Did anyone else think like me tonight - Me and the OH sat watching and both said it was like SCD always used to be, there was laughter and jokes with the judges - no really OTT marking and the judges were actually marking in accordance with their remarks - have they been reading our forums hmmmm

The judges definitely seemed much "nicer" and their marks more in keeping with their comments tonight. It could be because they've been reading our forums - who knows - but let's hope so, it'd be nice to think we aren't completely wasting our time on here!

it struck me too that the whole air of the show was lighter and really enjoyable ... just like we've been asking for ... it's probably wishful thinking that we had some influence, but i will choose to think so ... but hey it's 3am, i'm still swaying from the beauty of Mark & Karens dance and so am going to retire to bed feeling that all is well (except for the state of Welsh rugby!)

Well, someone reads these boards because Claudia often mentions them on ITT.

You are right, the show was much more fun this week. The group dance really helped too.

I also think everything was much more enjoyable. Len's mood was much improved. Probably because he isn't flying to America any more, so has had some sleep!

I thought the show was much more fun - helped in some way by Claire's giggling over her mistakes in the dance – so when the judges were criticising her they were not as unpleasant as they have been. The five remaining dancers are all very good – it is going to tough to choose between them.

I'm sure the BBC has a researcher reading these boards. I'm fairly new although I've been reading what's said on here for some time and think that your remarks have made a difference. The programme was so much more enjoyable last night. Up until then I was thinking that 'Dancing with the Stars' could have Len and Bruno to keep.

I agree too about the flying back and forth as since I realised he was doing dwts at the same time I thought his grumpyness was down to exhaustion and it was also nice to see bruno back to his normal self, not soooo more over the top as in the past weeks.

[quote=welsh'nwytchy]it struck me too that the whole air of the show was lighter and really enjoyable ... just like we've been asking for ... it's probably wishful thinking that we had some influence, but i will choose to think so ... but hey it's 3am, i'm still swaying from the beauty of Mark & Karens dance and so am going to retire to bed feeling that all is well (except for the state of Welsh rugby!)[/QUOTE

Oh my goodness me! Montgomeryshire born and bred me... and old enough to remember the 70's when we won everything in sight. There was a faint glimmer a while ago, but it didn't come to much did it. The only consolation for me, is that the All Blacks aren't what they were either. And as for the poor English, they need Woodwood back fast.

Back on topic! Hubby and I noticed a lighter air to the show too, it seemed back to sensible marking and constructive criticism.

Wasn't last night a thousand times better than it had been? I found myself laughing out loud along with Len's silly story, and I haven't found much to laugh at in Len for quite some time. Great that he's getting back to his old self after all that jetlag. I honestly don't think him flying back and forth to America worked, when tiredness affects him so badly in a job based partly on personality. Bruno coped better but still seemed to make some bizarre and extravigant decisions. Actually scratch that, he always does that anyway

I noticed Arlene was given the chance to make her points without getting shouted over, which was nice, Tess was on best behaviour and actually being lovely to Brendan and Claire. I think the biggest stroke of luck for the entire show, though, was Claire's determination to have fun in a dance she wasn't great at, her good humour and grace with the judges comments throughout, and her charming speech thanking everyone, even the crew, for being so great. She really made the show for me last night, and I'm going to miss her sparkle.

Have to say that I agree with your comments, xadie. The show really benefitted from those moments of levity - I feel that Claire and Len helped make a difference. She was very gracious to acknowledge everyone with her closing comments, like Patsy palmer did last year. I had the impression that Claire and Brendan acted like they had enjoyed a reprieve after last week and I applaud Claire for just going out and savouring the whole experience one last time.

I think it was Claire and Brendan who made the show fun. They seemed convinced it was their last and were determined to have a good time. Claire had accepted that her time was up and left with such good grace. Brendan was in such a good mood, and didn't argue with the judges when they said the dance was fun but a bit rubbish (in fact, apart from the occasional raised eyebrow, he seemed to agree). I wish we had seen more of this Brendan in the series so far because I really liked him last night.