Watching the dance back again it was not so bad really, just think they could have used the benches and the floor rather better, though it would probably have ended up being a closer imitation of some Fred and Ginger routines, and perhaps attracted copycat accusations.

If Craig reads this forum he'll be kicking himself that it didn't occur to him to use your analogy.

To clarify a couple of points -

1. Craig was referring to a guy standing in the centre of a ring with a whip, and a horse on a long lead - making the horse trot in a circle around him.

2. Frankie is one of the most quick-witted celebs I've seen on the show. She seized the opportunity to inject a bit of humour into the proceedings by feigning indignation about Craig adding insult to injury - following up his "worst dance" dismissal of her Samba by now calling her a horse.

But the analogy of a parent holding the hand of a nervous child walking along a wall would have voiced Craig's reservations about Frankie perfectly.

The problem about a Showdance is that while offering an opportunity to show what the celeb can do, it can also show what he/she can't do.

Kevin went the Ballroom route with Frankie because she has the same "problem" as Harry Judd - a laid-back personality lacking the exhibitionist streak necessary to pull off a "Look at ME" routine.

The bench sequence offered an opportunity to differentiate the routine from an American Smooth. But the choice of dismount highlighted another problem - can't do Latin, can't do lifts.

Caroline clearly couldn't do lifts before SCD. Her build was far from ideal - some of the early attempts in the Training Room vids looked hazardous to Pasha's career.

With Frankie's build, what was stopping her dismounting by running along a bench and launching herself gracefully into the air like a bird - allowing Kevin to catch her above his head and executing a few turns while she held that shape before putting her down?

Instead we got Judy Murray's favorite move, with Frankie jumping like a kid into a swimming pool and clinging on to Kevin for dear life.

Can't do Latin. Can't do lifts. Can't do passionate (the "sterile" Rumba).

Craig's comments were more about what Frankie and Kevin had failed to deliver.

1. That is useful in the discussion that has ensued about what Craig meant. That interpretation could combine what Craig and others saw in the bench work and/or the running round the floor.

2. I interpreted Frankie's indignation as part jokey but she was probably a bit "put out" at the same time.

I remember a 'horse' remark used about another SCD celeb.
In the 2012 final, Brucie went off into a very questionable routine referring to Dani Harmer, talking about her having a 'long face' and other stupid comments along the same lines. I think it was all said in the opening to her show dance (or it may have been her judges choice dance).

Dani tried to smile through the comments, but didn't look at all impressed.
She went on to make a couple of mistakes and came 4th. Up until then she had given pretty flawless performances and had never been in the dance off.
Everyone put it down to nerves, but I wondered at the time what the Brucie remarks did to her confidence....

It amuses me to see people find Frankie to blame for making a joke or Kevin for not taking it on the chin !!! When it was Craig who made a snidey comment in the first place

I was expecting something more from the bench sequence but once she was up there she didn't do much. It's the second year in a row that Kevin's show dance has bombed with a judge. Remember last year when Darcey said there was no wow factor in his effort with Susanna ?

Craig loved Mark

Yes, it was unnecessary especially in the final. He had it in for Frankie in my opinion and I don't know why. He constantly marked her down all the way through the show. He is spiteful. He was also nasty about Scott, it really isn't necessary.

No. Obviously he was not referring to Frankie as a horse . Anyone with half a brain would know that.

He was still rude to her, nasty man.

No he was not nasty. People just read into it what they want

Yes , including you . You see it as not nasty , i see it as thoughtless , unnecessary and smart ass
Craig is an adult who should think before he makes hurtful comments

Each to their own.

Well exactly

Amen to that

I must say I'm pretty surprised anyone was able to take it that negatively - seemed totally innocuous and a rather run-of-the-mill comment to me. Not to mention it was a criticism of the part of the dance where quite a few viewers seemed to find it weakest too.

I wasn't keen on the bit on the benches either, didn't really work, but that's Kevin's choreography not Frankie's dancing. I do get a bit fed up with the audience booing whenever Craig or anyone else says anything critical. They should GROW UP and realise that progress is two steps forward and one step back and that criticism is a necessary part of the developmental process in any life activity.

I too think the bench sequence was a mistake .. the routine would have been so much better without it and with some more lifts (not over the head acrobatics .. but some nice swirly stuff!) but then Frankie wanted to do it so Kevin can't really be blamed. Some of it was okay .. but the bit at the end where she was just running around in a circle wasn't good and ruined what was otherwise a classy routine.

I think Frankie and Kevin were just a little bit twee for Craig. I don't mind a bit of twee (except the rumba for children remark was a step too far for me .. though I didn't mind the dance) but I suspect he hates it. He gave her 9's though which isn't that bad is it? Frankie was livid in the after show interview though .. never to have got a perfect score .. as was Kevin. It must be disappointing when you've put all that effort in plus she looked the most disappointed over all probably because .. not ever having been in a dance off .. it did look like she was favourite.

She must get the award for best dress though .. that showdance dress was amazing and she looked sublime in it.