DOI had no choice as their ratings were in freefall, which meant they had to change something to halt the slide. In any case it's always been less about the judges on DOI as they change them all the time.

Just thought of Denise Van Outen. No strong feelings either way but she is credible, a 'big' personality and well know.

Not any more. She doesn't get much TV work these days. Her style of cheesiness and sexual innuendo is out of vogue. Anyway, I don't think the BBC would have her as a permanent judge after she shagged and married a much younger contestant on another show she where she was judge.

Take the point about her maybe not being right, but is it a crime for a woman to marry a younger man whom she met at work? Artem, otherwise known as God, did pretty much the same thing (and left them as he dated up) but then, I guess he's a man!

that's a bit harsh!

Not really. The BBC won't have forgotten when she lied about them for sacking her because she was pregnant either. They won't give a long-term job to someone who is a potential liability.

I hope they choose more carefully.

What did she do>

Someone who knows what they are talking about would be good. I am not a fan of Karen Hardy, she's too gushing. I don't want to see Emma Bunton, she is only marginally less annoying than Alesha Dixon. They need someone with some credibility, not another airhead who has been chosen for their looks.

There must be loads of young, articulate, bright, dancers out there who could do a good job but because they haven't been seen on television aren't considered. Someone known, even for being not very, talented stands a better chance. 'Fame' has more kudos than talent does, quite often.

None of the better choices are going to be popular in some quarters, but a Spice Girl who has done the show or the US one or has dance teaching qualifications (Mel C) is about as good as you can get. Mel B now has stage and judging experience, but she's not even UK based. The other problem is that the Spice Girls seem already busy on their musical for late 2012/2013 - unless they want the publicity....After that from music you would end up with someone else from the Alesha/Atomic Kitten/Spice Girls era. The best qualified ones may not be well known enough and are busy elsewhere. Tina from S Club for example is a vastly more qualified dancer than Alesha, about the same age, but probably not known enough or interested.

The alternative from the acting rather than the music side has already been tried on DOI. Ruthie Henshall is probably our best qualified Musical theatre actor/singer and dancer - but people didn't like her criticising their favourites, didn't see what she saw, and there's a big problem with an experienced actor telling a less experienced one their acting is weak. Less knowledge may be better if you don't try and say things you are not qualified to. You could move Amanda Holden over from ITV/theatre , or put Tamzin Outhwaite in , but neither is as qualified as Ruthie. Bonnie Langford could do it well , but she might run into opposition too. Jill could also do it and, again, is better qualified than Alesha to cover the acting and entertainment angle - but she may still be filming or on stage .

The easier option is to find a popular dancer - which is Darcey again. If they just can't find anyone, they ought to go for a pro and, as Ian is the right choice - but the wrong sex - they may well end up with Karen contradicting craig and Len.

Add
5. Likeability. The fourth judge has to lead the voters and has to be liked and followed by them. This requires being "nice"," one of us" and being able to chuck out tons of positive praise before deploying a sharp stilleto to ease out the hopeless cases that people are still voting for.

I dont know why they cant go down the "last pro out" route each week and have say Ian or Karen judging the first couple of weeks before there is an evicted pro..

I think most of the pros could be objective (rather than biased towards their partner) and also are likely to be respected by the fans.

But then again when has the BBC ever been sensible?

I agree with the post above btw if they cant go down this route.

One thing I hadnt thought of when suggesting Mel B was the fact I seem to remember Mel C on ITT saying she'd like to do Strictly (? or did I dream that) so probably that choice could only ever happen if Mel C wasnt doing SCD and presumably if Mel B decided to come back to UK for a period (or commute like Len and Bruno do).

The more I think about it, I'm certain that they'll select a celebrity/name for the slot...

I agree.

At a certain level the audience and the celebrities they support are the good guys, and the judges are positioned as the bad guys. Having somebody on the judging panel who the audience perceive as 'one of them' is no bad thing.

And it would seem a very good idea to make the good guy a good girl.

Sooty

It'll make great TV as Brucie leans forward to 'listen' to and relay Sooty's comments and then we get to see him heave the,to him, giant score-card.

I would never usually dream of saying this but SCD should take a lead out of Dancing On Ice and hire a new judge that is the Latin/Ballroom equivilent of Katarina Witt.

Sorry if this has already been mentioned, I didn't read the previous comments before mine.

No Mel's of any variety, thank-you.

Surely the obvious thing to do, and a massively good move on the part of the BBC, would be to beg Arlene to rejoin. It would also be a wonderful way of cocking a snook at Alesha.

No:

Spice Girls
Atomic Kittens
Loud Girls

No starlets
No ex-winners

Either big name wacky, left of centre choice OR Arlene. And why can't Len go and we get two new judges? Why is it always the woman?

Good looking female with "personality" and optionally some knowledge.
Must be able to find the "10" card with her eyes closed.

Muppet Miss Piggy is the perfect, candidate. Good looking, plenty of personality, would smarm over the young lad celebs and would award tens with abandon. Could also give Bruno a good slap, when he gets too OTT.

With Moira Ross gone It may all head off in a new direction. Someone like Shirley Ballas could be an option as a 'see we didn't get rid of Arlene for her age' or someone like Tess or Claudia or Zoe could be promoted, Though why Zoe hasn't been mentioned much before i don't know

I would think the BBC line that they won't look at it till May might be right - let the dust settle, see who comes out of the woodwork, how the Manchester set up is working and & get the new production team put together. Some good candiates might not agree to travel. i'd also guess they'll be looking for golden handcuff deal for a couple of series.

I also don't put credence on the Chelsee rumours, i don't think she's eloquent enough for the role and seemed uncomfortable when asked to comment on others as a contetsant.

I think we're looking for someone female, British or lived here awhile/gets the SCD vibe/Brit humour, with a dance & showbiz track record, though not necessarily well known or known at all, late 20s to 30s or signifcantly older, with poise, an overdose of self belief and the hide of a rhino! That should be easy then!

I totally agree I want someone with some dancing credentials not just some totty its a bit offensive to women the men have some dancing back ground and the women just for there looks.

I couldn't help wondering if the gradual upturn in presenting for Karen over the last season or two means the BBC have been grooming her for this for a while.

Either way, lots of Ian and Zoe on ITT again next season, love that pair. Find the lovely Matthew something else to do as well.

Hardly; Dancing On Ice rated higher last year than it did in 2010.