Is strictly getting too samey?

[SimplyRed1972]

I've always loved watched Strictly, for me it's the start of winter before ima celeb comes back <3

But can they do more than just dance? It'd be better if they did other stuff or am I weird?

They used to have that backstage bit with Tess, with a velvet curtains.

(The Tesspit, if you ever read the monkseal blog .)

I used to LOVE Strictly, but its become so tedious. I tried to put my finger on it, and I think it comes down to (a) the judges - they are just so unlikeable. I miss Len and Darcy. Too many shouty opinionated grandstanding posers, not enough calm, insightful judging. And then the professionals - the original guys were just so likeable and individual - and the contestants ....I think theyre struggling to find the right mix of people. I avoid it like the plague now as its all just noise and flash without the human element that made it wonderful.

I miss the old days with the lovely dresses. Most of the costumes look really cheap these days.

I don't like any of the judges except Anton. Tess trying to be funny is embarrassing but she's OK when she's just reading from the autocue.

I miss Pasha and Oti.

I still love it. The sameyness is comforting, you know what you're getting.

That said, I do think the pros are a bit dull now. They seem to be picked for their looks rather than their personality. Which is fair enough, that is partly what they're there for... but much as I hated them at the time, I kind of miss the days of Brendan and James Jordan. I wonder if there's more risk now of being quickly replaced if they argue.

Love Anton as a judge. Not keen on Motsi, she shouts and never actually says anything useful. Really missed Oti this season, and Gio going out early was a shame - we're so used to him being an integral part of the show.

I also think the more complicated dances should be saved for the later weeks. A lower-table no-hoper is never going to do a good Charleston or Argentine Tango. Save them for after Halloween week and let everyone get a good grounding in the basic ballroom dances first.

Oh and I agree the scores are far too high now. A 9 should be a brilliant dance with maybe some missed steps or a wobble, not a competent but dull dance (Tyler, this year).

I do think it would be nice to see more traditional outfits. They seem to be always trying to theme it to the song, even in normal weeks. It is rare to see a male in just tails, or a lovely traditional ballgown.

I do still love the show but it has lost it's way a little.

I realise they have to try to keep things fresh and I can't imagine not watching it, no matter how irritated I get at the inconsistent marking, the booing, the overdone effects. But one of the worst things is when the rhythm of the music doesn't suit the dance.
This happens so often, and not just in theme weeks.
When you occasionally see a tango or paso danced to proper music it makes such a difference and must be much easier for the contestants.

Yeah, I'd love a Brendanesque strop to liven things up.
@PolkadotsAndMoonbeams of course! Tess's curtains!

I agree with a lot here!
Chop out all the training/ nan/ primary school crap.
Tess is dire, I like Claudia.
Ban the clapping during the dance.
Judges, Craig is my favourite, always has been. A 10 from him is hard to get and the one they all want. I liked Darcey, Arlene but couldn’t stand Bruno, delighted he’s gone.
Couples choice is more like they do in the final. Pointless before.
I want to see less styles, so maybe three dance styles in the beginning weeks, then down to two as less couples.
Have a shorter show with a programme in between and a quick results show.

I think the judges should be required to give their scores as soon as the dance has finished, so that they aren't influenced by each other in any way. I also think there's a lot to be said for having separate scores for technique and performance, but I think you'd have to get rid of Motsi because she'd still be giving them high scores for rubbish technique if she liked the performance.

Last week I found myself wishing the professionals would just produce a nice swirly Viennese Waltz or something for their pro dance. The constant attempts to tell stories via contempowaft or frantic Latin or modern dancing leave me cold.

I also think they should abandon Couple's choice apart from theatre/jazz. if they want another variation, they should bring in lindyhop.

I think the judges should be required to give their scores as soon as the dance has finished, so that they aren't influenced by each other in any way.

They do this already, they have Ipads which they register their score with the control room, this is only apparent when something goes wrong, like when Bruno magnificently took charge - it is worth watching to see the 'real' Bruno briefly appear!

The VTs and dire "jokes' between Tess and Claudia need to go.
I find it embarrassing.
Just show training footage and perhaps explain some of the steps.
I quite like Halloween week but think they could do so much more with it,instead of silly comedy costumes and routines,make it dark and eerie.
Not fussed on all the other themes as I think it usually ruins the dance.
Keep couples choice but yes it should be a reward and left until the later weeks.
I liked Bruno and would bring him and Len back.
Motzi offers nothing except some(times) good outfits/hair/and makeup

This is the first series I decided not to watch based on the choice of celebrities(?) and the very obvious strategy to tick diversity and backstory boxes - they should just focus on getting interesting celebrities on with good personalities - they've had a few planks on lately IMHO. The dances at this stage always seem so short that there seems to be barely enough dance content to judge. I don't like the way the judging continues to evolve as a form of entertainment - they could judge and tone the hyperbole and histrionics down quite a bit - it's not far from becoming Ru Paul does Strictly - that's the way it's going.

I liked Darcey as a judge because she had no patience with ringers and made it clear she expected more from those with extensive dance training, such as Pixie Lott.

I like the way they do it on Dancing on Ice where the judges give their scores before their comments, so then have to justify their scores.

And the judges (well, Shirley and Motsi) should not be allowed to stand and applaud, we shouldn’t be given any hint of what they thought until they open their mouths.

I don't think this series was ever going to be any good after last year which was rhe best year ever imo. Really hope it's back on form for 2024 but I agree that it's pretty dull this year.

Also agree with pp that the couples choice is generally dire, too many theme weeks and faffing about with props, plus they've lost some of the more interesting pro-dancers unfortunately. Bloody love the judges though!!

I dislike the standing ovations by Shirley and Motsi too. Their comments and marks are enough.

And it's such a shame for the few couples who don't get a standing ovation!

I watch it on catch up so I can fast forward through all the drivel, hugging and 'I love you's'

It's become a bit panto-esque. A parody of itself almost.

It's become a bit panto-esque. A parody of itself almost.

Very well put.

Anyone I know who watches it does that. Tess especially sets my teeth on edge.

I think that a briefer results show broadcast live on Sat night would be a positive step.

Tess and Claudia are the kiss of death to Strictly. I agree! They should go. Irritating isn’t the word!