Most of the really unpleasant ones are directed at other FMs from what I have seen. Someone referred to me as "this individual" last week

I've been called "passive aggressive" three times by the same poster, probably because of never having got "personal" with them, but just for having contrary opinions.

It kills me every time.

I am a Strictly neutral - but I do like a nice pair of legs.......

I wonder how long a "what's the worst thing anyone has ever said to you on DS" thread would last?

Quite long unless you started mentioning names.

Then we'd be into the realm of a pantomime of, "Oh yes you did!" "Oh no I didn't!"

Oh dear, here we go again.

Criticism is not spelt HATE or VITRIOL or any other flowery term.

It shouldn't need saying but this is a messageboard for comment and debate which means a wide variety of opinions will be aired, all of them equally valid, and all up for discussion.

I am in the 'critical of Tess and Claudia' camp but that doesn't mean I hate them or even dislike them. It means what it says - that I don't rate their performance. The only things I hate are spiders, broccoli, cruelty and bullying.

You, on the other hand, along with many others, regard the presenters highly.

This is the basis for a discussion, nothing more, nothing less.

I doubt if you are in a minority nationwide, and it's always great to read a happy post.
But DS is a forum, by its very nature there are going to be conflicting opinions. You could say the bitchiness is the very lifeblood of forums like this. It would become incredibly boring if everyone just posted appreciative comments about everything.
I enjoy a bit of mud slinging occasionally, as long as it's kept within reasonable boundaries of course.

That says more about them personally though rather than the celebs. I got asked why i bothered watching the show the other week just cause i expressed a dislike of whatever i did at the time. (I dont live on my keyboard, i pop on and cant remember half the threads i post on) I just laughed and thought what a saddo Years ago you could come on and half a decent debate conversation but sadly its not the same anymore.
As for the programme yes it is entertainment, but then you have some judges publicly making an arse of one celeb for not doing the dancing properly and their judging it solely on dancing and not entertainment, yet another celeb can come on (not so good and they get all the love in the world for providing entertainment)

I do not believe in embarrassing and humiliating the celebs in front of their families and children (especially when they are in the audience) they need to be more grown up and diplomatic. Constructive critisism is good and people can take that, but often and not it comes across as plain old rude and theres no need for it.

The professionals and celebs put in weeks and weeks of hard work they deserve their salarys...... the judges sit on a panel and more than likely get paid more for doing f all

I do love the show however i'm not nodding at everything i see, ............ as most things there are things you dont like.

Can I suggest you pop into poltics for a spell. Makes thie forum looks like a hippy love in.

Oh take your flack jackets if you plan to post.

Here! Here!

I agree 100%, both ladies do a fine job of hosting the programme - much better then Tess & Bruce... couldn't take to him & he was a bit crabby towards the end of his run, sadly. His wig bothered me too

Claudia is particular is very funny and brings a warmth to Strictly. I really do think the show would suffer if either gave up as it works atm and is really fun, light and entertaining!

I love Kevin Clifton & Louise, not keen on Joanne as she's with Ore... aka Mr Crybaby... Karen was good with Will but yeah we know what happened...

Wardrobe on the other hand... that's gone down hill with hideous frocks for the ladies and tight assed pants for the men... Has Vicky Gill always been in charge? The celebs & dancers used to look much more sophistocated & glamerous - Louise's dress last week was by far one of the few & most stunning we've had this series, she looked fab!

Watching the older series on Youtube there's been a gradual decline in quality I feel...

Quite a few feel the same.

They threw a lot of money at Strictly to get the ratings up. Now at around 10M and likely to continually beat X-Factor in the ratings, it's time to start cutting back on expenditure where they can. Wardrobe is a obvious example as it's labour intensive.

But economies aren't confined to Strictly. The same thing happens with some drama series. Second series often seem like they've poorer scripts and production values, as also happens with films, when they are, "Whatever, 2." They often appear not to be as good as "1."

The BBC have often said they are trying to save money where they can right across the board, so Strictly won't be exempt.

Sorry Pen but you certainly border on vitriolic - you do not own Will Young, he owes you nothing and if he prizes his own sanity above his career then this is a GOOD thing but you wouldn't believe any of those things the way you tell it. That wasn't opinion that was at the very least lacking in any empathy and people (because it wasn't just me) called you on it. Free speech does not mean immunity from being challenged - someone I knew made that mistake and none of my circle of friends has talked to her in years.

BIB - I like both of those.

no I also wonder why people bother watching if all they do after is moan

What do you want, nothing but effusive praise of the whole programme?

It isn't a case of "feast or famine," it's all somewhere in between.

Few if any, moan about the whole programme, so why suggest that they do?

People post their specific likes and dislikes about the programme. Why should anyone mind?

I praise the band and the singers.

I criticise Tess Daly, but I wouldn't want her fired and replaced by a "well known face" on a shed load of money who'd try to make the programme their own, as did the old codger.

I've also said many times as have others, it's the best entertainment show on TV. But few of us think it's perfect.



There's no obligation to read any post.

Maybe it would be more constructive for people say what they do like about the forum. Perhaps we have more in common than we think.

I enjoy discussing technique, choreography and music. People who also dance ballroom are more likely to have a common view, but not necessarily. E.g. I quite like Anton!

There are some people, with whom I'm often in disagreement, but whom I like anyway because of their posting style and responses to dissenting views. I like people who retain some independence and are not afraid to go against the flow. Opinions don't have to be positive. I started the Ed and Katya appreciation thread and think they've been great for Strictly, but I understand why some (including a close friend of mine outside of this forum) might be annoyed by them. However, I don't like vitriolic or repetitive criticism. Then I'll defend someone even if not a particular fan.

Sadly, there are those with whom I should have something in common, but we just don't get on or we're just suspicious of each other. In my view that's a genuine shame as I love discussing dance with anyone, but I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. You can't be friends with everyone.

You have a mature attitude. That is commendable.

It is silly to 'hate' people we don't know. We may prefer some to others but 'hate' is a big word.

It's been a great show so far this year, apart from the few blips early on which couldn't be helped, no-one's fault. All the contestants seem like really nice people and obviously some will shine over and above the others and get to the final.

As others have suggested, 'hate' is too strong a word for our banter. If I truly hated something, I wouldn't bother watching. On the other hand, I would enjoy a Clifton v Clifton dance-off this weekend. It could happen.