I think probably it's a case of not being able to please everyone. With Matt doing so well they don't seem in danger of ending up in the middle of the table, so they probably aren't in the danger zone and so reliant on the public votes. Keeping high judges scores is one part; keeping the public happy is another and it's not an easy balance. Craig likes the modern choreo, Len doesn't. I'm sure the public are equally split. That's life !

I don't think Aliona's dropped any worse clangers choreography-wise than some of the others this series. Robin, Ola, Natalie and Jared are just some of the people whose steps have been called into question. She's just in the spotlight a bit more for it because her partner's got so much ability.

She's definitely not underestimating Matt and is pushing him for all he's worth with the routines - but perhaps it's a bit like Brian with Ali in the last series, if she pushed a little less hard, he might relax more, and they might win more approval.

I have to say that personally I find James's choreography lacking in flair, but whatever he's doing for Pamela this series it's definitely working vis-a-vis the judges, so maybe Aliona should take a leaf out of the Book of Jordan

Excellent well written posts Cheryl423, and Lorelei Lee

She isn't the only one doing untraditional choreo though so why is she the only one getting picked up for it?

Matt and Aliona are my favourites so far (along with Pamela and Scott). However, I hate the term Maliona.

Because she's the only one doing untraditional routines whose partner is an absolute stand-out dancer. (Although I might argue the case for Artem and Kara - but I just don't find them as interesting a pairing as Matt and Aliona).

Maliona is a pretty terrible term, though.

Can I also say I think they have had some unfortunate music too .

Interesting thread about muisc elsewhere BTW

It's weird, for all their ability, theirs are pretty much the only performances (well appart from Ann's) that i have not been in the least bit interested in watching again.

Yep, me too - the very same - and I'd have to add Erin and Peter. Yawn!

I stand by my twiddly comments but I actually thought she was very sweet on ITT today. And I admire a woman who admits eating pudding and custard for breakfast with such glee.

So I read some of those comments criticising Aliona on here.

Then I hear Karen Hardy praising Aliona's clever choreography on ITT.

I wonder whose point of view I agree with? Not difficult really.

To be fair Karen says every body's choreography is clever, brilliant and fantastic, she never criticizes anymore. A pro could send their celeb out there to dance the birdie song for a minute and a half and Karen would still say its the best thing since sliced bread !

Its nothing against Aliona but I just don't put much value in Karen's opinion this series, she seems to be very much toing the line

I agree, James is always very clever in his choice of appropriate music.

I agree with you - it looks like Karen has been got at too. New producer at work again, she's done the same thing with the judges. That's probably why Len was grumpy on Saturday, he doesn't like being gagged but puts up with it for the money.

Well thats nice Paul thanks.

Very true. I like Karen but I do wonder about her over enthusing about everything on SCD this year . Having seen so many get the chop is she not going to rock the boat ?

I like her, she's nice and very good at her job.

She really is the pussycat of the ballroom world hehe.