No, not really - just voting in general. I found this article (read the comments - they are hilarious "Jamelia's mum") and it really did make me wish we could see the breakdown of votes. I know we never will and I know the reasons why but is it beyond the wit of man/woman to at least make sure there is only ONE vote per 'phone number and ONE vote per e-mail log-in? I know this won't stop the nutters from creating multiple e-mail accounts but it might put a stop to at least some of the multiple voting?


http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-ra...quarter-finals

When I read the thread title I was all set to don my Suffragette uniform and wave my placard Lou

Oh that photo's made me tear up again, 'Tomorrow' A clear result, Helen not mentioned as one of the best technical dancers, was I watching the same show? I do agree with the writer when it comes to literalism and props....one of the worst I can remember was Pixie and Trent's Rumba. A bed on the dance floor. Some things are best left to be interpreted through dance.

On the voting, I just don't phone vote any more. Me and my girls used one of the three free online votes each last series and will do the same this year. I'm not paying for votes when they don't publish the voting figures.

I also think the semi final result should be decided on public vote alone with no dance off and that they should go back to a three person final with the top two going through to dance a final dance each. None of the 'we can't know who was second or third' rubbish and shoehorning a fourth celeb in to the final.

I know, it still hurts I really really really try not to be in the "It's a fix" camp when one of my favourites goes but that was so unfair * stamps foot and throws toys out of pram *

I don't always vote but if I do it's only once. The multiple voters really grind my gears - especially when they boast about it?!? "Hey guys, my favourite wasn't in the dance off and I voted a gazillion times - get me"! I want my favourites to be there on merit, not because someone with more time on their hands than should be allowed kept dialing! (I know, I know, it's only a dance show but still ...)

Oooh, I like the public vote for the semi final idea and yes, if they had a three person final then they could go back to doing the show dance last. I always think it's an anti climax when they do their third dance. My gut feeling is that Jay was streets ahead in the voting last year and I don't agree that it was the boy band fans voting - I'm convinced the majority of viewers aren't in that age group. I haven't come across any boy band fans on this forum in any case and I am sure we are truly representative of the whole of the UK

I think Jay won a lot of fans of all ages first with his Week 2 Waltz when people were slightly taken aback that the lad from a boyband could dance so lyrically and expressively and then of course the next week with the jive of all jives (apart from Jill's, just had to add that in). I don't believe the multi voting makes as much difference to the final vote as some fans think. It can appear that way on a fan forum but when it comes to the final a celeb and the dances they perform have to be popular with the millions of viewers who never vote until the latter stages in order to win.

I'd have a staggered double elimination in the semi. Five couples dance once, one goes, four dance again, second elimination. Both results decided on public vote only as I think letting the public choose the finalists recognises the importance of audience participation to the success of the show. Otherwise you move towards the online votes being more of a popularity poll for the producers to decide whose storyline to push rather than a vote to save. I'm not crying 'fix' but recognise it's far more entertainment show, less a genuine dance competition. Certainly the case with more recent series. Then three in the final and after third place announced the final two dance their showdance as you say. Just my suggestion as I'm making lunch, not likely to happen I know

Mutliple voting irritates me too, Lou, not because I have another favourite I want to win (I'm fairly relaxed about who wins) but because it just isn't fair.

BIB - you've got my vote (no pun intended).

Actually, to be truthful, the final is often a damp squib for me. I think it's the combination of - sadness that it's all come to an end (get a grip woman), last weekend before Christmas so invariably I have to record it and watch on the Sunday and it's too long with dull parts such as the judges' analysis recorded during the week before. I agree with all the posters who have said we should have one more ITT after the final because at least then there is something to look forward to!

Exactly!

I feel the same at the end of the series, including ITT I watch Strictly seven nights a week for three months, I'm here waiting for the next one already The final is too long, I would get rid of the judges choice for improvement and have three couples dance their best dance of the series then two couples dance a showdance.

Love the idea of a final ITT after finals night with highlights and more extensive interviews with the winners and runners up once they've had time to reflect on everything.

I don't particularly enjoy the Christmas special either - this sounds a bit nuts (especially as I am a massive fan of Christmas and have no problem whatsoever with the shops starting in October ) but it's too Christmassy/cheesy and it never for me really includes all the dances - you can hardly rhumba to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. I know that sounds very contradictory and the clue is in the name!

I'm the same when it comes to Christmas, the buildup can't start too early (Well from the 1st October anyway). I actually really enjoyed this years Christmas special, especially Harry and Joanne's American Smooth but I agree with you about the music and props and they go a little overboard with the costumes and makeup now in my view. Makes the show feel more like panto than a glittery, Christmassy elegant ballroom dancing showcase.

That links back to the article and the points I do agree with the writer about, namely losing the props and backing dancers for next series. This almost made me laugh...'large Miserables-ish cast who were so numerous and hyperactive that they threatened to crash into Helen and Aljaz at any moment'. Almost, perhaps I'll be able to laugh about it by the time the next series starts

I'm one of those that never wants Strictly to end. So bring on the Christmas Special. Hell I'd welcome an Easter Special and Summer Special as well. Not sure the dancers and judges would be so willing though.

Regarding the voting, I'm with you guys. Multiple voting annoys me too, but most of the fans that I know, just use their three free online votes so maybe it's not as rampant as I think.

* Tentatively prods heart * ...no, still hurts

I'm sure you're right. I forget that this forum is not representative of the whole of the UK!

Now there's an idea, maybe a Winter and Summer team of pros and judges so they could swap over, noone would collapse with exhaustion and they could actually have a life some of the year

Not sure I'd ever get the spring cleaning done though and Mr Ochre really would be a full-time Strictly widower

Watched their whole story from start to finish last night

Stay strong Ochre, stay strong.

Lovely Helen, I adored her sense of humour and quirkiness. Sorry, had better say something negative or I will be going off topic .... hmmmm, let me think. I know, I wasn't that keen on the lift in the Charleston when her legs were akimbo. Other than that, she was perfick!

I really enjoyed watching all their dances and interviews back and it's nice to have links and clips organised

When watching their Paso the quote from the article did come to mind, I think Helen's performance was more contained than it would have been if she hadn't had the backing dancers to think about. Still brilliant though. We can but hope they don't overuse backing dancers again next series.

The backing dancers are probably down there in the worst three ideas anyone ever came up with for Strictly. They add NOTHING (she shouted). Remember poor Jake's Argentine Tango? And don't get me started on teapots. The Les Mis dancers swamped Helen. Grrrrr etc

Yes the concept of a Greek Argentine Tango was bad enough and then the collision Backing dancers on Blackpool night to fill the dancefloor yes, although I preferred it when even in the Tower Ballroom the couples took to the floor on their own. Jill and Darren owned the floor by themselves with their jive on finals night, no backing dancers or props needed.

They certainly did.