If they do keep the Dance off for the Semi (Shame!), it will be clear which couple has the most popular support, since only one couple will be put through with the viewer vote.

Even if it is the person marked highest by the Judges, then it is clear the popularity of the two who scored lowest, wasn't sufficient to overtake them.

Only with no Dance Off, with the finalist announced in "random" order, is there greatest scope for suspense as to who has really been polling highest with the viewers.

Nope, you're wrong. The following scenario for example demonstrates that your conclusion is bilge:-

Judges Leaderboard

Alesha 3
Matt 2
Gethin 1


Public Vote

Gethin 3
Alesha 2
Matt 1

Alesha goes through automatically with 5 points. Gethin and Matt in the bottom two, but Gethin has the greater public support.

I think it's pretty clear Gethin has the most public support - I've thought this for weeks, even before his "transformation" - so he's definitely going to win. Having a dance off (or not) in the semis won't make a blind bit of difference to the eventual outcome, IMHO.

I'd be surprised if they did lose the dance off tbh. They've already carried on with the competition 'as is' when Kelly left leading to a two person final and I can't see them changing this aspect of it. Besides, it would give them a lot longer to fill in their probably already planned results show.

Yes...I've always believed him to be the most popular. But on the night of the final more people will vote for the better dancer I think, so that will come into it. There is a lot of hope for Alesha.

Not a chance. Gethin is as sure as a sure thing can be.

If the public vote Matt through to the final above either Gethin or Alesha then they should scrap the public vote for the next series as it will be a travesty and prove JUST HOW STUPID THE GBP ARE!!!!!!!