Do you think the judges were a little agressive tonight? I think that Arlene was especially critical. Ok I know she used to dance, but that was then, this is now.

They've gone a bit bonkers, to be honest.

Arlene is only five years younger than Gloria, so I guess she's particularly keen to see her push herself a bit harder, and maybe the fact that Karen's now a judge (with Len at some competitions, I believe) has made them all rather tougher on her, but, all in all, I don't think there's much consistency in the marking this series. It's as though they're voting tactically.

Has Arlene got a Hedgehog up her backside or what tonight?

She was especially harsh!

Note to Arlene: You aint no Craig, no matter how hard you try - get over it!

She has preconceived ideas and doesn't vote on the performance! She likes Dennis and marked him up even though he walked through his routine!

She marked Gloria higher than Bill

She hasn't got a clue!

I agree - she has it in for Karen because she is a judge! An then she marked her because of the skirt - WTF?

All the judges seem a bit hard on Karen - it's because Bill's so lovely!

I liked Craig tonight - it's almost as if he realised Arlene was being an @rse and so he came across better!

One last thing - what does Ian have on Bruno? Bruno has always marked him very high!!! This series and last!

Yes, the comparisons underline the craziness. I don't much mind when they're harsh, so long as they're consistent, but poor old Dennis often gets two or three extra marks just for getting red in the face (so that's before they've even started dancing ) and Gloria gets marks for being on the same stage as a superb dancing partner. Just a show, I know, but it's a bit nutty this time.

I think with all the exposure of shows like Pop Idol and X Factor, the beeb WANT her to be Queen Bitch. It raises the ratings.

However, she is so inconsistent and stuck with her favourites, that I cant respect her. At least Simon Cowell is consistently right.


( plus I think he's quite PHWOAR)


My fav judges are Len (I want him for my dad *sigh*) and Bruno.

I have no respect for Clive R-H and Arlene continually disappoints me with her favouritism. I love her work- from Hot Gossip to to the West End, but if she's going to take on the mantle of "nasty judge" then she needs consistency.

C R-H is just damning, no constructive criticism at all.

Arlene just said that "Fiona and Gloria haven't got a competitive bone between them" - actually, I agree!
BUT, I think that is a good thing!!!

They can rise above all the petty bitchy squabbles.

Gloria is a grandmother who lost her daughter last year - why would she give two hoots about a dance contest??

Fiona is really trying and really cares about giving her best and pleasing everyone - but not in the same mad, power-hungry way that Arlene wants - this makes Gloria and Fiona the strongest people in the whole contest!

Gloria's dance partner got it spot-on when he said that she may not have been competitive with the other dancers, but she was competitive with herself.
Ditto that for Fiona.
In my opinion, that is the wisest and most mature approach to life!!

I'm amazed that the two breakfast presenters are doing the morning shows while they're in the contest. I mean, how much sleep can they be getting?

Sleep, I bet they are wondering what sleep is.

I actually thought that Craig's Name was Craig Revel (as in the sweets)Horwood, a little bit of Sweetness for such a sour judge

I think Bruno Tonioli is fabuolus. He is really funny. Even when he is critical he adds humour to it to soften the blow. Len is too lenient. He gave Fiona 6 for that dreadful rumba.

Craig IMO is the most consistent with his marks.

Arlene used to offer constructive remarks now she is jsut being bitchy - she will lose credibilty for it.

The judges no matter how long they have not danced for are still up to date with the dancing or they would not be there. Frankly I find what Arlene says right on the mark now matter how bitchy you think she is - Len is a good judge and professional but is a diplomat and is not as harsh.

Just to point out any dancer who is now professional (and taken necessary teaching exams) cann judge there is no separate judges qualification the level of teaching exam they have taken and time determines level of the judge.

The essence of competition dancing is to win its what we as teachers instill in those pupils who take it up - otherwise there is no point to competing

I thought they were a little more excitable than usual.
Something in the BBC water perhaps...

Perhaps it was the same thing that James put in Darren's water Bless him