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Old 02-01-2012, 18:29
sammyvine
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Cards on the table. I can't stand Alesha and think she has been a terrible mistake on SCD. However, this is a strange career move. SCD has had a v.successful season whereas Simon Cowell's shows are failing. The BBC nailed its colours to the mast when they took Alesha on and they stuck with her despite a storm of protest and evidence that although some viewers began to tolerate her, most still disliked her and didn't believe she had the credentials to be a judge. It is unlikely the BBC would have pulicly sacked her after going out on a limb the way they did, and there are also the dual issues of ageism and racism to consider, both of which they have had problems with.

They have also given her other vehicles and my guess is that they have been coaching her because her diction has improved and the hyena laugh has been kept under wraps. So, a really stable employer who would look bad if they sacked her - so why would she leave? And to go to an employer who eats starlets for breakfast and then feeds them to the birds.

My guess is they told her at the beginning of this season that she wouldn't be doing a fourth year. She was more gung-ho than ever this series and there was a certain end-of-termishness about her that I wondered about. Cowell will see it as a nice bit of publicity, but she will have to walk the gangplank that is his close friend Sinitta, whom she is a younger version of, and SC wouldn't mind the publicity generated by her not being able to cut it on one of his shows.

One wonders where she thinks she is going now. Okay, she has Weightwatchers and maybe five minutes fame with BGT, but the BBC might have built shows for her which ITV are unlikely to do. Talk of a revived singing career is surely nonsense. She was never particularly good and she is too old by today's standards to go down that route again.

Any thoughts?
Also what is this weight watchers thing
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Old 02-01-2012, 18:30
penelopesimpson
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Most definitely not pushed ...

The BBC has a diversity policy that is rigorously enforced - and finding non-white faces in primetime entertainment is pretty rare. So Alesha was gold-dust for them - hence her being given plenty of opportunitites, despite her having put her foot in it by suggesting that The X Factor is somehow more creative than SCD.

This is all about ITV trying to poach talent from the BBC. Chiles and Bleakley, Jonathan Ross ... we've seen it a thousand times before. ITV doesn't have an original idea any more - and it's also desperate to appeal to a younger demographic. SCD stole the limelight from TXF in 2011 - so what better way for ITV to get its own back than by poaching one of the show's judges? (And yes, I know Alesha isn't liked by some hardcore fans - but the view of a tiny vocal minority won't bother Simon Cowell or ITV's bosses).

What it's about is lack of imagination. On both ITV and Alesha's parts ...
Great post, even though I don't agree with you! The diversity policy is an issue and I think that is why they stayed with Alesha for as long as they did. However, I don't think it's factually accurate to say that Alesha's only detractors are 'some hardcore SCD fans.' She is pretty much panned by viewers of SCD, not so much in a personal sense, more that she just can't do the job. Have a look at some of the posting sites from today's newspapers, they are pretty much 99% against. I don't rate her, but that was mostly because I thought she was put in to a role that was entirely wrong for her. Given other roles, she has some personality that could be, as you say, gold dust.

As for ITV poaching, why would they pursue a strategy that has so blatantly failed in the past. The list is long - Des Lynam, Michael Parkinson and, lately the horsey one with the teeth and the bloke called Adrian who used to be cool.
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Old 02-01-2012, 18:31
penelopesimpson
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Also what is this weight watchers thing
Fronting the new Weightwatchers campaign. Like Fergie did. Lots of money and zero credibility.
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Old 02-01-2012, 18:32
sammyvine
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Great post, even though I don't agree with you! The diversity policy is an issue and I think that is why they stayed with Alesha for as long as they did. However, I don't think it's factually accurate to say that Alesha's only detractors are 'some hardcore SCD fans.' She is pretty much panned by viewers of SCD, not so much in a personal sense, more that she just can't do the job. Have a look at some of the posting sites from today's newspapers, they are pretty much 99% against. I don't rate her, but that was mostly because I thought she was put in to a role that was entirely wrong for her. Given other roles, she has some personality that could be, as you say, gold dust.

As for ITV poaching, why would they pursue a strategy that has so blatantly failed in the past. The list is long - Des Lynam, Michael Parkinson and, lately the horsey one with the teeth and the bloke called Adrian who used to be cool.
TBH Alesha isn't one of the biggest talents the BBC has in all honesty. J Ross, Adrian Chiles etc was understandable, but Alesha Dixon?
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Old 02-01-2012, 18:34
sammyvine
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Fronting the new Weightwatchers campaign. Like Fergie did. Lots of money and zero credibility.
Hmmm she's a big of a money grabber isn't she. Will work with any company to earn ££££.

Nothing wrong with wanting to earn money in all honesty but i can't see why a singer/judge would want to front weight watchers, especially when she has never dropped many stones to be a success story.
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Old 02-01-2012, 18:34
penelopesimpson
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Most definitely not pushed ...

The BBC has a diversity policy that is rigorously enforced - and finding non-white faces in primetime entertainment is pretty rare. So Alesha was gold-dust for them - hence her being given plenty of opportunitites, despite her having put her foot in it by suggesting that The X Factor is somehow more creative than SCD.

This is all about ITV trying to poach talent from the BBC. Chiles and Bleakley, Jonathan Ross ... we've seen it a thousand times before. ITV doesn't have an original idea any more - and it's also desperate to appeal to a younger demographic. SCD stole the limelight from TXF in 2011 - so what better way for ITV to get its own back than by poaching one of the show's judges? (And yes, I know Alesha isn't liked by some hardcore fans - but the view of a tiny vocal minority won't bother Simon Cowell or ITV's bosses).

What it's about is lack of imagination. On both ITV and Alesha's parts ...
Also, meant to add that it is a little disingenous to imply that ITV poached Jonathan Ross! As I recall he was pretty much forced to resign due entirely to his own efforts and had nowhere to go that would pay him anywhere near the kind of look he was used to.
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Old 02-01-2012, 18:37
penelopesimpson
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Hmmm she's a big of a money grabber isn't she. Will work with any company to earn ££££.

Nothing wrong with wanting to earn money in all honesty but i can't see why a singer/judge would want to front weight watchers, especially when she has never dropped many stones to be a success story.
All of which is more 'evidence' that she was pushed. If she was really trying to revamp her singing career or to 'become the new Oprah' (!), then fronting an advertising campaign for a diet club mostly used by middle aged women, doesn't seem the most obvious of routes. Alesha was told, I believe, that the game was up and is cashing in. And I think she is doing absolutely the right thing.
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Old 02-01-2012, 18:39
jazzyjake
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Also, meant to add that it is a little disingenous to imply that ITV poached Jonathan Ross! As I recall he was pretty much forced to resign due entirely to his own efforts and had nowhere to go that would pay him anywhere near the kind of look he was used to.
No offense to her but Alesha Dixon can't be compared to the likes of Jonathan Ross, Adrian Chiles etc... who ITV 'poached'. Those names i have said, actually did very well on the BBC despite what you may think of them. It is common knowledge that Alesha Dixon was not well taken too by most SCD viewers even though i think she was pretty decent.

The only reason Simon is hiring her is to get one over on the BBC and create publicity for BGT at the same time. Many expected Dannii Minogue to become BGT judge and i think she would have been a better choice but he clearly sees Alesha a more controversial pick.
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Old 02-01-2012, 18:41
jazzyjake
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All of which is more 'evidence' that she was pushed. If she was really trying to revamp her singing career or to 'become the new Oprah' (!), then fronting an advertising campaign for a diet club mostly used by middle aged women, doesn't seem the most obvious of routes. Alesha was told, I believe, that the game was up and is cashing in. And I think she is doing absolutely the right thing.
I disagree. She simply or is being advised that BGT will be better for her music career. BGT is more suited to younger viewers than SCD, and that's the market she needs. Also the pay check and being part of Simons global machine perhaps also swayed it for her.

I don't think Strictly ditched her especially after having one of it's best series last year.
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Old 02-01-2012, 18:42
cookiecracker
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i'm not trying to take any sides here, but surely if she wanted to judge BGT she could've done and kept her role on strictly, as they're not broadcast in the same part of the year?

now i think about it, perhaps she is being tested out for an x factor role....
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Old 02-01-2012, 18:42
penelopesimpson
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No offense to her but Alesha Dixon can't be compared to the likes of Jonathan Ross, Adrian Chiles etc... who ITV 'poached'. Those names i have said, actually did very well on the BBC despite what you may think of them. It is common knowledge that Alesha Dixon was not well taken too by most SCD viewers even though i think she was pretty decent.

The only reason Simon is hiring her is to get one over on the BBC and create publicity for BGT at the same time. Many expected Dannii Minogue to become BGT judge and i think she would have been a better choice but he clearly sees Alesha a more controversial pick.
Are you confusing me with another poster? I don't think Alesha is a big star. And yes, all those names did v.well on the Beeb and then bombed when they left. Except Ross who will probably be okay. And it was me that said SCD viewers did not take to Alesha. Did I get confused?
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Old 02-01-2012, 18:45
jazzyjake
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i'm not trying to take any sides here, but surely if she wanted to judge BGT she could've done and kept her role on strictly, as they're not broadcast in the same part of the year?

now i think about it, perhaps she is being tested out for an x factor role....
That's a good point but why will she need to be tested. Simon has seen her on SCD and probs has an estimation on how she will do on the XFactor.

She could be a replacement for Kelly i suppose but i can't see Alesha and Tulisa on the same panel working tbh as they are too similar.
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Old 02-01-2012, 18:47
pasodabble
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i'm not trying to take any sides here, but surely if she wanted to judge BGT she could've done and kept her role on strictly, as they're not broadcast in the same part of the year?
In theory yes, but ITV would have insisted she quit Strictly. They won't have her judging on a rival show.

now i think about it, perhaps she is being tested out for an x factor role....
Possibly - to replace Kelly Rowland. Although as I said on the other thread, Alesha is very Tulisa-like so maybe not.
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Old 02-01-2012, 18:47
penelopesimpson
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That's a good point but why will she need to be tested. Simon has seen her on SCD and probs has an estimation on how she will do on the XFactor.

She could be a replacement for Kelly i suppose but i can't see Alesha and Tulisa on the same panel working tbh as they are too similar.
You know what? The irony is that she will probably be loads better on BGT! But I wonder which existing judge he will feed to the birds this time?
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Old 02-01-2012, 18:54
Force Ten
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All of which is more 'evidence' that she was pushed. If she was really trying to revamp her singing career or to 'become the new Oprah' (!), then fronting an advertising campaign for a diet club mostly used by middle aged women, doesn't seem the most obvious of routes. Alesha was told, I believe, that the game was up and is cashing in. And I think she is doing absolutely the right thing.
You obviously haven't been to a diet club lately!!
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Old 02-01-2012, 18:58
Servalan
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Great post, even though I don't agree with you! The diversity policy is an issue and I think that is why they stayed with Alesha for as long as they did. However, I don't think it's factually accurate to say that Alesha's only detractors are 'some hardcore SCD fans.' She is pretty much panned by viewers of SCD, not so much in a personal sense, more that she just can't do the job. Have a look at some of the posting sites from today's newspapers, they are pretty much 99% against. I don't rate her, but that was mostly because I thought she was put in to a role that was entirely wrong for her. Given other roles, she has some personality that could be, as you say, gold dust.

As for ITV poaching, why would they pursue a strategy that has so blatantly failed in the past. The list is long - Des Lynam, Michael Parkinson and, lately the horsey one with the teeth and the bloke called Adrian who used to be cool.
Thanks for the back-handed compliment ...

However much hysteria there has been over Alesha's suitability as a SCD judge, I really cannot believe that she is that unpopular with the general public. The people demanding Arlene be brought back on the Daily Heil website were the same ones calling for her to be sacked after what she said about 'poor' John Sergeant. And, in any case, the Heil, the Helegraph and the Scum are competing to see who can trash the BBC the most - and comments from 'members of the public' (AKA paid journalists) on message boards all add fuel to that particular fire.

At the end of the day, if Alesha was that disasterous with viewers, the ratings would have dropped. They didn't - and last series were particularly strong. So, even though some people may not have liked her on SCD, she was hardly an unmitigated disaster. The facts just don't support that argument.

As for ITV's policy of poaching talent from the BBC, all I can say is: some people never learn. They've always done it because they don't really bother to nurture new talent. And ITV has a diversity policy, too ...

As for her being/not being on a par with Ross, etc.: she was on a much higher-rated show than them. So, in ITV's eyes, getting her to 'jump ship' will be a coup. And no, ITV didn't poach Ross from the BBC - but they outbid both C4 and Sky for him on the basis of the work he did for the BBC ... so it may not be the same as Chiles/Bleakley et al, but there's still a parallel. (Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it! )
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Old 02-01-2012, 19:04
David Wright
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What people forget about Simon Cowell is that his British shows are small fry. The real lure that Simon Cowell has is that he can open up the US entertainment industry to his friends and associates.
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Old 02-01-2012, 19:23
tuppen
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Whatever Alesha does, it seems by the posters, that she cannot do right. She is now being crucified for making a career change. She shouldn't be fronting a weightwatchers Ad. Why ? She didn't go to WW and ask them if she could do an Ad., They approached her and asked her to write the song. Simon Cowell tried to get Alesha to join the X Factor panel last year, and she turned it down. He approached her again to do BGT. She felt ready for a career move and accepted, telling the BBC she would not be available this year when they draw up the contracts. Has the world gone mad. Someone who is self employed is free to earn their money anyway they wish so long as it is legal. For heavans sake give the woman a break.
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Old 02-01-2012, 19:23
penelopesimpson
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Thanks for the back-handed compliment ...

However much hysteria there has been over Alesha's suitability as a SCD judge, I really cannot believe that she is that unpopular with the general public. The people demanding Arlene be brought back on the Daily Heil website were the same ones calling for her to be sacked after what she said about 'poor' John Sergeant. And, in any case, the Heil, the Helegraph and the Scum are competing to see who can trash the BBC the most - and comments from 'members of the public' (AKA paid journalists) on message boards all add fuel to that particular fire.

At the end of the day, if Alesha was that disasterous with viewers, the ratings would have dropped. They didn't - and last series were particularly strong. So, even though some people may not have liked her on SCD, she was hardly an unmitigated disaster. The facts just don't support that argument.

As for ITV's policy of poaching talent from the BBC, all I can say is: some people never learn. They've always done it because they don't really bother to nurture new talent. And ITV has a diversity policy, too ...

As for her being/not being on a par with Ross, etc.: she was on a much higher-rated show than them. So, in ITV's eyes, getting her to 'jump ship' will be a coup. And no, ITV didn't poach Ross from the BBC - but they outbid both C4 and Sky for him on the basis of the work he did for the BBC ... so it may not be the same as Chiles/Bleakley et al, but there's still a parallel. (Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it! )
and jolly good for you!

But your evidence is dreadful! All the evidence points overwhelmingly to Alesha not being liked on SCD. And a whole show isn't going to collapse because of one judge. And it isn't an Arlene thing. I did like Arlene and thought the way of her going - i.e. older woman in panel of four sacked to make way for younger more glamorous girl with no credentials - was about as crass as you can get. But, if I had thought Alesha was good, it would not have been an issue for me. All that said, I really do think there is a vehicle out there for her somewhere (unlikley the appalling Christine Bleakley) but SCD wasn't it.
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Old 02-01-2012, 19:24
penelopesimpson
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You obviously haven't been to a diet club lately!!
Oh god, how right you are!
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Old 02-01-2012, 19:26
penelopesimpson
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Whatever Alesha does, it seems by the posters, that she cannot do right. She is now being crucified for making a career change. She shouldn't be fronting a weightwatchers Ad. Why ? She didn't go to WW and ask them if she could do an Ad., They approached her and asked her to write the song. Simon Cowell tried to get Alesha to join the X Factor panel last year, and she turned it down. He approached her again to do BGT. She felt ready for a career move and accepted, telling the BBC she would not be available this year when they draw up the contracts. Has the world gone mad. Someone who is self employed is free to earn their money anyway they wish so long as it is legal. For heavans sake give the woman a break.
I presume you are either a friend of Alesha or her agent. I have no problem with her going to WW - just pointing out that it doesn't sit well with revamping a career as a popstar!
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Old 02-01-2012, 19:30
dancingbearbear
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I don't think she was pushed. I think some Sicilian 'friends' of Dell'Olio made her an offer she couldn't refuse. Whatever Nancy wants, Nancy gets ...
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Old 02-01-2012, 19:32
reclinewithme
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I love Alesha and I love BGT but I hate Cowell and am really disappointed he's coming back .. the panel should be Hoff, Alesha and Michael Macintyre.
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Old 02-01-2012, 19:50
IzzieStar
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I disagree. I personally think she was offered to role by Cowell, who is trying to get one over on SCD by pinching her, as he knows SCD did better than the Xfactor last year and wants to draw media attention from it.

I think Alesha probably thinks BGT will help her music career etc...but i really can't see how a show that isn't taken seriously anymore is one that Alesha will leave an improving SCD for. Who manages her?

Good luck to her anyway but i won't be surprised if it ends in tears for her sadly.
This was exactly my thought when I heard. Not complaining though.
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Old 02-01-2012, 19:56
boddism
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Cards on the table. I can't stand Alesha and think she has been a terrible mistake on SCD. However, this is a strange career move. SCD has had a v.successful season whereas Simon Cowell's shows are failing. The BBC nailed its colours to the mast when they took Alesha on and they stuck with her despite a storm of protest and evidence that although some viewers began to tolerate her, most still disliked her and didn't believe she had the credentials to be a judge. It is unlikely the BBC would have pulicly sacked her after going out on a limb the way they did, and there are also the dual issues of ageism and racism to consider, both of which they have had problems with.

They have also given her other vehicles and my guess is that they have been coaching her because her diction has improved and the hyena laugh has been kept under wraps. So, a really stable employer who would look bad if they sacked her - so why would she leave? And to go to an employer who eats starlets for breakfast and then feeds them to the birds.

My guess is they told her at the beginning of this season that she wouldn't be doing a fourth year. She was more gung-ho than ever this series and there was a certain end-of-termishness about her that I wondered about. Cowell will see it as a nice bit of publicity, but she will have to walk the gangplank that is his close friend Sinitta, whom she is a younger version of, and SC wouldn't mind the publicity generated by her not being able to cut it on one of his shows.

One wonders where she thinks she is going now. Okay, she has Weightwatchers and maybe five minutes fame with BGT, but the BBC might have built shows for her which ITV are unlikely to do. Talk of a revived singing career is surely nonsense. She was never particularly good and she is too old by today's standards to go down that route again.

Any thoughts?
Yup- this is it in a nutshell!

Simon Cowell will happily eat her for breakfast if she doesnt work in BGT, hes a ruthless b*****d when all's said & done.

She MIGHT work on BGT, but I see this line up as even more distasterous than the previous one. Firstly too many big , loud characters. Secondly too many egos (see point 1!) Dont know why David Walliams is being enthused about so much, I dont see him as being suitable for BGT, Cowell truely has lost it.

I agree her pop career is going no where fast, whether this was gonna be her last Strictly series or not, the BBC had certainly given her a good chance giving her SCD & docs etc.

(BTW- I dont think her behaviour & comments on Chatty Man the other week really helped her...) In the light of what we now know, maybe she knew & didnt give a shit?? Still, a little insensitive to her colleagues at Strictly...

So shes jumped ship for a big cheque it seems..... I hope the money sustains her when Cowell chucks her on the scrapheap in a year or two...
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