The thing I noticed (and enjoyed) most about Saturday's show, is that the judges were able to interact with the celebrities and each other, and were able to give detailed, in depth criticism. Normally they get a few lines out, interrupted after (and in between) each one by BF.
Everyone on the presentation side (i.e. not the dancers) seemed to be so much more at ease and more comfortable with the way the show was going.
I wish a certain someone would watch the recording and take note how it's done!
(And yes, I know it is a rehash of an often-vented opinion, but we've not really talked about how the judges react to each presenter at length, as far as I know)

True, but they did have extra time to fill due to Natalie's slot being cut short.

Given the unnecessary comments Bruce makes to interrupt the judges, I'm only surprised I haven't heard "Good game! Good game!"
I mean it's no more irrelevant than any other comment he makes!

I thought that this was because Natalie didn't dance and so they had more time to fill...

The extra time they had from a missing Natalie seemed to really help. Perhaps they should consider an extra 10 mins every week, so long as they use it for good not evil (ie, no more cheesy VTs!)

I think they only resort to VT because they need to clear the floor and set up props for each dance. Well I hope that's the reason.

that's what I thought the VT's are time to set up props or remove props if required

only becuase Natalie wasnt dancing they had time to fill

Even then they were clearly pressed for time by the end. Claudia didn't get to interview Patrick at all.

How much less time did the video of Natalie and interview with Artem take than a dance would have done?

They get extra time every week because there is one less celeb.

They did have more time to fill with very short notice and the easiest way was for the judges to talk more.

It looked to me like the PTB have switched off the 'ignore the bad dancing' instruction to some extent. It still feels very manipulated as regards comments and to a lesser extent scores.

I have just been watching some Rachel and Vincent clips from Series 6 and there is quite a contrast in the dancing compared to now. Full routines with great choreography and teaching.