SCD cannot be all things to all people.

The raging debate about John serves to illustrate this well.

Opinion is sharply divided about the nature of the show. It is almost polarised at times:

Light Entertainment Show or Serious Dancing Competition?

It cannot be both. People will always have different motives for voting, and all motives will be justified, even though they will conflict.

That is the reality of SCD. Personally, I think people should just chill.

It can... its an entertaiment dance show - the entertainment should come from the couples dancing well; not from a 60 year old man who is walking around the dance floor not attempting to dance and then making witty comments off the floor for votes

Couldn't agree more!

see what I mean? sigh

No really... sigh

I also agree with you He makes no effort to improve and it just making a mockery of the whole thing.

I think the problem we will get now is people will vote for him just to annoy all of us that are angry. I think he will be there for the long haul and yes, possibly the final.

OK, let me help you then.

Your opinion of what the show is about is not the only opinion, and you need to accommodate those who disagree with you.

Or at least, try to accommodate them.

My friend (who is in her 70's) voted for John 13 times!, I was very annoyed with her, He is not a good dancer nor entertainer.

This landmark posting has been undermined by hackers inserting "not" in two places.

To paraphrase a certain Mr Obama, "Everything is possible. Yes it can".

I think it is you that is not accommodating other people's views.

Shes lucky she can afford to spend money like that. Alot of pensioners cannot afford to heat their homes

Either voters agree to disagree,
or it's handbags to the death at dawn then.

I have a large handbag and its quite heavy

Same goes for you; your opinion is not fact and neither is mine

SCD Rules:

Handbags at Dawn to the Death

must be done rhythmically to music. Nominations for the most appropriate tune please.

She gets carried away with strictly, she will come back down to earth when the phone bill arrives.

perhaps older, less than svelte people like to watch John dancing as it makes them feel that they could have a go

who knows? All I know is that one person's entertainment is another's torture. I would rather stick pins in my eyes than watch the mediocre pub acts on X Factor but millions disagree with me

doesn't make them wrong, just means they all have cloth ears

There is no conflict. Entertainment trumps all.

Anyone who thinks this will ever be a serious dance contest is deluding themselves. It never has been and never will be. Even from the first series and Chris Parker.

absolutely....

I am a huge fab of clumsy John, but ultimately, can't see him winning.

Hey.. Saturday XF was a shocker huh?

It's a popularity contest. That's why John gets votes - he's popular. Rachel has no personality therefore finds herself in the dance off.

dunno - I don't watch as I think all the acts on X Factor are mediocre AT BEST

which is my point - if it bothers people that much (and it does me which is why I avoid X Factor at all costs) then don't watch!

Bottom-line reality:

4 judges rule or 10 million viewers rule?
Forum bullies rule or 10 million viewers rule?

If it's a pure dance show why do the producers invite a 64 year old political commentator to take part? Surely they would invite under 30s only?

As I've said a number of times, it's hardly John's fault that he keeps being voted in. When he agreed to do it, he probably thought, new experience, I give myself 2 weeks max, I'm going to have fun and then bye bye Strictly, it was great while it lasted.

The judges pantomime villain act just adds to the chances of him staying and they know that and John's sense of humour and refusal to take it seriously just endears him to certain members of the public. It adds column inches and viewers, it's the same every year and it cannot be a surprise to any of us by now.

There will always be a comedy/anti-judge/vote for the worst vote, the public are just like that, everyone votes for a different reason and each one, if you're spending your money is valid.

'Fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman and Arlene Phillips are reportedly also unhappy that Sergeant is still in the competition.

A source said: "They are incredulous John's still in the show. They pride themselves on the standard of the competition going up, not down.

"It makes a mockery out of the judges' roles. It shows how little people care about their opinions."