So happy that Strictly is winning the ratings this year and the reasons are:

The contestants genuinly support each other
For all the spats, the judges all really get on
The judges actually judge what they see
The judge/contestant dynamic is actually relevant
The contestants and pro dancers are not manipulated, they collaborate
The audience is respectful to dances and judges (except Craig when he points out the tiniest - but accurate - technical fault)
Above all, its an honest show

Sorry to bring up X Factor here, but the press always make the ratings comparisons, and I'm sure this is the first year Strictly has done better, and I'm so glad

Can't wait for Wembley SHow in January!!

X factor is always about the judges. The quality of contestants is poor and it's ultimately about Simon Cowell's pocket and power base. Strictly has the feel good factor and as long as the only prize is a great big glittery ball, will remain so. Scd should outlast the xd as the Gbp becomes more and more cynical...

I love Strictly and prefer it to the X Factor, but I watch both, mainly because most of my work colleagues and friends watch TXF (they're not 'chavs' btw as some here believe all X Factor viewers are, they are mostly fellow doctors)

I agree with most of your points, but this isn't the first year Strictly has done better. Before 2008 both shows were neck and neck in the ratings with Strictly beating TXF one week and TXF winning the following week. But it was always very close; this is the first year Strictly has beaten TXF by a wide margin (Wembley show)

I'm very pleased with TXF right now though as my favourite 3 from the final 16 have made it to the final

I totally agree. There is an innocense about Stricty which is why it always has me hooked! I have been a fan right since day one, and I always have a smug smile on my face when X Factor has a controversy in the papers and there's Strictly quietly and graciously giving some of the best entertainment ever!

Yes! Thats it, it does seem more innocent doesn't it?

Plus, I mostly like the singing acts, because they seem to be the right sort of acts for Strictly (except Peter Andre and Alesha Dixons song a few years back - 'The boy does nothing' was always better, before she became a judge) - And I love that the pro dancers dance to the guess music mostly...

Plus, they doesn;t seem to be a lot of wasted time on the program.

Mind you - John Sergeant provided some good controversy, but it was fun whilst it lasted