Originally Posted by Toasted Toad:
“It says so much of what I thought about the final last year, including that J won because of his performance in the series overall, not the final. And I think that's a perfectly legitimate reason for him to win. The reviewer neither agreed nor disagreed - it's a choice, and we're free to make it.
But yes, the essential point is that it was a boring (and bad-tempered) final due mainly to the producers, and the judges, not the dancers. I really wish (but I'm not really holding out much hope) that they change the rules this year. No more of this "let's repeat your worst dance". Who wants to see the worst dances again? Or if they want to see whether they've improved in that discipline, get them to choreograph a new routine to different, and appropriate, music. Didn't they used to do that at one point? Although maybe not in the final. And I think the old idea of one ballroom, one Latin makes eminent sense. Viewers choice instead of couple's choice would have meant Jaliona would not have been able to duck the jive.
Personally, I would actually be happy if they scrapped the showdance. Instead, have one ballroom, one Latin (to new choreography and music), and viewers favourite. That would give enough new to be interesting and show progress in a discipline, and allow for a return of a favourite, so new and the best of the old. I know it's not gonna happen, but I can dream!
Trouble is, they see the big viewing figures and think that means they are doing something right, so ignore all the FB they are getting. More and more, they move towards DWTS, ignoring that that programme is failing.
I pray that this year, we get a final that truly celebrates 3 months of competition and achievement.
ETA And yes, let's scrap that frikkin' dance off!”
Just catching up, and I agree with you toad. I would also scrap the " whatever -a-thon " it's obviously included to give the judges/PTB another way of manipulating the leader board and changing the scores for those that are the favoured ones ie the Cliftons
The Beeb have been, for quite a while, bringing people over from US, that have been involved in DWTS. That is why we have too many themes, top many props, inappropriate music etc. The problem is that as you said Toad, although DWTS used to be very popular its ratings are now falling off the cliff. Strictly's PTB only see the 10 million viewing figures, but ignore the fact that as X Factor is so dire that its ratings gave fallen so dramatically, strictly hasn't any real opposition now. As you say they aren't listening to the viewers concerns ( a very normal BBC trait ) one day they will kill the goose that lays the golden egg
On a much lighter and much happier note, I think it's bliddy marvellous how well Big is going. I am so happy ( and CRH too, not ) that Jay has such great acting skills. I am really thrilled for him. He must have been so nervous as its his name first on the billboards and he is the star so its a lot of responsibility. I think it's great for him, to go out " on his own " and be a success. Strictly was a very big step for him and even with all his self doubt and nerves he nailed it. Being the star of Big, is a much bigger step, even more out of his comfort zone, but it seems he is nailing it too
Very proud of him :
Thank you to everyone posting their lovely reviews. Very grateful and jealous wish I didn't have to wait until the West End
OT no longer on crutches and having the stitches out tomorrow. Yippee😄 Hopefully will be able to drive again soon🙏
......who will be able to get back to them in four weeks time!! 
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