So it seems Mark is to do a Lion King-themed Samba and it has been hinted that he may be dressed as a lion. Ho-hum, here we go again. As a Mark fan it is so frustrating that the producers have decided to squander the show's best performer (in terms of encapsulating the spirit of the dance) to inappropriate comedy routines. They may prove me wrong, it may be a stonking routine, but I can't help feel that, after the Spaceman Paso and the Goldfinger Rumba, the producers have scuppered his chances yet again. Why not give him a crowd-pleasing song and let his natural humour come through, instead of forcing the issue?

I know, it's really annoying. I'm not sure why they've decided he's the 'comedy act' anyway, as he actually can dance. I can only assume it's because he's not as thin as most - which says a lot about the attitudes of the people who make the programme :/

One word Tails

Mark's Comedy Latins have been for me, the highlight of his dances and in many ways the highlight of the series. I'm glad he's going out on one, rather than trying to do samba straight or something boring and tasteful.

It would be good to see ITT film a meeting in which the producers decide to stitch up one of the contestants 'for entertainment purposes'.

Mark is able to physically convey the comedic through facial expression and movement. I'm not sure what having a tail will add to this in a good way.

Tails are funny. I hope he twirls it.

I'm already thinking Iveta's tail will merit a spin-off show of its own.

Mark and Iveta can twirl their tails together in sync to the Samba beat.

You mean turning a relying on fixed grin most suitable for an actor playing the part of country bumpkin.

He seems to able to display a whole range emotions from A to, er, A

I shall be voting hard for Mark.

And to find out which sectors of the public they're polling in order to decide that enforced FUN! and ridiculous themes are what the majority of viewers want to see

I really wonder if the theme of this samba was Mark or Iveta idea .

It's probably another theme imposed on them .

I wanted to see him go on a high, not dressed as a lion especially if it wasn't his idea !

I think that of all the contestants save Susanna perhaps, Mark has had the most diverse routines. Rather than being a laughing stock, I am sure he is envied (in a nice way) by his fellow competitors - he has been given, and provided, more light and shade than anyone else on the show.

I'm sure he will wear the fur collar with his usual inimitable style and have a lot of fun doing so. And we couldn't have a lion without a lion's tail...well not unless it proves to be a hazard in dress rehearsal

Thank god I thought I was the only one

Obviously there have been low points (Paso & Rumba) but I have a feeling this is going to be as awesome as the Cha Cha. Mark & Iveta know they are on very borrowed time & it's so much better to go out with a bang than a sizzle.

I even hope they DO have Pasha in tiger suit as well.

What a good idea! Ben and Kristina had a whole troupe of dancers at Blackpool. One little Pasha-cub would hardly be noticed.

I'm sure he would still look cute.

I'm fine with a comedy routine this week. It's a 99% certainty he'll go... so at least in the dance off they can have lots of fun. His knees are knackered anyway so a serious routine won't do much for him at present.

As far as a "crowd pleasing song"...I'd say "I just can't wait to be King" is pretty decent in that regard. It's the liveliest,most fun song from one of the best loved animated movies of all time.

If there was any chance he might stay (or even wanted to), the OP would probably have a point. I can see where they're coming from.

However, he's 99% certain going home and it looks very much as if that's the way he wants it. Therefore, it's best he goes with something memorable. And the samba is supposed to be a party, so unlike the rumba, it will at least fit the dance.

ETA - Sorry, I usually read the thread before posting and I've just realised that the post above basically says everything I've just said. Didn't actually mean to be repetitive - just coincidence.

Mark does everything with such good grace and I think he will enter in the spirit of this with the good grace he has shown all along.

Iveta has been a revelation as well a brilliant dancer and one who also has accepted her lot with very good grace and it has been a brilliant partnership.

I sort of want him to go to give his poor knackered knees a rest but the series will be poorer for him going and I really hope he will be a returning guest on SCD .

I also hope this show has showcased his talents so that good things come to him career wise.

He will go out as a much loved contestant for a lot of people and not everybody will have such a good legacy.

I really am interested in seeing what he does next.

If this is tptb idea (the bond villian one was) why can't they just let him dance, I'm fed up of the comedy routines and I don't think it will do him any favours.

I agree, a comedy samba means they've given up on the dancing .

Well, if he goes, he'll be going with pride.

And that's the mane thing...

Lol