Never let it be said that the Lib Dems’ deputy leader is a one-trick pony, capable only of talking sound common sense on the economy – he is also, as we all know, a ballroom dancing prince, a man who knows his paso from his tango. So he’s on sure-footed ground in the Mail, when he questions whether the Beeb has runined the show that, in previous series, has entranced millions:
Britain is divided into two nations: those who watch Strictly Come Dancing on a Saturday evening and those who watch The X Factor. There are a few neutrals, but not many. I have been firmly in the Strictly camp from its early days but I worry now that the formula no longer works – that it is not just losing the ratings battle but is losing its way. A national treasure is at risk. …
More than any other show I can remember, it has brought together people of different ages and social backgrounds from different parts of the country – men and women. It has helped to create a national conversation and has given a big boost to dancing as a popular pastime.
Yet something has gone badly wrong. Millions of viewers voted with their feet for the other channel. Even diehard supporters like me became bored in the early rounds this year by very ordinary performances from an excessive number of unknown ‘celebrities’.
You can read Vince’s article in full here. And as an extra special treat on a cold Monday morning, you can enjoy re-living our shadow chancellor treading the light fantastic with Alesha Dixon:
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6 Comments
How many other front-benchers, from any party are able to say, like Vince, “This year I have added the Argentine tango to my portfolio”.
Never thought I’d say this, but Vince has got something wrong here.
Chris Hollins was the best person to win Strictly!
I’m with Vince on this. It seems that people with a real flair and talent, are thrown out or voted down by ‘the underdog’, BBC presenter Chris Hollins, who by his own admission, found it hard and was noweher near as good as Ricky Whittle. So we’re left with cheeky chappie BBC presenter winning BBC’s SCD.
It was bad enough being subjected to the BBCs ageism and sexism, when Arlene Phillips was dropped, while we have the spectacle of 82 year old Brucie prancing around with the young and attractive women. As my daughter commented -” where’s the eye candy for us women?”
“Britain is divided into two nations: those who watch Strictly Come Dancing on a Saturday evening and those who watch The X Factor.”
Harumph.
Goes of muttering about fighting conformity etc 🙂
Which one did Rage against the Machine win again?
The latest final of Strictly Come Dancing saw the rank underdog Chris Hollins steal a march on the bookies favourite, the brilliant, Ricky Whittle and go past him on the fortuitous choice of Lindy Hop and Charleston that were hand picked picked for the quirky Hollins turn of humour.He excelled with professional Ola Jordan.
The winner of this phenomenal poetry in motion show `09 has confirmed that my wife remains an addict and there is no antidote for her except another fix, next September.
Perhaps, a winners only Show might be something for the future, now we have seen 8 knock outs?
Strictly addicts should learn to dance and not watch it without doing bodily rhythm on the floor like Vince Cable.
Could Vince Cable yet become the next L/D Chancellor and next potential Strictly champion?
Most people watch neither!