[quote=Estilolibre]Here's something I have written conveying the aspects that I enjoy about Strictly Come Dancing based upon Bill and Karen's departure on Saturday as the basis for my perspective. Please feel free to contribute your thoughts.

The Heart and Soul of Strictly Come Dancing

It surprised me yesterday to learn that Bill and Karen were leaving SCD. When I think of them, I will reflect upon those seven weeks of their exploits that have passed and have suddenly driven to a halt. A colourful journey that involved comedy, drama and pathos. And that was before this fine duo even stepped onto the dancefloor.

Personally, I do not think that Bill Turnbull has two left feet. Regardless of his injury, what he lacked in technique, he made up for with his spirited display, desire to participate and sheer determination to see things through. Some might take exception to his verbal sparring with the judges. I found that it added to SCD's entertainment, rather than diminished it. Although he is a celebrity, Bill in some ways, made this experience more accessible to the viewer because, to an extent, the experience can be lived through him. He is respected in his work, is a family man, has had ups and downs with his confidence in dance training yet has time to enjoy his hobbies. They are facets of his personality that provide a source of audience empathy.
QUOTE]

Just had to add my praise for estilolibre's comments.
You are a poet

You encapsulated all that is B & K in a very short space
If you caught Breakfast news this morning you would have heard Dermot M saying that there would not be any viewers left if the emails they received were anything to go by and Bill saying please watch.
Well , If Bill and Karen want us to I will , although this will partly be in case we catch a glimpse of them again.
My heart has just gone out of it

Dear Bees, Thank you for sharing your experience! It just sounds wonderful and wonderful to know they were as happy offcamera/behind the scenes as in front of the camera. They aren't fake.. they are genuine.. with genuine emotions and charisma. You know I missed meeting you on Saturday but am thrilled you had the chance to go see from the gallery too! I feel so much part of the show, hearing from so many wonderful people. *PEACHYHUGS*

wow what i wouldn't have given to have been you o saturday! I've always wanted to go and see the live show but because i live in newcastle it has not really been possible. and to see the background comraderie(sp?) must have been like a dream come true. i do pity you tho, what bad luck to have the forum panel on the same night you were going to the live show, i would have made the same choice you did, i would love to see the stars up close, did you get speak to them?? how amazing

oh pipie you're in my neck of the woods! I'm not the only northern Bill & Karen fan

oh wow! i thought i was THE only one, i haven't met a SCD in the flesh yet! (my mother doesn't count!) where abouts are u? I'm in the gosforth part of newcastle, i dont know if u know where that is

I'm more Durham way. I know of Gosforth though.. been to Gosforth Park Hotel a few times for dances. (Seen the lovely Darren & Lilia there too!)

REALLY?!?! there's dancing at the gosforth park?? i literally live up the street from it, 5 mins walk away and i never heard anything!! i've decided i must walk around with my eyes shut! seriously!

It's been private functions each time for the dance teachers association. We have had the President's dinner dance there the last few years.

I didn't know that was going to happen until it did!

It wasn't until about 4pm Sat that the chance came up to go to SCD. I wasn't in the audience so didn't see the show much - watched from a glass fronted gallery and was able to mill around a bit backstage. Saw a lot of interesting things. May post something more on it later in the week as the panel is definitely most exciting thing around at the moment.

Oh yes u have to!!! u got to mill around backstage?!?! I'm turning green with envy here! so how come you go to go and be a special person?

i understand what type of thing you mean Peach, i've been to the previous 3 Bako Northern Balls at the gosforth park, brilliant food and dancing at the end but unfortuantly it was disco dancing not seeing fabulolus proper dancing!! lol wish i could go see the proper dancing **sighs** lol oooo i could get a job there!!!!!!! oooo exciting thought! n then i could meet the famous ppl!!!!

Well if you do I'll let you know when the dinner dance is and you can make sure you are on shift!!!!