I don't remember a final where the judges have been so negative before... it's taking away my enjoyment to be honest. If Matt wins now after being mauled by the judges it will simply feel weird.

this is Moira Ross's doing.

I agree - it's putting a real dampener on the evening

I think their "repeat" dances have been good, but I was underwhelmed by their showdances

who's that ?

the exec producer.

cheers for that, I didn't know. do you think the producers could have influenced what the judges are saying tonight (or indeed throughout the series) ?

she is the boss I'm afraid-whatever she says goes.

I know what you mean. It doesn't quite feel like a final. Then again, I suppose it's better for the judges saying what's on their mind instead of spouting rubbish about how amazing average dances were.

I'm with you on this one - kind of dampened it a tad.

Len just doesn't like Matt & this time I don't think Matt cares.

Len was a bit snide about Chris last year - he can't stand not being in charge.

if Craig give Kara a 10 for last dance - clear proof of the Beebs influencing attempts.

don't we just know it lol.

The judges have mostly said what I've been thinking; apart from the wacky thumb stuff). There's a high expectation so when a mistake is made it's more significant than it was for some of the weaker finalists in previous years.

I have no argument with Kara winning fantastic dancer worthy winner but the judges comments about Matt have really wound me up again.

Len Goodman is a nasty piece of work.

Alesha was by far the best judge tonight.

As I posted on the main show thread, she was the only one who seemed to rise to the occasion. By all means mark fairly, but there was no need for all that negativity. I remember getting really cross with Len and Arlene when they criticised Alesha in the final 3 years ago and I noticed she was very generous last year too - you probably have to have gone through it to understand how deflating these sorts of comments can be.

I'm over the moon about Kara's win as I had resigned myself to Matt winning (I like him but didn't want him to win) but the final could have been so much better!

He was the same with both couples tonight and even though I did not agree with his 7 for Kara's AS, he scored both couples the same in total.

Matt: 9 9 8 9
Kara: 10 9 9 7

his bosses need to get rid of him asap.

They've just been horrible! Even the X Factor judges just put all the politics and in fighting behind them to priase everyone in the final, and that show is all about the controversy! I said on another thread usually in the final even if they don't like the dancer they dredge up some comment about them being entertaining.

Usually in the finals there is a good ( sometimes Ok dancer) and a great dancer and the judges are never as snide as they were with Matt tonight and at times Kara! I have been shocked and dismayed by it to be honest!

They had two great dancers they should have been overjoyed!

Also I thought they didn't usually score the last two dances, they should take that away next year too!

I say OP is wrong. I am glad they didn't sugar coat it- most of the time. But it was only Craig that told the truth about Matt's missed opportunity of a showdance. The rest felt constrained in their comments.

Tricky.
as it was the public that kept Matt in even though he was the worst on the night.
The best team won so don't spend the next month analizing it please!

I have defended Len up to now but he has disgusted me this season.

the bitch of the exec producer has ruined this series slightly.

The judges have usually been really positive in the final, even to the weaker dancers. I thought the negative comments tonight were unnecessary. If the final's going to be down to the public then I don't think the judges should score.

Hmm, tricky. I like the judges to be honest, but I think that can be reflected in the marks (which after all don't count) in the final - the comments needn't be so damning. I've felt sorry for Matt every week.