To be honest it bugs me like hell that people bring up Chris winning when arguing about JS and Ann. Yes, his Charleston was funny, but you'd think that was the only dance he ever did. Some people forget he also danced all the other dances and even got 8s/9s for his Foxtrot (9s/10 in the final). Twice he got the highest mark for a dance in the series. He was never in the dance off or at the bottom of the judges' leader board. He had never danced before in his life (unlike Ali Bastian) and was a true 'journey' celeb in the traditional style of the show.

JS and Ann fit in the no-hoper category - Chris doesn't.

As I said before James seems pretty consistent to me.

Karen Hardystarted to say something about this on ITT last week but was cut off, possibly by lack of time. Alan Tichmarsh, a slightly lesser authority on the subject, but speaking as the common man, perhaps, said the same to Alesha on his show, (which I watched as Strictly was mentioned), and Alesha tacitly agreed. He said that his wife and he ask "Why is she still in? The joke's worn thin now." Alesha replied good humouredly, " What more can the judges do? Ann is at the bottom of the judging board every week. We're doing all we can"

Incidentally, some of the audience booed, seemingly spontaneously, when Anne's name was mentioned.

Whether James is consistent or not does not rule out the refreshing nature of his remarks about this in the face of the PR machine and nonsense appearing elsewhere.

Watch the clip!

James is asked if he finds Ann entertaining and his answer goes -

"............erm, not <<smack from Pamela>> especially...."

I didn't note the exact wording of the rest of the sentence, but he implies that he found them entertaining initially, but that the joke has worn thin (my thoughts exactly)

He then goes on to praise Anton's choreography. He never mentions Ann's ability or the level of training she is doing.

Some of you are extrapolating far too much!

I understand with your sentiments to a degree - but just think - if he'd come out and said Chris and Ola were being kept in at the expense of better dancers his life would have been hell at home - and although James and Pamela are not my favourites for the title they certainly don't deserve to go before Ann.

Please reconsider!!!

They do if they fail to get the votes

Not even one of your most passionate smooches will make me reconsider mister

Never mind Pamela, let's just admit that some of us (young energetic/middle-aged romantic/geriatric anything -itis sufferers) would love to see James in the final.

IMHO, he'd come third, if he did, but it would still be The Final.

If at this stage,there's a upended sofa still flying with Anton, some viewers might vote James and Mrs Billy Comic as runners up

Now, wake up from dream, drink some strong tea and get on with weary life!!

Then I won't waste one!

The fact that Chris was partnered with his wife may have something to do with it. However much someone believes in something, those beliefs are obviously going to be compromised when the one they love is involved. Is it really surprising?