Strictly Come Dancing is world's most viewed programme
The show, which sees celebrities take to the floor alongside professional dancers, has emerged as an unlikely hit across the globe with the BBC selling the format to 38 countries.
(link via telegraph.co.uk)
I admit that I am a
big fan of the show so I'm not at all surprised that it's so popular world wide. It's one of the few shows on TV that I look forward to watching. I love watching the dancing, of course, but also it's fun to listen to the comments from the judges; Bruno Tonioli, Arlene Phillips, Len Goodman and Craig Revel Horwood. The judges - and the very talented professional dancers - have become celebrities in their own right, which adds to the enjoyment of the show. I also admire the presenter Bruce Forsyth ("Nice to see you, to see you..." "Nice!") who at age 80 is still going strong and keeps the show (broadcast live) moving along smoothly. I even enjoy his corny jokes!
The show has grown bigger every year - from just eight couples in Series 1 (May 2004) to 16 couples at the start of the present series. They have also expanded it into two shows, the main show on Saturday evening and the results show on Sunday evening. I do think it's rather silly though how they all pretend the results show is filmed on Sunday in spite of the BBC admitting that both shows are in fact filmed on Saturday!
Did you watch the last show? What did you think of the result? I will admit that I was disappointed that yet again the British public voted to keep John Sergeant in the competition even though he is obviously the worst celebrity dancer in the current series. Yes, he's cute and sweet and probably a very nice man but this isn't supposed to be a popularity contest. It's supposed to be a dance competition.
"Strictly Come Dancing" still has the important feel-good factor that makes it worth watching though so I still love the show despite the fact that the public vote doesn't always produce the result I'm hoping for. I think that adds to the fun, not knowing how it will end.
By the way did you know that Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli commute between Hollywood and London to judge both the American and British versions of the show?
Strictly Come Dancing Home Page
So you're not a member of my 'Vote for John Sargeant' fanclub then, Maureen. I think he has actually worked very hard, just as hard as the other contestants - he has apparently lost 2 stone, so he must be doing something- and I am annoyed at the judges attitude towards him. His dancing partner has been quoted as saying that she feels they are being ageist. The programme makers invited him onto the show, they agreed that the public should have half the vote, so they can't now try to boot him off when things don't go the way they expected.
ReplyDeleteJenny, I don't think the judges are being ageist. In fact, one of the other celebrities, Cheri Lunghi, is 56.
ReplyDeleteI think the judges base their decisions entirely on the dancing and how much each celebrity improves as the show progresses.
As much as I like John Sargeant - and I'm sure he works very hard to learn the dances - he hasn't been able to get to the same standard as the other celebrties remaining on the show. Yes, the public have half the vote but the problem with keeping John Sargeant in is that the two chosen for the dance off will both be better dancers than Mr Sargeant and yet the judges will be forced to vote one of them off (which just happened with Heather Small). I can certainly see why the judges are getting annoyed.
Typical of Brits.
ReplyDeleteAlways vote for the underdog.
That's what makes living here so suprising.
If the judges want him off, praise his efforts and give him a ten. Its that simple.
mrs k
I think you're right, Mrs. K.
ReplyDeleteJohn Sergeant isn't the best dancer, but the show is supposed to be public entertainment at the end of the day, rather than a formal dancing competition based on merit alone. It'll still be interesting to see how long he manages to stay! As for the other contestants, I think Tom and Austin are both really good, and, yes, it was a shame to see Heather and Brian leave.
ReplyDeleteThis year is actually the first time that I'm watching Strictly Come Dancing, mainly because I'm learning the tango myself now (yes, it's hard) and I'm generally more interested in dance than I used to be.
Daniel, I agree that the show isn't just a dance competition however the celebrities all seem to take it very seriously and each of them would like to be the one to win.
ReplyDeleteIt seems very unfair when the public vote for a celebrity just because they like him and think he's entertaining to watch. It only means that a celebrity who can dance well, will have to be eliminated in the dance off, especially at this stage of the show when all the celebrities (apart from John Sargeant!) are such good dancers. I think it's a real shame - although I still plan to continue watching the show!
I'm impressed that you are learning to dance the tango. Good for you!