What a great concept for a show ruined in my view now by two of the judges - Len and Arlene - who are constantly rude and personal to contestants and far too demanding.
It would appear that they may dislike the viewing public perhaps from even watching the show? So that they may have their own private inquisitions?

Alene said one week 'this is not entertainment this is a dance contest!' Well, this is news to me, I thought it was entertainment for the general public too. If it is to be a serious dance contest then why have the public voting at all? It must be obvious that the public will vote equally for the person as much as the dancing ability.

They are both speaking to contestants like children at school to the point of insult and to the point of turning off the viewers.

Let it return to the show it used to be, sincere encouraging guidance with respect to the persons they are talking to and with thought to us, the viewing public who, I suggest, would like a nice friendly colourful production that is mostly there with Bruce, Tess and the band, plus, the very brave and good people putting themselves forward for a test of ability and not ridicule.

I'm a teacher and wouldn't speak to children the way they do. They should make a positive comment, then give some constructive criticism then end on a positive. Basic teaching!

I was referring to my old school days when teachers were rude to some pupils as these two are!

Craig was noticeably a new man last night, always ensuring he said something positive to balance against the critical. Evidently Craig had learnt something from the great set-to the prevsious Saturday.

Evidently Arlene and Len had learnt nothing.

Well said, truebrit
The judges could still give accurate feedback to the contestants while staying kind and respectful to them. Oh and a bit of genuine humour would be good too as opposed to Arlene's laboured alliterative efforts

That is exactly what Karen has said on a number of occasions this year and last .
But since it was Karen , it has been ignored by many posters .

Oh God - here we go again!!

Children in school are not paid in excess of £20,000 to stand there and be criticized.

I was referring to us the viewing public having to suffer these unpalatable diatribes. If the judges must speak to the contestants in this personal manner they could try in in private with the chance of, perhaps, a punch on the nose.

I think Ola looked shocked at Arlene's unnecessary pole dancing quip. I quite like her, but her acid drops are so uncalled for.

It is possible to give accurate criticism without being downright nasty and hurtful, as a lot of the judges' comments have been recently.

I didn't read the original post as saying that contestants shouldn't be criticised, but rather that there's no need for some of the more unpleasant behaviour from Len, Arlene and co.

But surely the judges have a duel role, to judge this performance but also to help the celebs improve. They're always banging on about improvement. Progress isn't going to be helped by saying someone dances like a vacuum cleaner. What does that mean? He made a clean sweep !!!Also, the audience wants measured, informed comments as to how performances are evaluated. I think Craig does this the best.

As much as I didn't like Bruno for the 10 he gave earlier on in the series to Kelly and Brendan, that was the only thing he's done this year that I can pick as much fault with as I can with Arlene's insults, and Len's my word is the only important one diatribes. Craig for me this seroes has been the best judge, he uses his entire range of marks, doesn't forget he has 1-6 and I think usually places the dances in the correct orders when he has given all his marks.

Carig is the one at the moment i most respect out of the four of them........i trust his comments and scores are given with no hidden agenda's.

I think the pro's respect his views as well..........as for the other 3 i wouldn't be so sure.

I also think all through the series' from 1 till now, they've all waited with baited breath to hear what Craig thinks, I think in many ways he's always been the one who has had his views respected in one way or another. He has marked in the same way from start to finish, using all his marks and being honest to how he sees it. He never gives praise unless its earned. To get a 7 from Craig you have to have done more than to get a 7 from Len.

Craig, the thumb specialist

Why is it whenever he tries to summarise what he thinks Bruce is already cutting to the next judge. They should give the other three muppets the same amount of time combined as they give Craig.

Muppets

Arlene and Len remind me of these two .... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statler_&_Waldorf





I think Bruno would be Fozzie Bear.

That's why you aren't on prime time TV. Someone other than the couple has to watch and a private dance lesson isn't usually interesting for those not involved. The programme is intended to be full of human drama not a master class in pedagogy.

I agree that Graig seems to have become the best judge.
Len seems to have his favorites. (Alesha for instance)