Seriously unappreciating that Monday Panel on ITT. Were the pros not available because of the Christmas Special or something? The panel had nothing relevant to contribute. Thank God Marian and Iveta were able to rescue the show. Iveta is just hilarious. It's one of life's bitter ironies that her favourite style of dance is hip-hop and her official partner is Anton. I bet there's a lot more swearing involved when Marian normally sits down to watch Strictly of a Saturday.

She wasn't allowed to explain, possibly ITT know the Cliftons

No seriously, she also waxed lyrical about MDF. Her judgement is very suspect.

As was the bloke who liked to see reality stars on SCD.

Reality Stars, surely not a thing that is possible, long ago I used to watch BB though not for many years and other than Jade, every single winner or big personality disappeared without trace within a year or so.

And I am not sure other than for her unfortunate end she would be remembered now.

Actually I feel SCD may be ready to throw MDF under the bus when Marion's frost words were " aw look he is crying now" 😃

As far as I could make out, the thing wrong with Frankie's ears was that she could see them.

But since she adores Mark I think her judgement is a bit suspect.

The show started sort of well.

Yeah it did....

I said something like well, at least they've bunged the windmill in the corner and not plonked it in the middle for the Hitler Youth couple to try and navigate around and then it started. And my face was like the audience in this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiryTUCtLNA

'Strictly was in trouble what a sad sad story. It needed a new producer to restore its former glory.'

And the costumes were reminiscent of it as well. I swear I would not have been surprised had the band segued into Tomorrow Belongs to Me and the backing dancers had formed a swastika on stage with an overhead camera, and a graphic of the Bismarck on the back wall complete with guns. Honestly, a minute into THAT and I would not have been surprised. Somebody might have been taking the piss out of the Hitler Youth poster couple without actually daring to put it or copping out of it being in JAIRMANY. Aw shame.

Aside from Simon and Caroline, nul point to the rest.

It was obvious from ITT that Trent was p*ssed off with his costume as well.

Yeah, Trent actually went up in my estimation after that clip.

'Thanks wardrobe'

Sadly I agree with you. I lived in The Netherlands for two years and NEVER saw anyone wearing lederhosen or the outfit Pixie was wearing. I thought they were in Austria!

I really hope backing dancers and themes are dropped.

Agree with you - wish they'd bring back Larry Lamb, Gareth Malone and Linda. Much better panelists. This lot had really nothing to contribute.

Best part for me was Iveta's wardrobe and Trent's sigh about his costume!

It was a lovely example of words saying one thing and delivery of those words and body language saying something else entirely. I shall keep an eye on him. He seems to have a natural talent for subversion.

All we need is for him to slouch on the couch in ITT and we will have Artem's successor.

Actually no, Trent would never bother to apologise for it and would be horizontal on his next appearance.

Even better.

Strange lederhosen Trent was wearing, not being made of leather, like. I can also report from my Austrian holiday recently that Pixie's Dirndl skirt didn't pass muster either, not having an apron. Maybe that gear is de rigeur down in Maida Vale or wherever they filmed the canalside VT.

Fun dance though to start the show.

Trent is a DOT! maybe SOT ...

Well, I received an automated email about my SCD complaint saying it would be forwarded to the producers.

Just spoke to a friend in Amsterdam - the Dutch national dress - No lederhosen but balloon type full trousers in dark colours. I referred him to the website and he called me back - he was fuming. He said the same thing that one of the posters did - it reminded him of the Springtime for Hitler scene. I think he is lodging a complaint!!

I am now unappreciating the producers, wardrobe and whoever chooses music. Hate to say it but I may finish with Strictly after this season. I definitely will if Mark goes on to the semis.

It certainly was but the costumes are becoming more and more bizarre.

Oh I love the idea, he could be a part time bar boy out of season, someone needs to hide his surfboard

Unappreciating that my BBC automated reply to my complaint about the terrible themes, stereotyping, terrible music and backing dancers couldn't even spell backing dancers correctly.

Just a thought - what if Saturday was BBC's misguided idea to help tensions in foreign countries. Dutch people - are you annoyed by Zwarte Piet? Here, watch Pixie and Trent. Are you Greek? Are you feeling down with the continuing economic crisis? Take a peep at Jake and Janette.

Didn't notice that before - you're right!

Honestly. . . the BBC is supposed to be the guardian of the English language.

Did anyone read the piece that MDF is trying to get the Strictly house band and some of the dancers to play/perform at his wedding? Honestly. . .

Not really surprising. The whole concept of Saturday showed a deep ignorance.

Since Strictly is syndicated globally, I wonder if other countries' versions do "English" theming for their Round the World Special? (I know, but most people use English as synonymous with British)

What would they do?
Carnaby Street jive
National Health Service rumba
English Defence League Paso (except it wouldn't be a Paso as that is too foreign)
Football hooligans Pro dance /brawl

Certainly couldn't be more bizarre than the bouncing-on-the-beds NHS dance which featured at the Olympics

Oh no I liked that and how wonderful to have the NHS celebrated as a great British institution