show. No big deal is it. I haven't lied I've said I feel its just now outdated.

What's coach trip got to do with it, yeah I find coach trip funny, this year though finding this isn't now way as good, next year I'll be slagging it off, its what I'm like I do bore of the same program coming back when its had its shelf life.

Hi crispih, why bother starting a thread, well main reason I did was to see why you guys love the show so much, cause I really don't see it as anything amazing which it gets hyped up to be, no other reason, not to stir trouble. I've hardly gone out of my way to be nasty about it or to anyone here have I.

I don't really understand your comment about 3 shows in one thread, I didn't know there was a rule you can't ever mention another show when you put a comment in and have to stick exactly to the subject. I do care about things too, I'm not all about slagging off stuff, I love things too, I just want to see more drama, go back to the days of great british drama, our friends in the north, the lakes, seems now its all celebs appearing on reality tv, its ok for a time but it is a bit stale after a while and I'd rather see some actors doing what they do best act, not appearing a z listers on shows like hole in the wall or something because they can't get any other work because all tv is is reality tv these days.

Anyway I learnt some things about why people like it still, I might watch one or two this series to see if my opinion has changed, garbage it may not be. out dated, yeah it very well maybe to me but to you guys it isn't, no one taste is the same.

Absolutely.

In fact, I think that this is the Day Strictly Died.

You know, it's funny no-one else has said this before.

I sort of agree but it is mainly because of the way the show is presented. It was better in the first couple of years.
Now the lighting is too busy, the music too fancy and off off the beat, the edited camera work ignores the feet and the interviews are longer.
But I like Bruce, the panel of judges and the selection of celebrities this year, except for one rather more than not a lot.

I don't agree OP, I'm getting a good vibe from this series and think it could be one of the best, though some of the celebs are strugling more than I thought they would, Mr Shilton springs to mind especially.

They should have put him on question time instead as a semi regular panelist, I saw him on the big question and he was very impressive on news and current affairs.

If you have not watched the last two series, how can you make a statement saying 'they have gone over the top'?...
How would you know?.....

And Claudia's show is loved by most people, maybe even more than the saturday show, it's because it's all about the dancing and the costumes and that is what we all love.....

Bye. You can see yourself out. Don't wipe your feet on the cat the way you did when you came in. He gets Really Angry, and when he gets Really Angry I'm the one who has to clean it up.

yeah fair enough, some agree it's gone downhill some think this is the best series yet and more like the early ones. I know mklass not having watched much of it, I sometimes turn over when nothing on though. Its what is all over the media and having everyone going on about it and talking about someone's dance. I'm just surprises it creates the press interest and media coverage and mass appeal it has worldwide, I though yeah a few million would watch a show like this but not as many as there is that do watch still and are not tired yet of the format.

Claudia's show, I do really like Claudia and think she is a great presenter, I just think she is better than a show talking about dresses and a dance. But I'm clearly in the minority with these opinions. I mean do we really need all these spin offs, where will it end, will BBC4 put on a show talking about Claudia's show on bbc2 and discussing her comments on people's dancing. I guess I just don't get what is said on the show, I've never watched it, it's a bit like cricket commentary, what can you say about the game when very little happens, how do they think of things to comment on. I admire them really, it must be a gift. Still I am not that bothered about a spin off show, there is never anything I watch on bbc2 at that time that it replaces.

It's not just talking about "dresses and a dance" though, is it? It's talking about each dance that happened (14 this past weekend). It's finding out what the celebs thought of the training and of how it went on the night. It's finding out what the pro partner thought, what the other pros thought, why the judges reacted as they did. It's seeing the different characters of the celebs and pros and how that affects how they train and how they dance. It's listening to pros like Karen, Darren, Lilia, Ian, Flavia and James talk about why a particular dance was good or bad, what made it that way, how the choreography helped or hindered the celeb. It's finding out more about the pro dancers- how they became professional ballroom dancers, why they did so, what being a pro actually means beyond the world of Strictly, what Strictly has meant to them and the industry as a whole. It's giving everyone a chance to explain good or bad things they did. It's seeing how the costumes and music are developed and how they add to (or detract from) the overall effect. It's giving praise to those we don't usually see- the sound people, the musical director, the warm up man, the runners, the make up artists, the cameramen. It's seeing how a tv programme like Strictly is put together. It's a chat show, allowing couples to show off their personalities in way they can't necessarily on a Saturday night when they're shaking with nerves.

Thinking about it, it's pretty much this message board but with a little more actual information! I'm not really sure what sort of show you think Claudia should be on, but her job on the show is to co-ordinate all of this and make it all fit together. It's pretty much her own chat show, but it's one that's themed around Strictly. Not so different from Film 2010 or Match of the Day so far as I can see.

Well you did come back with a well written positive argument in favour of the spin off show so you win the debate. I won't watch it cause I'm not a fan in general of chat shows but I now see why people may be interested in it and it has it's audience. You did ask what sort of shows I like Claudia to be doing, well I think she works best on comedy panel shows and used to love that one a few years ago she did with David Mitchell and Rhys Thomas called Fanoramo, think that should make a return.