Well we can't let facts get in the away of a good conspiracy can we Pet?

This ^ . More than qualified and from the point of view of someone who dances, I find her critiques are often constructive and entirely sensible.

She lost all credibility when she gave Simon a 9 for his samba which was riddled with errors...Karen Hardy knows what she is talking about and if Karen can't bring back Arlene

I was just about to post exactly the same thing.

I'd like to see Erin or Natalie on the panel.

I reckon Karen would drive you barmy after a couple of weeks.

at the risk of sounding cynical, Sooty would make a good enough replacement for any of the judges. We are talking about a popularity contest here and not grading exams. The glitterball is just a piece of tat that can be found in most novelty stores. The competition is not judged to any recognisable standard and because of that no one can ever appeal against any judges decision. If the program was to be improved any the credits at the end would say "the judges played by ...". They don't use score sheets. They just come out with whatever drivel has been written on their cards after the dress rehearsal. I suspect old gubby Hardy has more input on that than is healthy. And the marks they give are meaningless. Every real dance competition in the world has known standards. The glitterball may sit on a shelf, gathering dust but it has no real value. It opens no doors and has no more meaning than a trophy for being the most glamorous granny or having the bonniest baby. So, Sooty get your score cards at the ready!
I would also be happy to see Shaun The Sheep replacing Darcey.

Why would you replace her? The marking means nothing. The leaderboard always ends up pretty much correct.

Darcy is a great judge yes may have overmarked a Simon but still a fantastic judge.

Yes you do sound a bit cynical! That is surely a sad approach to any light entertainment show. Personally I love and am hugely entertained by Strictly Dancing. I love all the judges, laugh with (not at) their marks, am sometimes impressed by their comments and look forward to watching it every Saturday evening if I'm in, or on iplayer if I'm not.

I don't take it seriously, but it does give me a lift and gives me (and other viewers I chat to) a lot of pleasure and fun. Clearly, it has the same effect on the contestants. It's such a joyful programme.

To answer the OP's question: no one should replace Darcy. She's great, as are all the judges in their different ways.

As has been pointed out, Darcey makes the odd misjudgement here and there, but she's hardly unique on the panel for that. Actual figures (thanks, aggs) demonstrate she hasn't been favouring the men over the women. She is also often the only judge to give useful advice and she can mix negative and positive feedback without inspiring panto-like uproar in the audience. I think she's pretty good. She's even cut back on saying 'The boys are right', which I haven't heard fro a few weeks.

Miss Piggy

Rather rude.

Darcy is a million times better dancer then either Karen or Erin. I find Karen really annoying and didn't like her dancing at all.

But I'm astounded at Darcy's decision about Pixie and think it was a massive mistake.

All the judges have funky marking I expect it from the others, it doesn't surprise me that Len voted for Simon, but Darcy should have known better.

Couple of minutes...

Darcey has spent all her life in the ballet world which is completely different to ballroom and latin . Darcey said so herself .

Asking Darcey to judge ballroom and latin is like asking Len to be a judge of ballet .

Quite. Darcey herself has admitted that she has learned a lot from Len about ballroom dancing since joining the show - not great credentials for a judge!

As for the stats, I would still argue that she has over/undermarked certain people even though the order probably looks about right. However, its her comments that frequently make her look shallow and simple, and her choices in the dance-off are becoming an issue. What respect I had for her went out the window that week when she chose to save Steve over Sunetra using his "guns" as a reason - I was embarrassed for her!

Oh and to answer the OP's question - Karen Hardy without a doubt. She is capable of making intelligent critical comments about the performances without discussing the men's bodies! In fact on occasion when she's disagreed with my views, I've actually re-thought my opinion as she argues her case very well and uses examples rather than just throwaway statements that mean nothing.

I believe Erin would make a very good judge .

Not me. I would give everyone a 10, including Donny.