I liked Flavia standing in for Karen, but Vincent would get n my nerves after a while, not because I don't like him, but because he'd take up time I'd rather see used by Flavia takling about the dancing.

I prefer Karen's way of explaining things, but I'm sure Flavia would quickly learn to dumb it down a touch for non-dancers like me!

Karen is my first choice, but I'd be happy with most of the pros doing Choreography Corner. I remember Lilia was very good - better than Darren in fact.

OTT on ITT Whatever next?

I agree; especially with " she is a real judge, not just a pretend one " . And she's also very respected in her field

Remember when Karen joined Strictly as a pro, a group of the female pros sat on the ITT sofa one evening, and Claudia asked them who had been Judged by Karen in competition, and all said yes, from Camilla to Nicole.

she was right about Natalies VW - whilst it was a beautiful dance it wasnt a VW which is what they should have done

Series 3, I presume?

I'm still a newbie to SCD because last year was the first whole series I watched so my only experience of KH comes from IT2.

Sorry but I just cannot stand KH. She comes over as too 'affected' imho.

Hubby & I lurve Karen & look forward to her slot the most on ITT, (joint with Ian Waite's bit I must add).

I've not noticed any difference in her demeanour since last year tbh!

I think she's one of these marmite persons; like Bruce. Do what we do with him & fast forward her if she's not to your taste is my advice.

I was sad she wasn't given the gig on the panel when Alesha left. Darcy is OK but a bit bland & lbh Karen is a real judge; of ballroom dancing.

I like Karen's choreography corner although I didn't much take to her as a dancer on the show.

Hmm...I would say Hazel Newberry was highest ranked, but she was a ballroom world champion (not latin) and only appeared in one series.

I agree with the general sentiment. I think Karen makes some very good points and is worth listening to.

OliveJ I think that obviously the big boss has had a word in karens ear and told her off for being too soft on contestants, it leaves an ill taste in peoples mouths.

I remember the debate (whatever series it was) when people were saying why wasn't Karen made a judge on strictly afer she left, seeing as she actually is already the real deal anwyay. And I had wondered if it was becasue maybe the other Pros on Strictly wouldn't want to be judged by a fellow dancer. But as this has reminded me.....


..., they prob wouldn't have minded.

I don't mind Karen's personality (even if overley lively sometimes) and I value her knowledge on ITT. I liked her as a Pro on Strictly too, and she was a World Champion too back in her day from what I read, so it's not like she doesn't have pedigree.

Yes, I remember

I know she may not be everyone cup of tea here but she is highly qualified in what she does; She knows what she is talking about .
I have to be honest, I have never really warmed up to her as a pro on strictly until Mark but I have started to appreciate her more once she left, weird.
I dont always agree with some of the things she says; A 10 for Suzanna's charleston ? Or Ben is improving but I love to hear her opinions and I always look forward to Tuesday CC .

Why is this so surprising? Karen had a great amateur career before turning professional. As a pro, with her partner Brian Watson, she won:

World Masters
Osaka World Trophy
UK Open
International Open
British Nationals
Italian Open
London Open
Yankee Open
runner up in the World Championships.

Named Coach of the Year ..... etc etc

I think that more than qualifies her to be an adjudicator at all the top events.

Thanks, and to the other post saying the same.

I thought wrong then. So why do I have at the back of my mind that she's a bit of a prima donna? Can't be because of the wardrobe malfunction with Mark R and her reaction? It may well be, but I can't help feeling she left under a bit of a cloud and my old addled brain can't remember the detail!

Your memory doesn't serve you right - the great cull of the pro was just before season eight started - a think a few were offered places in the pro dance troop that wouldn't be dealing with celebs - most refused seeing it probably rightly as a demotion - this included Brian Fortuna, Matt Cutler and Lilia Koplilova. Darren Bennett and Ian Waite accepted it.

Karen actually left in between series six and seven - she has stated that was half her idea - motivations being concentrating on her dance school and I get the impression having had the SCD experience soured for her by having to partner Gary Rhodes - quite understandably so - Dave Myers maybe a rubbish dancer but at least you get the impression he tries hard, is enthuisastic and fun to work with - Gary Rhodes was none of those things and arrogant to boot.

Re above, Tissy and Caramel Crunch said the same earlier, so happy to concur.

I look forward to seeing her too.

She was still dancing after series 4, with Gary Rhodes. What are you on about?

edit: saw that others explained, and you have accepted. Apologies.

Apology not needed. It's the SCD forum after all!

No, what I am trying to put across is I have no reason to not like her, and I can't put my finger on it, but for some reason, I don't rate her. And it's because of something she did or said whilst a pro dancer.

And that's what alludes me! Whatever that was!

I guess everyone has their own likes and dislikes

Love Karen but please stop saying Darcey not qualified

I must of missed that.

I think it's a legitimate point to make actually, Darcey certainly isn't as qualified to Judge Ballroom Dancing as Karen Hardy is, but then neither is Bruno or Craig, and neither was Arlene. Though the show is going further and further away from pure Ballroom & Latin as each week passes, and doesn't even provide proper music in the right rhythm, so what chance do the contestants have to learn the correct steps and style?

As Len is the only Ballroom trained Judge, I say there's room for another in the form of Karen, Lilia or Ian.
In my opinion, Darcey often gets lost when she has to go first on the Panel, and praises something the others all disagree with because fundamentally she doesn't know what she's looking for in purely Ballroom terms, witness giving the 10 for a non-VW last week (as Bruno did), and Brendan criticising her remarks about bent legs in the Jive on ITT. Ballroom/Latin technique is not Ballet. Yes, she can come up with Devle Pe, and Jennet turns etc etc, but what about a throwaway oversway?

I sincerely doubt that to be the case.