Well I have never seen such frantic commenting, tweeting and general discussion since Arlene got chucked!
Everyone and their dog seems to have an opinion about Chris and Ola getting through to the final..and why shouldn’t they I say?!
With a grand total of 75 comments and counting on this blog about Ali’s exit things look set to heat up even more if Chris and Ola actually manage to win the show.
There are two arguments here of course. One; that it’s an entertainment show and that Chris and Ola have worked very hard and deserve their place in the final.
Two; that it’s a dancing competition and that putting Chris through makes a mockery of the show and all the other winners.
Where do you stand?
Some comments from this blog
Laura Purkiss says “”I cannot understand the backlash that has come around because Chris and Ola got through to the final. I actually feel sorry for them if they read any of these blogs but for their sakes I hope they haven’t bothered. They were voted through to the final fair and square.”
Jen says “I’m extremely happy that Ali is not in the final. She has been severely overmarked every week, she cannot do latin. Last night did two boring routines, her AT was lacklustre, lacked passion, no chemistry between her and Brian whatsoever.”
Dave says “Robbed of a proper final. The BBC have been very clever in their manipulation of Chris and Ola and the ridiculous free propaganda given on biased “Breakfast”. Chris seems a reasonable chap but he has used his camera prowess to the maximum, when he says “Thankyou” each time he gets through he upsets my stomach. Ali and Ricky are the real winners here.”
Anna Venora says “Strictly has changed its format from dance competition to popular celebrity contest. Very sad, the program is now the poorer for it. The BEEB must have found out it is the most lucrative way to get money out of the viewers.”
Valerie Bird says in caps (!) “AGAIN THE COMPETITION HAS BECOME A FARCE. IT WONT BE WORTH WATCHING NEXT WEEK. WHY HAVE JUDGES IF THEIR VOTE DOESNT COUNT. ITS JOHN SARGEANT ALL OVER AGAIN!”
Tramp says “I am delighted that Chris and Ola are in the final, they bring the true delights of dancing to us mere mortals sitting on the sofa watching them. I know Chris is not the best technician but he is the most warm, entertaining and hardworking celeb. All the so called fans of strictly who are shouting that they wont watch the final…well they are not fans.”
Get commenting..what do you think?
there must be a change in the method of voting.Suppose the Judges marks stand and the public vote on the dance off.
Has not reached the standard of last year but at least Ricky and Ali can dance brilliantly at times and would have made a good naibiting final.Chris has improved but is not near the same class.I despair of the public.It should not be a popularity contest they can watch the other channel for that.
Ali and Brian, the best dancers of this series were voted out by a public who know nothing about dancing. Judges got it right.
You lot supporting Chris are idiots!! Cheeky chappie does not cut it in the semis, how can some one get a perfect score then not get in the Final?? what a farce, I guarantee the viewing figures will be down for the final, Constipation Chris will probably now win it, might as well ask John Sargeant to stand in then the inmates really will run the asylum!! God help us
To Derek: Bang on right mate. The man cannot dance to the standard required of the final. I for one will not bother watching the final because it’ll only work me up even more. Give chris a shot of botox, no expression is better than the constipated warthog look.
A crying shame both that Ali and Brian didn’t get through to the final and that Chris and Ola did. No-one else got perfect marks for any dance – Ali and Brian got that accolade twice. Did Chris ever get one 10? The smug constipated hobbit getting through to the final makes a mockery of the show. It’s getting far closer to Big Brother than a dance show and the BBC have been encouraging Chris to get through to the finals ever since Jade got injured.
And for all those idiots that believe it’s harder for men to learn to dance – lets have a final where Ricky (a very good dancer deservedly in the final) and Chris have to dance Ali’s part in the Argentine Tango – then we’ll see who really cuts it.
Ok Over the series Ali has been the best dancer, Ricky keeps making little mistakes, Chris maybe not the best dancer but is the most improved.
Also this IS an entertainment show! it is NOT a ballroom dance contest, if it was none of the celebs would get more than 2’s and 3’s.
I think Ricky will win but remember the history…No dance partners that became a couple have won, and the winner has never been in the dance off!
Still I’m hoping the best dancer next sat will win, and that should be Ricky (assuming he doesn’t make a mistake)
On a lighter not, just thinking of Natalie Cassidy and Vincent doing the ‘free dance’!!! if i had know i would have voted to get them through
Why are people confused as to whether Strictly is a dance competition or an entertainment show? If it were a dance competition the BBC would have selected a group of people who can dance i.e professional people who know how to dance; there are plenty to chose from – just go to the West End. If the BBC select John Sergeant, Fiona Phillips and the like it’s an entertainment show. Chris Hollins has the perfect mix. Anyway has a bad dancer ever won Strictly? Tom was the best of last year and the pattern has always been the same – so why worry, don’t take it so seriously.
My opinion; it is a dance show that is for entertainment, which is why we see “celebraties” with professionals. I was fuming and switched off when Cola were annonced, vowing never to watch SCD again. I felt that the decission to have no dance-off was to get Chris through but thinking about all the publicity on Breakfast I now wounder if the dance-off would have been between Ricky and Ali; not nice for judges.
Have the BBC commented much on the decision to drop the dance-off and when it was made?
At the mo I am still going to cut my nose etc. and not watch final.
I am glad that Ali has been knocked out of SCD. She has been over-marked week after week; even when she makes mistakes, as on Saturday, she doesn’t get marked down. I’m sure she is a lovely girl but her dances were dull. If it hadn’t been reported in the papers you would never have guessed that she and Brian were a couple, they have absolutely no chemistry together.
All this fuss over Chirs and Ola getting into the final is nonsense. I love them, they are hugely entertaining, have bucket loads of chemistry and clearly love dancing together which makes me love watching them.
TEAM COLA TO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love Chris and Ola, they are a lovely couple. They work really hard, have so much fun dancing together and put on a great performance every week – that’s what Strictly is all about. I love watching them together. They won their place in the final and they deserve it.
Ali was voted off the show fair and square, I’m glad she has gone. She may have been the best dancer technically but I found her dancing extremely dull; she didn’t entertain and she and Brian have no chemistry together whatsoever, I cannot believe they are a couple.
Good luck to Chris and Ola for the final I think their show dance will be amazing.
I’m voting for Chris this week again! Most improved dancer and my vote is on behalf of those who want to be entertained. It’s not really a dance contest! The judges are beginning to believe their own publicity. Oh, yes. Bring back Arlene. Fire Len and Bruno. Include Karen Hardy in the judging next year. She knows what she is talking about and is aware of the need to treat the celebs with respect.
The same as it was in the past when Darren won,this contest
should not be about popularity but about quality.
For entertainment there are other progammes.
It is clear (also no dance-off)Cola must be in the final to
crank up popularity of some television progammes
I was crying when Chris and Ola got through to the final and hated watching him smiling when Ali and Brian were obviously upset doing their farewell dance. Natalie and Ricky were crying too. Its a farce and should never have been allowed. The rules have to be changed to acknowledge the actual dance performance is paramount to getting through to the next round, with the public vote being important, but not overwhelmingly so to the extent that the John Seargants of this world can potentially win. It Chris and Ola wins this has just happened.
Please please please vote for Ricky and Natalie as they are obviously the best dancers by far!
It is an absolute travesty that Ali and Brian were voted off. Ali is a lovely dancer, her and Brian made a great team and they were consistently good throughout the whole series. Although I do like Chris and he has progressed and it was fair for him to get to the semi-final, I don\’t believe he was at the same level as Ali or Ricky. The thing is, this happens each year where good dancers get voted off and the bad ones get saved, all because some people treat it more like a personality contest. I realise this is an entertainment show, but with the clue of the word \’Dancing\’ in the title should point out that this is in fact a show to do with dancing and it is only fair to ensure that the best dancers get to the final. Surely after 7 series the producers should have realised there needs to be something done about the voting – I think that the fairest way is for the public still to be able to vote, but not have such a large percentage of the vote, meaning that the the judges (who after all are the professionals) get the most say in who stays and who goes. Really, on Saturday it might have been better still to have a dance off.
Also, I think the show could do with new presenters. How about Anton Du Beke and Claudia Winkleman. Anton is a good presenter and I know he is keen to take over from Bruce. Claudia was good backstage with the contestants when Bruce was off ill. I think they would have a good rapport together, there would still be the odd jokey element but we wouldn\’t have the usual lame jokes that we get from Bruce. Him and Tess have done well, but we need some fresh faces otherwise it\’s likely ratings will suffer especially after this latest farce. There is too much padding out with lots of chit chat, we want to watch the dancing and hear the judges comments etc. And stop giving Alesha a hard time! I think that as the series has gone on she has become more confident with her comments and is a fair judge. She may not be a professional who knows about all the technical bits but she is seeing it from the celebrity\’s point of view. She has been in their shoes and knows what it\’s like with the nerves and learning new routines each week. If she\’s allowed to be a judge next year then she will no doubt be more confident as she knows what to expect and will have learnt quite a bit from her time on the panel this series.
For those of you that have stated that you would not be watching the finals, I would say please do because I believe Ricky and Natalie would not dissappoint. Not only that you have to vote, it would be a slap in the face if Chris wins.
All the Cola opponents get real please. Don\’t be so sad. The only sensible comment is the one from the guy who rightly pointed out that this was not a dancing competition and Ricky would come way last in any professional or top amateur contest. They are not seeking a career like the X Factor kids. They all have jobs. It\’s supposed to be entertainment. Tom won it last year with the lowest marks, apparently Darren also won it on likeability. At least Chris was not manipulated back in like Tom.
It is entertainment not a serious dance contest. People like Chris. Ricky has been in the bottom two more than once and it is no suprise to me why, despite being the best all round dancer. Where do you think Craig would come were he to dance against the other judges even were he the best dancer. Yes, right first time, dead last.
Get ready for more angst Ricky fans. If you can do simple arithmatic the public will give it to Chris. And good luck to him.
I was so annoyed that there was not the usual dance-off on Saturday night – WHY? If there had been I’m sure Ali would have been in the Final as she should have been. Chris is very sweet, but NOT the best dancer. Surely we wanted an exciting Final. As it is, I’m not sure I’ll bother watching.
I have loved Chris and Ola since the start – Chris has improved as much as Ola’s outfits have disappeared! I think that Ricky was always going to be in the final, as he has a HUGE following thanks to Hollyoaks and the magazines, I’m just happy that he can dance as well. Out of the three finalists I think that Chris and Ricky deserved to be in the final. Ali was lovely but only at certain dances, out of the performances on Saturday I think her Argentine Tango was the weakest dance of all the contestants. I can’t wait for the final, I think it will be a joy to watch and it will be one of the closest finals for ages!
Also what does it matter who wins in the end, as long as those who view it are entertained, enjoy watching and perhaps go out and try some dancing of their own?!
Hoorah for Chris and Ola – entertainment on a Saturday night again, they have improved and entertained every week without fail, and totally delighted my 3 year old. Ricky may be able to dance but so dull!!!
I think the vote was changed to fix it! if Chris and Ola went then the companies would make less money as less people would have voted in the final!!! To change it at the last minute is wrong and proves it was a fix…otherwise they would have changed it at the beginning….its not about entertainment or dancing…its about money and greed!
The difference this year is that Chris Hollins, lovely lad as he is, is not an entertainer in the class of last years dance dunce John Sergeant. Had Chris after a gifted run to the semi-finals, been content with third place,viewed the show as a competition and not as a variety show, thanked his supporters and then pulled out from the competition, he would have received the admiration of all the viewers who tuned into SCD and the public at large.
Alas not to be, how disappointing some people turn out to be in the pursuit of fame.
I, personally, am not happy to see Chris and Ola in the finals. The show is not ‘Strictly Come Personality’. However, I am so happy for Ricky and Natalie! Lets hope the best dancers win through in the end!
Team Cola?? Team Hobbitt more like!! Obvious the BBC have put Chris ” botox Hobbitt Smile ” through just to wind up idiots like me!! It must be working as I am spending time writing this!! Ricky to win, although I think Chris might nick it, shame, although its Dancing/Entertainment, the winner should be at least able to dance to a decent standard, people have said its not a Dancig Contest?? why do they dance then?? Its not just an Entertainment show either as Hobbitts stamping up and down with Cheshire Cat grin, would have paled long ago, anyway, let off steam now, Happy Xmas everyone!!
The BBC have got their way with Chris Hollins getting through. The bias is so transparent, compounded by the fact that they withdrew the dance-off in the semi-final.
On SCD-It takes Two on 16/12/2009 Claudia asked Gaby Logan, Spoony and Zoe Lucker who they were rooting for, and they said Chris Hollins. Isn’t it an amazing coincidence(I don’t think)that they all have connections with Ola Jordan.
The Show is finished.
its not fair to be called idiots, we are all allowed an opinion, thats what a mesage board is for. The people voted for Chris and Rick beacuse they liked them. I hope Chris will winn, he is such a personality, so lively and happy.
It must be remembered that this is television, not a hard line proffesional dance compatition.
To Brudie, the last caller, I say in answer to her views that Chris is a lively and happy chap: I respect her opinion, but those attributes alone should not be enough to win Strictly come DANCING. Sorry brudie, the answer is in the title.
All the comment in the world will not change the unjust voting away of Ali and Brian.They are and always will be the true winners of this series.
Think the BBC are going to have to decide for next year…dancing OR personality contest!
still a great show and would be a real shame to lose it
I,ll be watching the final,but not with quite the same anticipation of previous years..
highlight for me this year was….darcy bussel dancing,WOW!
I think that many of the recent problems and feelings of unfairness arise because the show is having to get only two people in the final over the last few years.
There should be an extra couple. If there are still 5 couples at semi-final stage then the top two could get automatic places and the other 3 would dance-off for the final place.
The final itself is also more exciting when there are 3 couples.
Having watched Strickly since it started.This series in my opinion is the worst.From day one there were only about 4 couples who could dance.Zoe, Aly, Ric Whittle, and Jade.the rest were just plodders.If Chris wins it will kill the programme.
Strickly needs a complete revamp.Bruce has got to go.When sick the prog flowed much better.
Change the format before people change channels..
Having watched strictly since the first series I cannot believe what a pantomime it has turned in to.It is quite obvious that it is now a personnality competition being judged by biased, so called experts with over inflated egos.
Having just heard the results of this final seeing the look on the so called best dancers I feel sorry for the people who voted for them,perhaps they didnt realise it was a dancing competition.
Good-bye Srictly, its the last time I will be watching.
I completely agree with you, and I certainly won’t be watching or wasting my money on voting again. It’s a complete disgrace.
Just as last year the best dancer did not win. The show is called,please let me remind you, Strictly Come Dancing, so I would expect the best dancer to win. Rachel was robbed last year just as Ricky was this year.If we want to rename the show “Strictly give it a go” or “Strictly entertain us” or “Strictly BBC personalities will win” then the results have been fine. Ricky and Natalie were spectacular and should never have lost to the lacklustre hobbit and Ola chops. They may revel in it tonight, but in the days to come they should acknowledge that they were not the genuine winners.I will not watch again!
Exactloy brudie we all are entitleed to our own opinion and i think Cola should have won and I do respect other peoples views and I can see what they are talking about but mit is Tv not a 7* dancing competition
Why does the BBC pay judges in Strictly Come Dancing, when it is the public who decide who wins??
I was under the impression it was a dancing competition, which it so obviously isn\\\’t.
John Sargent would have won it last year if he hadn\\\’t gracefully stood down, and he could barely put one foot in front of the other.
The public vote for their favourite TV celebrities, not for their good dancing.
I doubt very much if I will be watching it in the future. It\\\’s become like a pantomime with the audience shouting so loud you can\\\’t hear what the commentator or judges are saying. The judge Len putting the other judges down because he thinks his opinion is the best and only opinion worth having.
Bruce Forsyth tries to give the impression it\\\’s HIS show. He should resign, he\\\’s past his sell by date.
The show no longer has any status. It\\\’s not a competition. It\\\’s more like \\"I\\\’m a celebrity, get me out of here.\\"
Good things? Fantastic orchestra and singers.
Fabulous costumes, great professional dancers, and great competitors, who alas are only voted for because the public like them/know them, not because they have worked hard to become the best dancer to win the competition.
Thumbs up for contributor 14, caroline, for her comment
on Alesha Dixon\’s case. Alesha is sweet and highly talented.
She deserves a break. Don\’t know why people keep slagging
her off. She very much deserved to be on that judging panel,
and for a beginner, she did a very good job on it. She is
a hard worker that\’s why she is where she is today. Deal
with it, you enemies of progress.
Alesha, don\’t let their blind judgement of you pull you
down. Go for it. We are behind you and most importantly,
God is backing the oppressed and lowly hearted nothing
else matters. Go girl!
It was a real travesty that chris and ola won the show.
Ricky was more than very good, he was excellenty
briiiiliant. On the night, he gave it a 110 percent and
should have undoubtedly won, but the crazy british public
as they usually vote on such talent shows decided to vote
for the hopping hobbit. The BBC presenters encouraged this
outrageous injustice of the highest order by cancelling the
semi-final dance-off. I won\’t be watching next year and I
know I speak for many.
You certainly speak for me Mary, I have complained to the BBC via e-mail and asked them for an explanation regarding the semi-final no dance-off shambles. Personally, I think it was to give their man a better chance of getting through, because for sure if he had been in the dance-off, we would have had a final with the two best dancers in the competition.
I think we should be entitled to see the voting figures, there’s something not right.