Originally Posted by primer:
“i think he plays her as a joke contestant which she is not, even though she is not a particularly good or natural dancer. he's partners her the same way he partnered widdicombe, which is an insult.
i actually think its her robust and resilient personality and humour that is slightly humanising him into realising she's an actual person not a foil for his vain antics to be the star of the show.”
Having humorous routines is different from treating her as a joke contestant.
His partnership with Widdecombe is not the same as his partnership with Judy. Widdie didn't bother trying to dance the latin dances so he had to use her as a prop which she happily went along with.
I think since some people objected to his treatment of Nancy he has been very good with Jerry Hall, Fiona Fullerton and Judy.