I don't buy your theory that Rachel is being protected, or she'd not have landed in the dance-off this week!

But I agree with your other points.

I will miss Chrsitine dearly, and found her more likeable and joyful to watch than any of the remaning celebrities, but I felt her time was up.

Totally agree - talk about thoughtless and unprofessional. I don't think I will ever forget her doing that and that was the point I thought seriously for the first time it was time for Arlene to leave SCD.

Christine's viewer vote was actually far higher than the result suggests but was manipulated by the BBC because they wanted to give the judges the opportunity to boot her off (which was obvious they would do if she could be relegated to the dance-off) in order to avoid another John Sergeant scenario.

With the greatest respect, Rachel wasn't in jeopardy in the dance-off. She knew it. Christine knew it. It was written all over their faces. Rachel's previous panic and tears never put in an appearance, because she knew exactly what was going to happen. There was no drama whatsoever, as we all knew the judges would save Rachel.

The only interesting dance-off would be Rachel versus Lisa ...

As fond as I was of Christine, the judges didn't have to do much manipulating to place her in the bottom spot. She did that all by herself.

and that makes a nonsense of the show......

It was so mean-spirited Buddy

I don't like to see this extra negativity creeping into Strictly just so as to create tension.

What was once light hearted entertainment, is now being taken too seriously by all concerned.

The judges seem to think its all about them.............certainly Arlene thinks she is A SOMEONE. ......mean old bag

Can you explain please?

I love Christine for her beauty, vibrancy & sheer loveliness as a person, will miss her terribly
The cold robotic Rachel/Lisa & the arrogant Austin do nothing for me

am rooting for Tom who seems genuine, quirky & can really move me when he dances, as he injects real personality into his performance

I cannot stand arlene!

I am waiting for results to come on iPlayer, I might get sad thought don't wanna see christine's face!!!

I also couldn't believe what Arlene said about Christine's smile. She looked shocked when the audience reacted the way they did. I used to respect that woman, because I loved some of her work I'd seen. After tonight, I never want to see her face on telly again. I have lost all respect for her. I've been saying this whole series she's a dirty old woman with her talk about men, but that was ok in that you could just pity her, but tonight she went TOO FAR! Don't ever darken our TV screens again you witch.

Sid I honestly thought it was gob smackingly , mouth open, chin on chest out of order.


Caspy I know people say that of all the judges, but for me it only really applies to Arlene - talk about basking in the spot light.

She had a rather evil look on her face after she'd said her piece too!

I have it taped....but havent watched it yet..

Arlene needs taking down a peg or too...she has no manners.

They are all the same, all right to get a laugh from the audience at anyones expense. Arlene is just nasty tho....makes her very B#tchy.....I mean its not like she is a qualified judge.........

Christine, you had something Arlene sadly lacks.

CLASS

Thats her normal look............

lol I don't usually have a problem with Arlene (apart from when she starts drooling over the male celebrities). I didn't even mind her being highly critical of Christine. But to compare her to another female celebrity that was sat opposite was below the belt.

I cant really stand her...........she is trying so hard to be one of the boys......I think she is actually trying to grow one

Then she really can be a P##ck

That's kind of how I felt too Sid until this weekend, although the feeling had been rumbling since I saw Arlene on ITT last week.

All the allegations about the judges thinking they are the stars of the show seem to be true when it comes to Arlene. I used to think she had something to offer with her advice on posture, etc., but that advice is not worth having if she can't act in a professional manner.

I so hope she takes the job in the USA next year and she is replaced (preferrably by Karen if she decides not to dance next time - just my preference btw ).

I liked Christine's personality but I think it was the right time for her to go - there was clearly a difference in ability between her and the other four

having said that I hope Austin's out next, although he won't be, because I now think his dancing is the worst of the four left

Hear Hear Buddy!

I always used to respect Arlene - I always felt that she did have things to say that made sense but that her vanity got the better of her on numerous occasions.

How she dealt with Christine was simply pure unprofessional mealy-mouthed dislike and has no place on a judging panel.

I have been one of Chrissie's most fervent supporters - and I DO think the result is right so I have no quibble with that - but even if criticisms needed to be made, there is a professional way to say them.

And that, sadly, was way out of line.

Christine, on the other hand, was beautiful, gracious, and exited the show in a really lovely way.

I am very proud of her and I enjoyed her time on Strictly more than I can tell you.

She went with her head held really high.

Unlike Arlene.

She REALLY now needs to go - this is one step TOO FAR.

Christine is a lovely smiley lady, but imho she should have gone out before Jodie. I only say that because I thought Jodie improved each week, and I would say Christine reached her potential as a dancer weeks ago... even the lovely Matthew failed to make her look good.

I did wonder if any of the other judges would have said something to Arlene after the show.

I hope they refused to serve her any wine in the bar after the show.........because she had more than enough of her own, albeit with an "h" in it.

Thought her exit was graceful, and I like that she even thought to thank Len - can't remember that having been done before.


I'm not criticising you for liking his dancing the least, but he does have the highest average of the competition at the moment, though Rachel is only 0.1 below him.