I think the best thing to do is just ignore the judges scoring.

Perzackerly.

As others have said, it's an entertainment show/pantomime, and the judges' opinions are only that - opinions. They're supposed to be experts, but Len wouldn't know a salsa if it jumped up and bit him, nor do any of them really get the Argentine Tango or Charleston, for that matter.

Not that I'm an expert, mind, but there are plenty of people who post on this forum who are more knowledgeable about their specialist dances than the judges on the show. Also, as Rufus Hound pointed out this week on ITT, after 11 series of Strictly even the armchair dancers among us (me) can spot a heel lead or a poor top line, so we don't just judge on our favourites, but - however hazily - on technique, too. Hence our extra disappointment after a night like tonight, I think.

I made it through Lisa, Pamela and Jason's undeserved 40s - I can definitely make it through when a person I actually like gets one.

or don't vote of course

Didn't SCD start 9 years ago in 2004?

It just feels like 11.

Must admit that 40 amazes me - by no means perfect

Bobbersboy, your thread may have made some impact if you had made yourself known to me, us, before tonight.

Actually, that's probably not true. Enjoy your weekends 'off''

I wonder how many people here are actually qualified top judge dancing. Obviously the judges saw something great and they scored accordingly

I agree with you - although he can be a bit mean sometimes I think Craigs scoring is usually more consistent and realistic so, like you, I felt let down by him tonight.
I don't know enough about dance to comment on the Salsa content, it was a fun dance but it just wasn't 'perfect'. It looked a bit 'messy' to me in places - If Craig can see the minutest flaws in other dancers why could he not see Abbeys tonight?
I am hoping in the end the public vote for the right people regardless of the judges votes.

Given that no one has won scoring 40 before the final. This may have scuppered Abbeys chances.