Spot on, I noticed that too. Well said,

I don't usually find Bruce as bad as others, but I did tense slightly when I heard him say that.

I appreciate that he was trying to defend Mark, but it clearly made Mark uncomfortable and was a tad tactless.

Certainly made me cringe. I do feel sorry for Mark...

I've watched it back and he thanked Bruce. I genuinely don't think he took offence nor do I think any was meant.

The remark was talking about was said to Mark BEFORE the judges started & Mark looked hurt.

I completely agree; I actually covered my ears in embarrassment. I'm sure if the camera had been on the audience we'd have seen some similar responses. It was meant to be helpful, but it was actually just patronising and made it worse. He doesn't appear to have any kind of filter mechanism regarding what he says. Cringe-making.

I didn't think it was too bad; can't get away from the fact he will struggle with his size and Mark I'm sure would have taken the comment in the spirit it was intended. Mark seems to have lost his energy; he looked like someone who wants to be voted off (perhaps his knees are feeling the strain).

I agree, I saw him thank Bruce too. I don't think Bruce should have said it but I believe it was meant with good intentions.

I gasped. Out loud. Three times! Also, as others have mentioned, it's not Bruce's job to judge. To greet mark after the dance with "that dance wasn't for you" before the judges have even spoken was awful! Reminds me of when I used to go out with my tactless, slightly deaf grandma who'd pass judgment of everyone around slightly too loudly!

Yes, that was inappropriate.

What sort of things did your granny say? Must have been fun!

Did you miss him saying 'not that I want you to leave this week'? That remark was obviously a scripted joke referencing the cabin crew dancers that appeared with Anton at the beginning of the routine.

Didn't miss that, no. I also realise that he is scripted to within an inch of his life with every episode of SCD. However, it was obvious that Fiona and Anton were squirming in the clip of them after Bruce's side splitting 'joke'.

Like I said, I realise that every word that he utters is scripted but personally, I find his 'jokes' uncomfortable and forced. I can only comment on how his performance comes across to me, but I wasn't impressed with him tonight.

It made me cringe.

Yes,that's one of the main problems i have with Bruce still presenting, because despite what anyone says he has got to the age where he says what he likes and he can't see the problem with giving his opinion however tactless. It wouldn't matter so much usually, as most pensioners don't have a saturday night platform on which to speak.
I dont see how the producers can keep risking him saying something really inappropriate, when he was wittering on about Tess's legs last night i had visions of him forgetting where he was or even thinking he was at home with his wife's legs. When my grandma got old every shopping trip was a thin line between amusement and embarrassment, from slightly racist comments to shouted enquiries such as "are these buns fresh?" We dont need to feel like that every sat night as well.

Loved your post. Agreed, the man's a ticking time bomb.

I think you make an interesting point. Last week I really enjoyed the presenting, it flowed much better and there was no waiting for Bruces next clunkily delivered joke or waiting for him to say something slightly tactless or awkward. Tess and Claudia held the show together and imo had the tone just about right.

As a viewer, it was awkward to witness. Can you imagine him saying it to a woman? Bruce needs to stick to what's on his cards.

quote...."a standing ovation. I bet you've never had that before" to Jayne Torville and Christopher Dean after their Children in Need performance. Probably the most celebrated ice dancers of all time. I had to rewind to check I heard it correctly.

I think he was joking.

Well said, it seems any excuse to have a pop at Bruce and people pounce, lol I am not the greatest fan of his but it does make me laugh

Gosh some people do love to nit-pick over every comment Bruce make's don't they?

I heard him say it, but thought nothing of it. He was trying to be helpful and supportative. The fact of the matter is that Mark is a fat man who actually moves quite well (for his size) Really don't see the problem with anybody pointing that out.

Mark clearly wasn't offended anyway. And let's be honest, if Mark did have a problem with his weight being brought up, he should have slimmed down before he went on the show - Actually it's a shame he didn't because a slim Mark could be a contender for this as he clearly has some dance ability which I think could have been taken much further had he been several stone's lighter...

"He danced quite well considering he's a fat bastard!"

That's exactly what I was going to say. I think Mark even shook Brucies hand. Why people feel the need to make things up that really are not there I will never know.

I thought it was tactless. As others have said, he wouldn't have made the same comment to one of the female contestants. Bruce didn't only say it once either, he said it straight after the dance, then repeated it after the judges' comments. It was a bit cringeworthy, Mark obviously made light of it, what else could he do.

He often does things like this, he repeats stuff if he thinks the viewers might not have heard it. I mean it's "all about him" isn't it?
As I record the programme and fast-forward through his pointless contributions and attempts at "self-aggrandisement" it was noticeable last night how often the old fool talked over the judges as they gave their opinions, the man has absolutely no manners.