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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think Strictly is just a bit....shit?!

167 replies

Chocolateflapjack01 · 16/10/2021 20:33

I know the majority will disagree with me but .....

I never watch it, but tonight thought I’d put it on. Just watched the last 40 mins of it and am finding it one big cringe/ cheese/ bore fest.

I have no idea who any of the ‘celebs’ are, I’ve thought all the dances have been a bit meh. The judges all seem to be clamouring over one another for attention.

I’m a big fan of dancing on ice and always watch that, but I guess I like that because of the danger element, just makes it a bit more exciting.

I’m just bored watching this and struggling with all the gushy cheesiness.

Am I the only one who doesn’t get the massive hype around it?

OP posts:
Ireolu · 17/10/2021 08:28

Was ok till you said you like and watch DOI. That's just as cringe with a load of unknowns.

SickAndTiredAgain · 17/10/2021 08:29

I have to say I also object to Strictly on a bit of a moral basis due to the 'Strictly curse' of people leaving their partners/spouses/mother or father of their children for their dance partner. Why do so many people do it!! And why doesn't the show ban these relationships?

Ban them? If they’re willing to cheat on their partner I doubt a rule from the strictly producers will make a difference.

daimbarsatemydogsbone · 17/10/2021 08:31

Am I the only one who doesn’t get the massive hype around it?

No you aren't, it's wank. I only watch (very occasionally) it for the sake of DD who likes it.

GoodnightGrandma · 17/10/2021 08:31

When it was a proper dancing competition I enjoyed it more, but these days footwork doesn’t seem to matter so much.

SleepQuest33 · 17/10/2021 08:33

I’m a big fan. I love dancing and just wish I could move the way those professionals do. I can’t believe how creative they are coming up with entertaining varied choreographies every week and the costumes are amazing.

MamsellMarie · 17/10/2021 08:40

I did watch it at the start but eventually it's just same old same old (unless you are into dancing) - I could probably watch 5 mins on Sat night and 5mins of a prog from years ago and not tell the difference.

Watchingyou2sleezes · 17/10/2021 08:47

I'll only ever flick it on for a couple of minutes to see who is the worst dressed between Tess and Claudia.

JaneDoe21 · 17/10/2021 08:55

YANBU. It's like X-factor outdated and rubbish. The results show isn't even live!

userchange987 · 17/10/2021 09:10

I want to like it so much, I used to love X factor even though it was shit as it was my countdown to Christmas. I've tried a couple of years to watch it but I just can't get into it.

0palescent · 17/10/2021 09:16

I record it each week, and then half watch it. I don't even know why at this point! I hate all the talking, and it feels about 3 hours long, especially in the early weeks. I'll break the habit eventually.

NashvilleQueen · 17/10/2021 09:22
  • i'm laughing at matthew bourne being the word on latin/modern ballroom

there are basic dance steps....and i mean basic. the kind you see when kids are working through rosette level exams. ....from age 3!! the rest is mary poppins style (bourne) choreography making it look theatrical.

my parents run a dance school....if your kids want to learn to dance off the back of strictly they will be massively disappointed when most of the focus is on their feet, heels and position! not the throwing your hands around and twirling in the air whilst wearing a floppy sequin dress

its not a dance show at allots a mockery of ballroom/latin dancing*

Having knowledge of the subject generally spoils your enjoyment of things that outsiders enjoy. I think that's all this is. Professional bakers probably hate Bake Off etc. In fact I'm a lawyer and o cringe at inaccurate depictions of the criminal justice system in every crime drama that many people love.

But no one takes Strictly too seriously. It's like a five month long panto with heroes and villains and sequins and lights. Right now a bit of joy - and that's what it brings to many people - is alright by me. You obviously think Matthew Bourne lacks kudos and that's absolutely fine. The performances I have seen of his productions leave me with another view.

It's absolutely fine for you and anyone else to hate Strictly just as it is for anyone else to find it a welcome relief on a winter evening.

One final thing on the programme. In this divided and miserable country the way in which the pro dancers, the vast majority of whom are from overseas, have been taken to the heart of the nation brings me some happiness.

CiaoForDiNiaoSaur · 17/10/2021 09:25

Surely Matthew Bourne has as much right to an opinion as Darcey Bussell? They are both known for being ballet trained first and foremost. But are most likely Trained in every genre of dance.

the80sweregreat · 17/10/2021 09:33

It started in 04 and everything was done over one night. None of this dragging it out for a Sunday night show which they tried to pass off as being live. We knew it wasn't! They didn't have the pointless ' dance off' back then either.
The format was exciting as many remembered ' come dancing ' on bbc with the professionals and this was more entertaining and a bit different.
Now it's just a bit boring and too long and has all become about the presenters and the judges I think. I still watch it , but I'm not as engaged and a few of the celebs I've never heard of.
I bet they will make it to 20 years , then axe it.

Ohhelppp · 17/10/2021 09:36

@gardeninggirl68

its good to see most mumsnetters can see through it all though
What an odd comment! See though what? It’s an entertainment show, take it or leave it. I think DOI is the most cringe-making, god awful show ever created, but guess what? I don’t watch it. And I certainly don’t look down on anyone who does.

As an aside, I’m an ex professional dancer (not ballroom) so have a bit of a clue as to what I’m looking at, and I’m one of the ones who looks forward to Strictly all day. And I’m not ashamed to say it! Yes, we sometimes skip the VTs and get annoyed by the drama and over/under marking, but it’s a brilliant spectacle and great entertainment - FOR US AS A FAMILY.

Bluntness100 · 17/10/2021 09:38

Honestly have never liked it, it is so dull. I’ve a friend who loves it I can’t even make it through one dance without yawning.

Ohhelppp · 17/10/2021 09:38

@NashvilleQueen well said.

CounsellorTroi · 17/10/2021 09:43

I’m a Strictly lover, but I don’t think it is what it used to be, the performance seems to have become more important than the dance and you often hear the judges saying “you need to work on your footwork” at the end of their comments almost like a footnote.

Tal45 · 17/10/2021 09:45

OP YABVU to criticise Strictly on the basis that the celebs are unknown, but say you love Dancing on Ice which has the likes of Gemma Collins on it. You couldn't get more z list than DOI.

The danger and difficulty of ice skating means IMO that no one on DOI ever looks very good and because there aren't lots of different ways of ice skating (like there are lots of different dances) they all end up doing very similar things week after week. The judges on DOI are also total cringe - John Barrowman anyone? And Jane and Chris while they might be great skaters/coaches are dull as dishwater as judges.

CounsellorTroi · 17/10/2021 09:48

John Barrowman has been sacked from DOI hasn’t he?

Autumnpurple · 17/10/2021 09:48

Agree it’s a bit naff but sometimes a bit of sparkle and music is a nice change from the usual on the TV. I wouldn’t sit down to watch it as it is awfully repetitive!

CounsellorTroi · 17/10/2021 09:52

For me the Strictly Final is when Christmas actually starts!

theDudesmummy · 17/10/2021 09:54

It's certainly naff and silly, but my DS, who is autistic, is completely obsessed by it and has been for years, and it is a huge pleasure to watch it with him every week and see his enthusiasm and engagement. It is the only tv show he will actually concentrate on from start to finish, he knows all the names, memorises the scores etc etc. There is nothing else that's gets him as involved! So I love it for that.

Brefugee · 17/10/2021 09:54

Yes, OP, you are literally the only person who doesn't like it or know who the celebs are.

Frankly? it's glitzy trash but i like to watch dancing, and i love the costumes, and critizising the singers. And the Halloween ep (there had better be one this year) is fantastic.

What it does is be more inclusive. This year with Rose, last year (was it?) with the chap who was injured by the IED. Older women, bigger women, younger people. It absolutely picks a person from each [insert category here] but introducing people with a disability and same sex couples is a good move.

Cofifeefee · 17/10/2021 09:59

I enjoy it.

It doesn't matter if the dancing isn't competition level - the celebrities are doing the show and then going back to their normal jobs. It's not as if they're competing to win a professional dance contract.

GettingLardy · 17/10/2021 10:04

I watch it with DH and we both enjoy it. It's easy watching, nice bit of sparkly stuff and some eye candy. I don't know the first thing about dancing so lack of technical details doesn't bother me. The results show is so annoying and drawn out so I don't watch that. I don't vote either. I think the last Strictly celeb I voted for was Mark Ramprakash.