i'm just worried because it seems James continues to be misunderstood
even i fall prey to the odd misunderstanding, i didn't realise calling someone a C*** while they aren't there and laughing about it is actually "witty banter" between the name caller and the name called *facepalm* i feel such a fool
luckily we have James to educate not just Gary but all of us

Yes, notwithstanding all you say, on the particular subject of denial/acceptance of inner femininity/masculinity I would consider Kellie of long experience.

This is a great thread. But because I'm lazy, rather than composing something of any worth, I'm going to focus on responding to posts that highlight the specific details/evidence of Jame's nobbishness which I've also observed and identified..


I think Pitman is spot on here. James simply cannot accept any critique at all.

His 'defence' inevitably diverts into an attack on the criticiser, in order to deflect the criticism.

Gary (yes I enjoy him, no I don't worship him) dramatically highlighted this defensive 'attack reflex' of James, when he told him 'it's not about you', in the councelling task.

Point of clarification OP.

Which question is your thread basically posing about James:

(A) is he alpha male?

((B) is he a good leader?

Your response that I've quoted and to other posters appears to confuse the two issues.

Another great exacting point from fifi here. James does indeed use his 'Wind Up' playful persona - with the shrill hysterical giggle and prance for effect - in order to mask cutting and intentionally spiteful comments.

James plays the clown, in order to undermine more grounded and mature / secure characters like Audley, but he doesn't use it to undermine his peers, like George.

It's a method of snipping / sniping at both the weaker and stronger 'animals' in order to bond with others like him (George, Ricci, Dee), belittle others (Lauren, Gary, Audley) and assert his position more strongly in the group.

I respect your opinion, and I do see where you're coming from re James, but to use Kellie of all people as a source of insight into James is just, for me, grimly woeful and eye-rollingly laughable.

(NB. The 'woeful' and 'eye-rolling' being directed at Kellie, not you.)

I don't understand where exactly your confusion lies.

If you look at all my posts in this thread, I would think my position is pretty clear.

There is no ambiguity in what I have said, and I have no confusion on on any number of 'issues' here, let alone the supposed 2 you mention.

Your post to me here is the only confused thing I can currently see if I'm being honest.

Michael Barrymore - who should replace BF as host of SCD.....

I see.

No further questions.

that was a real moment for me.....

Great well I'm glad you got that one cleared up. This has been, er 'fun'.

If you get confused again, feel free to hit me up once more. I haven't been cryptic in what I have said in here, in fact the exact opposite.

I agree. It's strange how he goes on the attack when he perceives an affront, and yet it's OK for him to discuss at length what's wrong with another person. I should imagine it's quite wounding for someone like Gary, who despite his flaws is a well-meaning soul, to have James be kind one moment then turn on a heartbeat because of some small misstep and give him a damning critique.

See edit in my original response.

Happy posting AOTB.

OK I think your post makes more sense to me now. You are pointing out that he now realises that, which many observing him can see is evident, he really cares what other people think. His behavior relied on feigning an 'I don't care what people think' attitude to mask his insecurities and now he is moving out of this self-denial (eurgh, sounds a bit psychobabbly , apologies!) to see that he does care - and perhaps admit ( if he could make that further step) that he always has.
A slight step towards self-awareness, perhaps?

Ok I shall, and happy posting to you too eva prior.

This was an eye opener for me too!

I'm afraid I only picked this little nugget up second-hand from some other posters on DS last night. So hope it was accurately posted!

The suggestion of MB for the role is basically another eg. of James sticking neon lights on himself once again.

Good'n'Cheers.

Oh yes you reported accurately!! i was so surprised that i even nipped in to have a lurk in the Strictly forum to see how it went down!

I actually think the opposite, (EDIT, having re-read, and seen the reply below I actually think the same)
It's weird to me how the likes of James can happily be brutally 'honest' about their perceptions on one person, and quite rude, dismissive and personal when they tell them directly (and it is his individual perception and not by any stretch accurate or necessarily factually based of course) whilst being guilty of exactly the same hurtful things they throw out himself.

How can he be so out of line to call someone rude when he is rude himself for example? It would be like Katie Hopkins berating another columnist for being deliberately controversial.

It makes no sense, and he is directly inviting criticism back when he does it and does it more than once. Does he not see that if he calls Gary out on things that he himself does, he should rightly be brought up on it.

Gary has been very patient in the face of repeated instances of this, and has had this more than once from James without really reacting. It is not an equal discussion between two equals and is all one sided. That is never going to go down well.

Assumption and thinking they are right are not great qualities of James' and throwing out accusations or name calling etc without having the decency to ever really give Gary some credit and have an equal adult discussion, or to even listen to what he says before throwing out the accusations, is to his detriment. The 'I am right and you are wrong' attitude James gives off when he tells Gary his flaws, would get anyone's goat up.

If he dares to say something back to James he just doesn't seem to take it on board, and reacts badly. He cannot seem to hear the same criticisms he himself is happy to dish out to others and say to directly to someone else.

Odd as it may have been, I'm afraid I had no clue what the Barrymore ref seemed to imply.. Do help!

Sorry, I'm a bit lost. I was talking about James and saying he was in the wrong. Think there might be a misunderstanding.

Oops sorry, I need to clarify - I meant by the original posters on DS, ie. that they hadn't misheard or stated it out of context etc.

But thanks for the reassurance anyway!

Sorry my mistake. You are right, and yes there was a misunderstanding. I have edited my opening line to say I agree,

The rest of it still applies though.

I've seen this comment quite a few times on the forum and find it really interesting/funny and really very telling.