I find it inexplicable, but to play devil's advocate...
- he fulfils a role, good naturedly steering the wobbly ones round
- he scores well in audience recognition
- he's compliant
- he doesn't give them too many PR headaches (well, not since Laila...)
- his 'comedy' sits well next to the producers' idea of funny if the VTs are anything to go by
Originally Posted by aggs:
“I agree - with my Real Life Strictly Focus Group he's one of two pros that they can all name (the other is Brendan) and they either like or don't mind him. I know on here we talk about 'popular' pros but my RLSFC (unbeknowing) members struggle with the others. One had just got Artem sorted (or him with the teeth) and he left.”
I agree. It's always a surprise to me how positive civilian Strictly fans are about these two. Perhaps it's a self-fulfilling prophesy though. If Aljaz or (heaven forfend, Kevin) had been around since the Dawn of Strictly Time, they would be equally recognised and popular.