As the show nears the final though, shouldn't it be more about ability than likeability?

Matt is incredibly arrogant, but imo, he was way better than Beth and Gareth tonight.

The thing that annoys me about Matt and Brianne is that they seem to think they've got the competition sewn up already. There has kind of been that air about them since show one. I agree he's a great skater but something slightly off for me and I'd much rather see Gareth or Beth take it. I have to agree with others though, this year there haven't been many likeable personalities on the show.

Well yes which is why I have said those 3 should be in the final. I do think Matt gave the best performance tonight as well but across the series it's much closer. Also when the abilities are closely matched likeability will be a factor for many.

He annoys me.

I agree with other posters, he can skate but behaves like an arrogant spoilt brat.

One consolation is that after DOI we probably won't see much of him on tv again.

I did think his solo performance was good last night - although not better than Beth imo. I actually thought he was better than Brianne who seemed a bit hyperactive at times. He was definitely better than his team mates in the team skate though - but that was more his style. The problem is his attitude could well see him in the skate off again - I had hoped being in it before would give him a reality check but he just sulked for a week and now seems make to normal sadly. No he is not in any way 'likeable' but with gritted team I admit he deserves to be in the final - with Beth.

Matt benefited from having the most attractive routine last night, as Gareth did last week and Beth the week before. It's starting to become more about the routine given and less about comparative skills as to who tops the leaderboard.

I personally think Matt is a better skater and a better actor/performer than Beth. I mean really, who fails to make a Charleston routine fun, competent or not? As for his personality, sure he's a bit desperate to win, but I'd rather that than fake humility and gushing. The other contestants seem to really like him and that counts for a lot in my book.

Absolutely, but I think the fact that T&D only seem to be able to come up with one decent routine per week is affecting the judges' ability to compare.

I'm another one who doesn't like him. I agree with the majority here on how he comes across. He might not be that way really and has been subject to slanted editing in the VTs, but his reactions on the live show are very OTT in an arrogant kind of way and that doesn't endear himself to me.

I'm not crazy about Matt, but I don't dislike him. I do however, dislike Luke who I find to be cocky and arrogant. I agree with what Jason said about him having an attitude and being argumentative. I haven't seen anything like that in Matt.

Also, Matt gave the strongest performance last night and was much better than Beth's as far as I'm concerned.

I work with many young trainees and interns and they're no different from Matt - they're confident, eager and wear their hearts on their sleeves.

If Matt were really arrogant, he wouldn't bother training and would be taking naps or texting during practice sessions like some of the SCD contestants his age have done.

Instead, he's working hard and striving to improve each week and is very hard on himself when he messes up.

I like Matt's confidence and enthusiasm and hope he wins.

I think Luke has a worse attitude that Matt.

I totally agree .

Matt clearly has a lot of talent and, apart from his sometimes over-exuberant reactions after the performance he is a likeable character.


Luke, on the other hand comes across a spoiled and petulant brat. I am sure, (I think), that he isn't really but he certainly has an 'arrogance' issue. And, after almost nine months, how relevant is his Olympic success in a skating competiton?

I agree and I voted for him last night, having voted for Beth before. I thought his routine was very good (though I much prefer Dan to Brianne! ) I don't find Matt particularly arrogant - just keen to do well and win! If this were America that would be seen as absolutely normal. I don't think he deserves the vitriol he gets on here. Chris said he was a great team leader, very encouraging, and the other competitors obviously like him.

The only one I can't bear to watch is Luke - he comes over very badly to me.

I didn't like him from the start and the tears when he was in the skate off simply confirmed my opinion.

He was still whining last night about how difficult it had been and how he needed to climb back up the leaderboard.

He's never been lower than 3rd for heaven's sake. Why on earth does he think he has a divine right to top the board?

Not sure how those statements connect - you say Matt said he 'needed to climb up the leaderboard' and then interpret that as 'thinking he has a divine right to top the board'.

How does feeling vulnerable after a couple of (by his standards) slightly dodgy weeks, including one skate-off, and expressing a desire to improve so that he can stay safe, convert to thinking the top spot should be his by default?

Honestly, DOI doesn't need twists when there's thinking like that out there capable of distorting and manipulating viewpoints til they bear no resemblance to what's happening on screen

Nothing contradictory about my comments - he reminded us he was top three weeks on the run, then said he needed to reclaim top spot.

Why? For what reason does he think he needs to lead the pack rather than Beth or Gareth? Unless, of course, it's because even when he took second place in a group of eight he found himself in the SO. Clearly this evidence of a lack of popularity with the public shook him.

As for feeling vulnerable he's not the only one to face the SO but he is only one to turn on the tears. Keith found himself there four times but took it on the chin with a smile and I didn't see Shayne crying a river when he lost the SO to Matt. In fact Matt should have been grateful that his stumble didn't cost him his place in the competition.

Does the BIB refer to me - if so might I suggest a rethink. I am as entitled to my opinion as are you to yours and accusing me of distortion and manipulation hardly conforms to the rules of DS and the requirement to respect other posters.

I find no need for the rolling eyes smiley.

Matts the best skater.......isn't what this show is supposed to be about. If it was about personality then whats the point of their skating at all?

If it was about personality alone I would dump Luke who surely is far more arrogant than Matt is, although judging a person on these small recordings is a little unfair isn't it?

Read the thread title again.

One can acknowledge ability without liking a person.

So in answer to the question:

Am I the only one who doesn't like Matt - my answer is No. I don't like him either.

He means he needs to get back to the top for his own sake if he's going to win, which he wants to. That's hardly expecting it. Beth made comments about Matt and Gareth kicking at her toes, as she put it.. It's healthy competition and I for one welcome it.

BIB because he thinks he is the best skater and should be at the top every single week

I didnt like him from the start either, he comes across as a petulent 5 year old who sulks when he doesnt get his own way. Yes, he wants to win but doesnt everyone? I didnt see Keith sulking and throwing his toys out of his pram when he was in the state off, he just deal with it - like an adult - Matt could do with taking a leaf out of Keiths book if you ask me and this spoilt child attitude is not doing him any favours and yes - I thought he was grossly overmarked on sunday night

Am I the only one who doesnt like Matt - no you are not

I enjoyed the routine yesterday (and likewise his classical performance) but Matt himself I can't take to at all. To me he has the same air about him as Sam and Hayley did - a desperation to be top dog, and he panicks when he isn't ,

Look at his reaction to being in the skate off - didn't Brianne say he was totally destroyed (or something like that) - so much so it affected his performance even a week later. No-one else has reacted like that

I love Matt but he is seriously overmarked; but then again I think this entire series has been dodgy with marks. I am so surprised Jason has not picked up on his lines; especially in his arms. He has the posture (at certain points) of a commanding male, but his arms are not following.

He's way more bearable now the surprise skate off has taken him down a peg or two