Am I alone in thinking Strictly has lost it's engaging magic? I just can't get interested. Is it the Celebrities? Is the Tess?Claudia partnership just not working? Am I missing Brucie? I don't know, but I can't raise any enthusiasm for Saturdays or the magazine programme Strictly - It takes two. What's happened - tell me - this is the programme that got me to Christmas!
Has Strictly lost it's magic?
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This is the perennial question, many think as do I, that each year the BBC thinks it's adding "more magic" when in fact, in reality it takes a bit more away.
There isn't anyone I could give much of a crap about this year. That's part of its problem for me.
Plus barring any surprises the final 4 is a bit of forgone conclusion.
Plus barring any surprises the final 4 is a bit of forgone conclusion.
I am enjoying it much more this year. Tess and Claudia make for smooth running show much slicker than in the past, the dancing is (generally) better. I didn't know many of the "celebs" (still don't) but I am getting to know the characters. For example I Hadn't the faintest idea who Jake was, I sort of recognised his face, but couldn't have put a name to it or why I knew it. But I like his dancing. I sort of knew the Saturdays, but wouldn't have known that Frankie was one of them. I had seen Pixie Lott singing with Jules Holland, I knew Sunatra because I watch Casualty. But none of them could be described as "my favourites". Because of this I can watch with a detached view.
I hate the staging of the show, or rather the messing about with the staging by the Director. I wish Alan Sugar would pay a visit to the gallery and utter his famous two words in the Director's ear. I am please that our protestations have resulted (at least last week) in a modicum of improvement in the camerawork. but I do wish that someone in the front row of the audience would stick out a foot and trip up that madman with the steadycam.
We have in about 8 day's time the annual disaster which will be Halloween Night. I despise those responsible for ruining a perfectly good show with childish and infantile antics which are so OTT they are embarrassing. But generally, no, I don't think the show has lost it's sparkle, it is so much better because we don't have to writhe about in agony at Bruces missed cues and poor jokes.
I hate the staging of the show, or rather the messing about with the staging by the Director. I wish Alan Sugar would pay a visit to the gallery and utter his famous two words in the Director's ear. I am please that our protestations have resulted (at least last week) in a modicum of improvement in the camerawork. but I do wish that someone in the front row of the audience would stick out a foot and trip up that madman with the steadycam.
We have in about 8 day's time the annual disaster which will be Halloween Night. I despise those responsible for ruining a perfectly good show with childish and infantile antics which are so OTT they are embarrassing. But generally, no, I don't think the show has lost it's sparkle, it is so much better because we don't have to writhe about in agony at Bruces missed cues and poor jokes.
When the celebs were announced I was a bit disappointed but I'm enjoying it now I'm getting to know them. Good range of contenders, middlers and no-hopers. I was getting fed up of Bruce, and wasn't that keen on Artem or James, and I love Claudia, so a massive result for me. 
I am happy enough. I still have my usual niggles about music choices, props, gimmicks and departures, at times. from the essence of the prescribed dance styles. But no more this year than last year or any of the past 5 or so years.
No it hasn't , I think the show is starting to find its grove now it just has to be given time. I think some of the celebrities are coming out of their shells and there dancing is improving because of that plus Claudia and Tess are starting to settle more now
The relationship's between the pro's and celebrities are starting to grow too and you can see the connect developing now were as at the start it was a bit more awkward with them and with the Judges as they didn't know the celebrities that well so now the show is starting to take shape plus the celebs who aren't as good at dancing are leaving now too so the standard 'should' be better higher
The relationship's between the pro's and celebrities are starting to grow too and you can see the connect developing now were as at the start it was a bit more awkward with them and with the Judges as they didn't know the celebrities that well so now the show is starting to take shape plus the celebs who aren't as good at dancing are leaving now too so the standard 'should' be better higher
I can't get so enthusiastic this year mainly because it's such a poor line up and I couldn't care who wins . Also disappointed the only couples I cared about Tim/Natalie and Jennifer/Tristan had such an early exit .
Last year had such a fabulous line up . Also the over sugaring of the show from Tess and Claudia with their constant 'you were wonderful, we all thought you were fabulous' etc even to the worst celeb dances when both know sod all about dancing .
Last year had such a fabulous line up . Also the over sugaring of the show from Tess and Claudia with their constant 'you were wonderful, we all thought you were fabulous' etc even to the worst celeb dances when both know sod all about dancing .
Nah, I'm enjoying it! Keeps me sane through crazy work hours. Just… 
I miss Anya very much of course. And James to some extent. But the line up is every bit as good as usual. There are quite a few to enjoy.
I miss Anya very much of course. And James to some extent. But the line up is every bit as good as usual. There are quite a few to enjoy.
No, it's just different this year. There aren't any comedy turns and there was an excess of duffers and at least 4 outstanding celebs from the start so watching the live slow can seem a bit flat when you are forced to watch 7 duffers in a row. The running order was better last week so lessons were learnt.
What's different this year from previous?
- Tess/Claudia - Claudia's comic talents are excellent, but Tess is shown up to be a gurning clod. Agree with someone else's comment that it is annoying when Claudia tells everyone they were great. Why not just laugh like we all are at home?
- Men dressed in skinny trousers - makes them look ridiculous (Mark in all of his dances) and also there's the split crotch risk.
- Judges introduction - stupid self indulgence. I can't bring myself to watch that part, I just fast forward.
But I must remember who the target audience is. It's not just me in my late 40s. It's kids as well - from little ones to growing ones (see the home videos of people dancing), so when I think some things are childish, then I have to understand why.
- Tess/Claudia - Claudia's comic talents are excellent, but Tess is shown up to be a gurning clod. Agree with someone else's comment that it is annoying when Claudia tells everyone they were great. Why not just laugh like we all are at home?
- Men dressed in skinny trousers - makes them look ridiculous (Mark in all of his dances) and also there's the split crotch risk.
- Judges introduction - stupid self indulgence. I can't bring myself to watch that part, I just fast forward.
But I must remember who the target audience is. It's not just me in my late 40s. It's kids as well - from little ones to growing ones (see the home videos of people dancing), so when I think some things are childish, then I have to understand why.
No it hasn't lost its magic. I like getting to know the celebrities during the weeks which is greatly helped by watching SCD take 2. Leave Halloween alone - the only themed week I like. Don't like other themed weeks as it takes too much off the dancing and more into the theme. Spoils it for me.
It's lost its magic form me but I think that's my fault. I like Tess and Claud, but don't think much of the fashions they are wearing,. The men look ridiculous in those awful trousers. Reminiscent of Max Wall back in the 50's and 60's
For me this year, it has got stale and jaded
For me this year, it has got stale and jaded
I don't think it's this year specifically - but the early years when there were far less of moronic 'comedy' VTs, props, themes etc. were more enjoyable imo. Also the line up of pros was more stellar than now (Ian, Darren & Lillia, Brian, Vincent and Flavia - miss all of them)
This year, as others have said, the final 4 do seem to be a foregone conclusion, but on the plus side the two most irritating people (imo) have already gone, and of course - no more BFFF - hooray! Loving Claud and Tess is OK for me.
This year, as others have said, the final 4 do seem to be a foregone conclusion, but on the plus side the two most irritating people (imo) have already gone, and of course - no more BFFF - hooray! Loving Claud and Tess is OK for me.
Originally Posted by tonycollins100:
“I am enjoying it much more this year. Tess and Claudia make for smooth running show much slicker than in the past, the dancing is (generally) better. I didn't know many of the "celebs" (still don't) but I am getting to know the characters. For example I Hadn't the faintest idea who Jake was, I sort of recognised his face, but couldn't have put a name to it or why I knew it. But I like his dancing. I sort of knew the Saturdays, but wouldn't have known that Frankie was one of them. I had seen Pixie Lott singing with Jules Holland, I knew Sunatra because I watch Casualty. But none of them could be described as "my favourites". Because of this I can watch with a detached view.
I hate the staging of the show, or rather the messing about with the staging by the Director. I wish Alan Sugar would pay a visit to the gallery and utter his famous two words in the Director's ear. I am please that our protestations have resulted (at least last week) in a modicum of improvement in the camerawork. but I do wish that someone in the front row of the audience would stick out a foot and trip up that madman with the steadycam.
We have in about 8 day's time the annual disaster which will be Halloween Night. I despise those responsible for ruining a perfectly good show with childish and infantile antics which are so OTT they are embarrassing. But generally, no, I don't think the show has lost it's sparkle, it is so much better because we don't have to writhe about in agony at Bruces missed cues and poor jokes.”
“I am enjoying it much more this year. Tess and Claudia make for smooth running show much slicker than in the past, the dancing is (generally) better. I didn't know many of the "celebs" (still don't) but I am getting to know the characters. For example I Hadn't the faintest idea who Jake was, I sort of recognised his face, but couldn't have put a name to it or why I knew it. But I like his dancing. I sort of knew the Saturdays, but wouldn't have known that Frankie was one of them. I had seen Pixie Lott singing with Jules Holland, I knew Sunatra because I watch Casualty. But none of them could be described as "my favourites". Because of this I can watch with a detached view.
I hate the staging of the show, or rather the messing about with the staging by the Director. I wish Alan Sugar would pay a visit to the gallery and utter his famous two words in the Director's ear. I am please that our protestations have resulted (at least last week) in a modicum of improvement in the camerawork. but I do wish that someone in the front row of the audience would stick out a foot and trip up that madman with the steadycam.
We have in about 8 day's time the annual disaster which will be Halloween Night. I despise those responsible for ruining a perfectly good show with childish and infantile antics which are so OTT they are embarrassing. But generally, no, I don't think the show has lost it's sparkle, it is so much better because we don't have to writhe about in agony at Bruces missed cues and poor jokes.”
I agree with most of what you have said but although it is slicker, I am still not keen on the Claudia/Tess duo and the staging, as you have said. I would like them to get rid of the 'themes' too.
As for the 'celebrities' - the only one I really can't stand is Mark Wright. Didn't like him on the only episode of TOWIE and don't like him now. Then again, I am not keen on Karen Hauer his professional partner either. I do miss Flavia and Vincent.
It's still the best thing on tv on a Saturday imho. Yes, I have niggles like everyone else, music choice being the biggie for me but I still love it and long may it continue!
In response to the o/p I say Strictly has NOT lost it's magic at all. Better if anything without you-know-who.
I don't think it's lost it's magic, no.
I find that each year I groan at the list of Celebrities, if there's not many I know or like but once the first few eliminations take place, you start to get to know the characters and often end up rooting for someone you'd never heard or thought of before (Robby, Chelsea, Dani?). Oddly, it also can work the other way. I'd liked the Hairy Bikers before but went right off Dave Myers when I realised how desperate he is to be 'the star'.
The VT sections are excruciating but I admit, (for shame) Halloween week is my favourite. Probably because there's a slightly higher chance of them playing some music I like and I do love a man in eyeliner!
I find that each year I groan at the list of Celebrities, if there's not many I know or like but once the first few eliminations take place, you start to get to know the characters and often end up rooting for someone you'd never heard or thought of before (Robby, Chelsea, Dani?). Oddly, it also can work the other way. I'd liked the Hairy Bikers before but went right off Dave Myers when I realised how desperate he is to be 'the star'.
The VT sections are excruciating but I admit, (for shame) Halloween week is my favourite. Probably because there's a slightly higher chance of them playing some music I like and I do love a man in eyeliner!
I don't think it's lost it's magic either.
I think Tess and Claudia have made a big difference. Production did well with their choice of celebrities this year (even though a lot were unknown to me). Pretty much divides equally between front runners, middle ground/dark horses and 'also rans'. There dosn't seem to be one single obvious winner either which is good.
There are a few niggles obviously - for me it's mostly the heavy handed interference from production with music choices etc. Not liking the way they are dressing the men this year either. Being able to have a bit of a moan about things is all part of it anyway.
There are one or two other programmes on that I enjoy, look forward to, for different reasons but non has the glitz glamour and pure escapism of strictly - for me.
I think Tess and Claudia have made a big difference. Production did well with their choice of celebrities this year (even though a lot were unknown to me). Pretty much divides equally between front runners, middle ground/dark horses and 'also rans'. There dosn't seem to be one single obvious winner either which is good.
There are a few niggles obviously - for me it's mostly the heavy handed interference from production with music choices etc. Not liking the way they are dressing the men this year either. Being able to have a bit of a moan about things is all part of it anyway.
There are one or two other programmes on that I enjoy, look forward to, for different reasons but non has the glitz glamour and pure escapism of strictly - for me.
Originally Posted by Mr_Eye:
“Could you not have bumped last years thread on this topic?”
“Could you not have bumped last years thread on this topic?”
Do you really expect people to check all previous years' posts before starting a thread?
If there has alreday been a very similar one this season, then fair enough, but it's not reasonable to expect them to check further back than that.
I apologise in advance if I should happen to start a thread on a topic that was already covered in 2008 !
I don't think that Strictly has lost all its magic but the producers are mangling what is left.
Think Tess and Claudia are sort of working (although personally would prefer Claudia at the judges table/on the floor) - Tess is a little choreographed (in some ways missing some of Bruce's spontaneity although don't miss him much.
The pros are a bit bland, I really miss the likes of Vincent, Flavia and Erin (and now Natalie) - some of the new ones are either cringeworthy or bland. Not enough proper ballroom dancing (no pro ballroom dances) and sort of not enough proper Latin.
The celebs are a bit bland and the top 5 will be the top 5 all the way through, the bottom 5 are the first 5 to go. I really cant see any surprises this year. The loud ones are too loud and the simpering ones too simpering.
Too many rules being broken. Too many show dances (although Artem was always one to stretch the rules).
Not enough training footage. Too many stupid VTs, and the footage we do see on ITT is too short to really gain an insight into the partnership. The ITT interviews are too short and not enough personal delving going on. Too much stupid filler.
Yes the show has lost some of its original sheen. It is still (what someone said above) the best programme on on a Saturday night but its not the show it was when I loved it (back in 2004/5 ish.
I think it might have something to do with the calibre of celebs. Am I getting to old to appreciate some of the simpering nimbies that have been around the last couple of years?
Think Tess and Claudia are sort of working (although personally would prefer Claudia at the judges table/on the floor) - Tess is a little choreographed (in some ways missing some of Bruce's spontaneity although don't miss him much.
The pros are a bit bland, I really miss the likes of Vincent, Flavia and Erin (and now Natalie) - some of the new ones are either cringeworthy or bland. Not enough proper ballroom dancing (no pro ballroom dances) and sort of not enough proper Latin.
The celebs are a bit bland and the top 5 will be the top 5 all the way through, the bottom 5 are the first 5 to go. I really cant see any surprises this year. The loud ones are too loud and the simpering ones too simpering.
Too many rules being broken. Too many show dances (although Artem was always one to stretch the rules).
Not enough training footage. Too many stupid VTs, and the footage we do see on ITT is too short to really gain an insight into the partnership. The ITT interviews are too short and not enough personal delving going on. Too much stupid filler.
Yes the show has lost some of its original sheen. It is still (what someone said above) the best programme on on a Saturday night but its not the show it was when I loved it (back in 2004/5 ish.
I think it might have something to do with the calibre of celebs. Am I getting to old to appreciate some of the simpering nimbies that have been around the last couple of years?
I tend to feel most years that the best bit is between 11 and 6 couples, when people are learning and you are getting the hang of who they are, and it's not too long a show. 15 is a bit long.
Last year I didn't enjoy. I felt everything was manipulated and hammed up, I had to mute Brucie or Bruno the moment they came on, while I didn't dislike anyone, I only really actively liked Mark and Iveta and sometimes Sophie and I gave up watching before the end of the series. So far, this year feels much better to me. I think Tess gets more comfortable every week and I love Claudia, so that's a huge improvement for me. (I'm fond of Brucie but that means I don't enjoy seeming him not at ease.) I really like Steve, Jake and Sunetra, and Jake actually has a chance, which is rare for the people I like!
My niggles (apart from don't get Donny Osmond back) is that we don't really see the training any more. That makes it blander than it used to be and much harder to get invested in the celebs. That seems a mistake to me, though I think it's done to protect them and avoid accusations of biased editing.
And I think the voting system now favours the best and worst and gets rid of the middle, and the middle, the non-comedy learners, are my favourites, they are the interesting bit of the show for me. But I feel the show now sees them as filler, and the point are the best and the 'comedy'. But that's been true since Widdecome really. I wonder if some of my favourites from the early years, Aled, James, Letitia, people like that, would last long now.
Generally, so far, it's a good year but if you're not getting invested in the celebs, OP, I wouldn't struggle through. Having felt that on some previous years, I don't think it's worth it.
Last year I didn't enjoy. I felt everything was manipulated and hammed up, I had to mute Brucie or Bruno the moment they came on, while I didn't dislike anyone, I only really actively liked Mark and Iveta and sometimes Sophie and I gave up watching before the end of the series. So far, this year feels much better to me. I think Tess gets more comfortable every week and I love Claudia, so that's a huge improvement for me. (I'm fond of Brucie but that means I don't enjoy seeming him not at ease.) I really like Steve, Jake and Sunetra, and Jake actually has a chance, which is rare for the people I like!
My niggles (apart from don't get Donny Osmond back) is that we don't really see the training any more. That makes it blander than it used to be and much harder to get invested in the celebs. That seems a mistake to me, though I think it's done to protect them and avoid accusations of biased editing.
And I think the voting system now favours the best and worst and gets rid of the middle, and the middle, the non-comedy learners, are my favourites, they are the interesting bit of the show for me. But I feel the show now sees them as filler, and the point are the best and the 'comedy'. But that's been true since Widdecome really. I wonder if some of my favourites from the early years, Aled, James, Letitia, people like that, would last long now.
Generally, so far, it's a good year but if you're not getting invested in the celebs, OP, I wouldn't struggle through. Having felt that on some previous years, I don't think it's worth it.
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