On another thread, someone complimented James on being "the Daddy" of the show - what a support and friend he has been to the celebs! - and it reminded me of when Brian was the new boy and he singled out the Jordans when he was talking about the welcome he had received.

I think he and Scott have struck up a genuine friendship, but have loved that James has also whooped and cheered for other couples, even when in direct competition. (Honourable mention for Brendan here too as he isnt dissimilar in that respect).

I wish I could remember who it was that gave him the moniker - if it was you and you're reading this, fess up! - but it fits. James has definately been "The Daddy" of SCD 2010.

As with most of the pro dancers on SCD, James loves himself. He is a real big head about his looks and dancing ability.

I guess that could be considered praise if you really dont like him.

I think Artem has got James pumping iron this year as James always wanted to be the fittest dancer - James certainly looks to have put on muscle.

I think James also needs to just be himself more - again, like Artem. I see James as a very honest and friendly guy, but he does try to watch what he says and does, as sometimes his strong opinions get negative reactions. Pamela being a bit manic is a bit of a problem too, as James sometimes puts a bit more effort into laughing than is natural - to support her.

He seems to be very popular with everyone on the show, and IMO he's one of the big pluses behind the scenes which makes for a good atmosphere on Strictly.

Well it's undeniable that confidence is a necessary trait in his business, but does that preclude him from offering real support and friendship to others? I think not, from what we have seen this series.

As for loving himself, attaining something psychologists have been trying to teach us for years is surely worthy of even more praise.

You go Daddy James

PS: Thank you for saving the thread from a move upstairs to "Appreciation." *Shudders*

Self-esteem is no bad thing - James' head is smaller since he cut his hair and


hiawatha may have James mixed up with Gavin.

Small 'yay' for James here - I think I read somewhere on here that he was the first one to go over to Gavin at the weekend when they got eliminated and he noticed Gavin was standing alone while Scott got mobbed?

Brian Fortuna did also say that James was like a brother to him last year. (But I think there has been some big falling-out since, though I don't know whose fault it was.)

I like him. He seems to be genuinely friendly and warm to me - you can see him really being supportive of everyone in the Tesspit and very empathetic.

He acts up for the camera but ack, so what.

He still resembles a goat.

Yaay for James! Lots of people seem put off by his arrogance and competitive nature but I think that's part of his charm =D and he's really supportive of other contestants
(I have a brother who has a similar personality, in fact most of the guys in my family are big headed so I guess I've become immune to arrogance xD)

I can honestly say I have never thought about him as a daddy.

James has had quite able partners in recent years. A real test to his character would be to line him up with a duffer and see how he is. The only time I can remember that happening he was horrendous. However, he may have grown up a bit now,

I adore James; I love how competitive he is! and I like him and Pamela together, they have really good banter and chemistry. Also I think he’s gorgeous

This sort of friendly cheery persona that he has adopted now (as mentioned on ITT where he's always smiling whatever is happening) is quite interesting. I have to say the child like voices he puts on are sometimes abit odd but I suppose its all part of this happy (less serious) James that we're now getting.

I remember watching snippets of that year with that Casulty girl and found him frightful to watch which.., compared to this and the last few years, is such a welcome contrast. Not only does he seem more softer and friendlier now but also, almost, quite funnny.

It's pretty obvious that a lot of James' comments are very tongue in cheek and should not be taken literally.

Being competitive is a good thing. Competitive people strive for improvement, are driven, motivated, have goals and dreams, and want to succeed. What's wrong with that?? I don't understand why so many people see it as a negative.

I think James is lovely. He's very funny, and he's got a great upbeat personality. He might not always be nicey-nice in a pink fluffy bunny way, and he can be quite hot tempered, but at least he seems genuine.

James was keeping an eye on Jared too - Jared mentioned something early on about James helping him settle in.

I think James is a genuinely nice guy and really a big softy!

I do agree that James does seem to make a particular point of welcoming other dancers to the show. Hegenuinely seem to get on with the other male dancers in particular.

I also agree that most of his comments about his dancing ability, looks etc are (mainly) tongue in cheek, although you wouldn't blame him for being pretty pleased with himself for having Ola as a wife and dance partner!

When did this happen?

I think this is the roll James like to play, not sure how genuine it all us though !! He is very, very competitive and likes to be number 1 !! Maybe wrong though !

Summer we think, maybe something to do with BTF, Jealousy probably !!!

I think James has been trying too find his way his position. First he tried the hard man, push push push type...arrogant and couldnt careless.

Now he has adopted this good guy image, and it suits him better, as long as he does not go OTT. I have heard that he does look after the celebs......and thats nice.......human

Georgina wasn't only not a natural on the dance floor though, she came across as incredibly lazy and didn't seem to want to be on the show at all. I think James wasn't at all nice or encouraging, but it wasn't all his fault when there was nothing to work with.

James is absolutely wonderful. He made the' behind the scenes' part of the Strictly Tour DVD amusing. It would have been boring without him.

He was excellent on ITT last year and I think he is made for the media.

I don't think James' personality has changed. The clips we see on the show are selected to show just one aspect of the 'story' the editors decided upon.

She was a duffer I know but his problem with her wasn't that she wasn't a good dancer it was that she wasn't even trying.

The trouble is we only have his word for that.

Millie, the point is that was 4 (or 5?) years ago and yet some people seem determined to not let it go. I didnt try to presume James was some sort of saintly being or anything, but if he can have 4 years of crap thrown at him - justifiably or not - isnt it fair to give credit too where it is due?

Give The Daddy some goodwill...it is Christmas

PS. It might make you feel better too