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It's not been the best of starts for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. Not only was the show beaten by The X Factor by a massive two million viewers in Saturday night's ratings, but thousands of fans have also been voicing their criticism over new judge Alesha Dixon.
Today, even former judge Arlene Phillips, who was controversially replaced by Alesha earlier this year, has admitted that the show has lost some of its sparkle. Are things really that bad?
Let's be honest, Alesha was never going to get an easy ride from viewers and, like anyone starting a new job, it is naturally going to take her several weeks to settle in and hit her stride.
Most of the criticism aimed at the former winner has suggested that she is not experienced enough to mark the professional dancers and their celebrity partners on their dancing technique. However, she has vowed not to quit and hit back, saying she is offering a different perspective to the other judges.
She told the Daily Mirror: "My job is not to replace Arlene. My job is to provide a perspective that was maybe missing before and that is the understanding of the performance aspects and of just how tough it is to perform to the standards the viewers expect. Having been through the Strictly experience I can relate to what they are going through."
Meanwhile, the decision to ditch the separate results show has come under fire from Arlene who says the new format 'dragged on a bit'.
She told The Sun: "Viewers like to be able to get up, make a cup of tea, then come back and settle in for the results. It heightens the level of excitement. There was much more drama when there were two shows."
She went on to rule out a return to the panel, claiming that the BBC would never ask her back and added: "They hired Alesha because they wanted a different opinion - a voice of the viewer - and that's what she does. She was never hired to give a technical viewpoint.
"It is very hard for her - she must be incredibly nervous. The judges had all worked together for six series and she is new and on her own."
So, what was your verdict on the first two Strictly shows? Did you agree with Arlene that it 'dragged on a bit' and what did you think of Alesha's performance on the panel? Let us know what you think...
- More TV: What's on later? | The X Factor | Strictly Come Dancing
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I think Alesha is good at what she does off the panel of judges of Strictly. OK, she was a winner but she is not a professional in this field and I think Arlene should never have been axed. I didn't enjoy the start of the new series as much as I have in the past.
Posted by: lizziedarling on Mon Sep 21 12:33PM | Report abuseAlexa Dixon did well on Strictly Dancing, she must continue, its a challenge.
Posted by: cshamboko on Mon Sep 21 12:35PM | Report abuseUnfortunately Alesha did not give any relevant or useful critique on the show. This is a dance competition not a fashion show. Comments like 'you look great' and 'I love what you are wearing' really don't mean much.
Posted by: robert.thurlow1 on Mon Sep 21 12:35PM | Report abuseShe was awful copied other judges and her opinions were just rediculous
Posted by: andrew.burden on Mon Sep 21 12:36PM | Report abuseAlesha Dixon did well on Friday and Saturday, its a challenge and she must continue.
Posted by: cshamboko on Mon Sep 21 12:36PM | Report abuseI agree that the show has lost its sparkle, and the loss of Arlene Phillips hasn't helped. Bruce lost his sparkle long ago, too.
Posted by: vb.mason on Mon Sep 21 12:37PM | Report abuseOK, so Aleisha is rubbish, BUT.... she can only improve. That cannot be said for Forsyth, who gets worse by each session. And to think he gets over £700,000 for each series; his original fee was £900,000 but this was recently cut. To continue is only sheer greed! or is he only holding out to try and nab a knighthood. Two series ago during the programme Trish called him "Sir Bruce..." to which he replied, "Not yet dearie.!" Giving him any other honour than that which he already has would be the final degredation in that system. As long as he is compere my family and I will avoid SCD.
Posted by: jonthegurka on Mon Sep 21 12:37PM | Report abusebring back arlene - at she knew how the dances should be done as a coreographer. Alesha is lovely but dull and out of her depth....
Posted by: eday72 on Mon Sep 21 12:37PM | Report abuseBring back Arlene please please please. The comments made by Alesha Dixon were inane, lacked authority and were truly unprofessional. I have watched the show since it started and felt frustrated and angry by Alesha and will, if it continues, not be watching the programme or voting.
Posted by: anneandjanice on Mon Sep 21 12:37PM | Report abuseI am a Strictly fan, but was very very disappointed with the new judges line up. Arlene should never have been replaced. Alesha is not qualified to give an opinion and it was obvious she would save Matt in the dance off. It won't stop me watching but some of the 'sparkle' has gone.
Posted by: mcguireclan21 on Mon Sep 21 12:38PM | Report abuse