Pro Dancers Slot

Seen tonight that Alijaz and Janette are doing a tribute show to Fred Astair. That should be something to look forward to. I also watched Darcy Bussel do a one hour show on Fred's history tonight. Interesting and can be seen ob B.B.C i player.

Just seen an article on BBC newsite that they've dropped Brendan - their decision rather than his. I'm not a massive fan of him, but all the same it seems a very harsh way for one of the original pro dancers to leave the show. I hope he gets a proper 'goodbye' on the next series, and some guest appearances on ITT.

jingle wrote:Just seen an article on BBC newsite that they've dropped Brendan - their decision rather than his. I'm not a massive fan of him, but all the same it seems a very harsh way for one of the original pro dancers to leave the show. I hope he gets a proper 'goodbye' on the next series, and some guest appearances on ITT.

Off with the old, on with the new. I'm surprised they kept A nton on as I thought he'd be for the chop shortly. He must have agreed to dance with a man if chosen. The show relies on family stuff and that includes Dakota Green and her sister Teresa having their share of voting power for the teeny bops. Won't be too long before swivelling on your head and finger contortions are more the norm than promenades and Charlston swivels. I shouldn't laugh, because my own P45 is probably tucked inside my bus pass. Loyalty has no place in commerce and Strictly come Dancing is rainbow coloured commerce. Oh, go ahead, be outraged and sue me, see if I give one.

I'm outraged...................nothing more to say.

Have just sent a well reasoned formal complaint to the Beeb. Will be interesting to see what bilge they come back with..................

I really do think it is down to his biting back at the judges. As for An.ton he is just such a good sport. He gets lumbered with many a dead duck and laughs it off, makes a joke of it and soldiers on and gets the laughs for it which is entertaining. Brendan, sadly, took criticism to heart and snapped back. I will miss him though. He was an old stalwart and clearly loved doing the show hence he was close to tears this morning. Very sad.

It's ok to be an older dancer on SCD if you accept that you are the 'comedy turn'...................(AKA A nton). I do like A nton but to me B rendan still has so much more professional relevance and sadly Jingle I don't think he will get any sort of 'goodbye' on the show, they never do that to the people that they drop, just too embarrassing for them.........

I actually thought that until the spat with Shirley this year (in which she was entirely in the wrong) B rendan had really calmed down and hasn't really clashed with the judges for a long time. I think it rather blows apart the quaint notion that SCD is a 'family' - most of the smart ones see the writing on the wall and get out before they are pushed (I have my doubts that L en's departure was wholly his idea). There is still no explanation for how K aren Hardy disappeared into the 'Bermuda Triangle' from ITT.

It shows that they have absolutely no regard for their fans and the people that give the show consistently high ratings. I just saw a post from one of the newspapers which said that SCD were opting for a younger 'blander' version. I find myself starting to agree with this - everything has it's day - programmes as well as dancers - Time will tell I suppose...............................

I really don't like casting aspersions but here goes.....

Brendan has always been snappy with the judges. He has always stood up for his contestants and choreography. Now in the past L.en took it on the chin and forgot all about it. Now am I reading too much into this but perhaps Shirley wasn't so keen on taking Brendan talking back to her and ensured he was shown the door?

Not a happy bunny Brendan dropped I feel due to his protective streak re his celeb partner. Charlotte really took a lot of bashing and fair cracking Brendan stepped in as shield and saviour. Yes L.en took on chin and didn't get that riles save for the one new dancer Gleb...
I hope maybe BeeB has a suprise re Brendan as Judge or male presenter....
If Brendan gone to create new beginnings then I better jolly well see Neil with a partner and Chloe. I better see Shirley eat humble pie re her crazy scoring.

I'll also fire off a complain but you get a blah blah don't really give a dam answer back....

saxonsiren wrote: Not a happy bunny Brendan dropped I feel due to his protective streak re his celeb partner.  Charlotte really took a lot of bashing and fair cracking Brendan stepped in as shield and saviour. Yes L.en took on chin and didn't get that riles save for the one new dancer Gleb...
I'll also fire off a complain but you get a blah blah don't really give a dam answer back....

Complain to who though Sax? You'll get passesd aound like a hand grenade with the pin out but never get to talk to anyone with a final say. Pruducers of these shows are soulless creatures who only care about ratings and their own success and delegating anything that loopks like a problem. Look at the music choices for a start. It'll need the show to flop before someone wakes up, and by then it'll probably be too late. A song comes to mind "I'm a yesterday man, yes my friend that's what I am"

CaledonianCraig wrote:I really don't like casting aspersions but here goes.....

Brendan has always been snappy with the judges. He has always stood up for his contestants and choreography. Now in the past L.en took it on the chin and forgot all about it. Now am I reading too much into this but perhaps Shirley wasn't so keen on taking Brendan talking back to her and ensured he was shown the door?

Interesting theory and I know that lots of people are blaming her for B rendan's departure but much as I am not her greatest fan I'm not so sure...........would she really have this much power after only one season on the show?? I would be surprised, particularly as the spat was only really on one week.

if it is all nothing to do with her then I feel a bit sorry for her because she has had a mixed reception on the show, but if she was such a petty diva as to have demanded his head, I would lose what little respect I was starting to gain for her and if her shoulders aren't very broad (as you say CC the others can just take it all on the chin) then perhaps she should consider whether it is really the job for her.

I feel a mixture of it-was-time relief tinged with end-of-an-era sadness.

I did think Brendan looked somewhat out of place during the 2017 launch and wondered if it might be his final series even before the acrimony with Shirley (where neither were blameless - he certainly would never have "my dear'd" L.en in that patronising manner).

But putting aside my disappointment at Old Brendan resurfacing, he was a Strictly original and an integral part of the show and for that alone I feel quite sentimental about his departure. Not only that, he turned in some truly memorable Ballroom routines - despite not being a specialist in that area - and he and Sophie EB are right up there in my pantheon of Iconic Strictly Couples.

I'm also worried about the cast becoming too samey and sycophantic. That said, I think "being passionate" sometimes gets conflated with simply "being rude". I think it's possible to stand up for your partner without being an arse (I recall how Matthew Cutler managed to be passionate, chivalrous and polite when coming to Carol S.miley's defence. It's perfectly possible).

So now it's just A.nton left flying the flag for the Strictly originals. He's got a niche nicely carved out for himself and far from "having to put up with" the contestants he's typically given, he revels in it. It's his shtick. And it's popular. And it's why he'll be there til he's 154.

I'm getting vague memories of a section on ITT when they showed a montage of B.rendan with his partners over the years.  I remember thinking at the time that it looked a bit like a farewell thing, only it wasn't introduced as such - wondering now if the decision had already been made, unbeknown to B.rendan,  back  then.

As far as I recall they did a similar montage for Pasha

Sid wrote: he and Sophie EB are right up there in my pantheon of Iconic Strictly Couples.

I'm also worried about the cast becoming too samey and sycophantic. That said, I think "being passionate" sometimes gets conflated with simply "being rude". I think it's possible to stand up for your partner without being an arse (I recall how Matthew Cutler managed to be passionate, chivalrous and polite when coming to Carol S.miley's defence. It's perfectly possible).

So now it's just A.nton left flying the flag for the Strictly originals. He's got a niche nicely carved out for himself and far from "having to put up with" the contestants he's typically given, he revels in it. It's his shtick. And it's popular. And it's why he'll be there til he's 154.

Hi S id - hope you are well  

Absolutely right about B rendan and Sophie -  and of course for me, I'll add B rendan and Lisa.  I think he could have also got to the final with Kelly Brook if events hadn't intervened.

I kind of don't think  ' it was time' -  I feel B rendan still is relevant and still can be innovative but as I think we discussed on a thread somewhere during the series - he hasn't really sparkled in recent series, this one included.  He hasn't really had any 'characters' as his partner either.  I think he's made a fair job with all of them but you are right he has sort of progressively faded into the background - and I really do think that until the spat with Shirley the 'old' B rendan hadn't been seen for a long time, so I'm kind of annoyed that the press are picking up so much on it  (typical!).

I think the trick is trying to see the writing on the wall and get out before you are pushed in all work situations, but equally sometimes you don't see it coming - as in this case.  I would highly recommend that A nton does the same.

I totally agree with your comments on 'samey and sycophantic' - exactly what some of the newspaper websites are saying.   Also comments about ageism - another reason for them to keep A nton  in the show there doesn't seem to be room for B rendan in a younger cast.       My only hope now is that B rendan does not turn bitter and twisted like the Jordans, and thereby wreck any chance of getting slots on ITT or anything else that is going in the future - I think he has acted as a judge on the aussie version of the show.    I am soooooo disappointed .....................

Meanwhile...pro dancers and great music combined...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq6_L9rbitI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcgHGRLYaIw

Aw you've really cheered me up with those clips Mr T Love the Hayworth/Astaire/Presley one.

Also - did anyone see that TV programme on fitness last night? So happy that dancing came out as one of the top things to do for fitness and for happiness ...................of course!!! I loved it when they said if you don't like going to the gym then don't do it....................simple!!

I saw reports last night that B rendan might be lined up as a judge on DOI!!!! Probably a load of rubbish and not sure how it would work as they already have four competent judges.......... but it would certainly liven things up with the show if that happened!!!!!

mauveangel09 wrote:

Hi S id - hope you are well  

Absolutely right about B rendan and Sophie -  and of course for me, I'll add B rendan and Lisa.  I think he could have also got to the final with Kelly Brook if events hadn't intervened.

I kind of don't think  ' it was time' -  I feel B rendan still is relevant and still can be innovative but as I think we discussed on a thread somewhere during the series - he hasn't really sparkled in recent series, this one included.  He hasn't really had any 'characters' as his partner either.  I think he's made a fair job with all of them but you are right he has sort of progressively faded into the background - and I really do think that until the spat with Shirley the 'old' B rendan hadn't been seen for a long time, so I'm kind of annoyed that the press are picking up so much on it  (typical!).

I think the trick is trying to see the writing on the wall and get out before you are pushed in all work situations, but equally sometimes you don't see it coming - as in this case.  I would highly recommend that A nton does the same.

I totally agree with your comments on 'samey and sycophantic' - exactly what some of the newspaper websites are saying.   Also comments about ageism - another reason for them to keep A nton  in the show there doesn't seem to be  room for B rendan in a younger cast.       My only hope now is that B rendan does not turn bitter and twisted like the Jordans, and thereby wreck any chance of getting slots on ITT or anything else that is going in the future - I think he has acted as a judge on the aussie version of the show.    I am soooooo disappointed .....................

Hey mauve - and the rest of the gang, hope you're all doing okay

You read my mind mauve - despite clearly being shocked and upset, I really hope that once everything settles down, "Post-Strictly Brendan" won't morph into the Jordans. If nothing else, it'd only give his harshest critics further ammunition and a reason to say "we told you so". Plus, I genuinely do think he's better than that. He also has a lot to be thankful for - after all, the show turned him into a household name. Strictly and Brendan were reciprocally beneficial to each other.

I cannot see B.rendan turning into another JJ. I think the other morning would have been when he would have let rip when on tv when it was still a raw emotion but he didn't. I think, in time, he will only speak fondly of Strictly.

I son't want to boost sid's hopes up but bookmakers are making Vincemt Simeone as the favourite to replace Brendan. Sources say he is looking to return.

CaledonianCraig wrote:
I son't want to boost sid's hopes up but bookmakers are making Vincemt Simeone as the favourite to replace Brendan. Sources say he is looking to return.

Ooh, I'd love to see Vincent back....although only on the condition that he doesn't usurp the similarly sized AJ.  

Personally would love to see both Neil and Chloe on the main show this year, it feels like they've been waiting in the wings for too long now.

Hello again everyone - late to the party as usual! (Couldn't get a cab, then I couldn;t find my keys, then once i had managed to get a cab and had got in it I had to turn it aroudn and check if I had left my curling tongs on. I hadn't. Then I realised I had no cash for the cab so I had to stop off at a cashpoint, which didn't work and then had to jhoint he very long queue at the other one.... Ok, that didn't really happen, obviously. But it did metaphorically/virtually/cyberspace-lly..) It only occurred to me very suddenly and for significant reason, like a security lamp gong on when a cat passes by, that you might all be gathered to chew over the latest Strictly news and gossip....

Soooooooo..... Happy new year for last month :-D And yes, Brendan. Poor old Brenda... :-( He was so sad and sorry for himself on Lorraine and Lorraine's kind of lovely sympathy is the very worst for keepign it together... Was a bit shocked actually. I felt it was A.nton's time to go - Brenda is still relevant in his choreography. I doubt the spat with Our Shirl made any difference - it made good watercooler TV.

I too have seen the rumours that Vinthent is a bookies fave to return, but I don't buy it. I also don't buy A.nton being a judge, which is also rumoured.

Kevin and Louise....? Hmmmm....

Agree Neil and Chloe to have a partner this year.

Tango - that Rita and Fred to Bossanova is one of my go-to youtube clips. It is beyond fabulous. I am currently wearing my hair a la Rita - just got to find a Fred and I'm good to go....

Good to see you all again! Cheers

Diamonds you always make me smile and wonder are you a relation of Marian Keyes love your writing style...

Brendan I still wish BeeB invite back to dance again. The big fat cat in the suit to twiddle his moustache and advise "I make a mistake no? Brendan he be back yes?"
V.in cent oh yes yes yes and bring the lovely eyebrows too.
Chloe and Neil have finished their YTS scheme and deserve a place with the grown ups now please.
For me it's L.en being the sidekick to the Jordan's we British Dancers and Brendan leaving comments in media... possibly The Love God that is Leonard The Lion Goodman's dire show got axed! If not please BeeB kill it off..
I'd like to see Brendan possibly given Team Come Dancing show to present and star in too... pretty please Auntie BeeB with big bows,bells and sequins all sewn in the "pleasssssseeeee"

Have a read of the response to my Beeb complaint:

Many thanks for getting in touch with us about Strictly Come Dancing - we're sorry for the delay being able to get back to you.

In response to your concerns, we'd explain that Strictly has a history of evolving the programme, and this includes making changes to the professional dancer line-up.

We’d like to thank Brendan for being part of the show since the beginning - winner of the first series - and wish him all the very best for the future. The complete professional dancer line-up will be announced in due course.

We acknowledge that you're unhappy about Brendan Cole’s departure from the series, and your comments have been noted.

Many thanks once again for taking the time to get in touch. We're very grateful for your feedback, which has been formally logged and made available to staff across the BBC for information, including the Strictly team, which helps us shape future decisions.

Kind Regards

BBC Complaints Team
www.bbc.co.uk/complaints team

End


I only complained for the hell of it - I wonder how many of these standard replies they had to send out !!

It's very much the same standard letter dear BeeB sends out. I sent a complaint re Audience baying etc and ongoing whooping. I think BeeB just leaves spaces "insert here" to answer complaint. I'm sure the Fat Cats sitting round the board room in meetings take not one jot of interest to these complaints. In fact I think they never make it out the basement room that some poor intern has to sit like a mole in the dark. The only source of light to turn on the screen and type endlessly all day.

Yes - I remember years ago when I had a job in Customer Relations in the Travel industry - we had a whole load of standard paragraphs to suit every occasion (disasters included!!) and would just customise them to the situation and top and tail it!!!! That's why I find it amusing, because like you Sax I can see the 'worker bees' all sitting there churning it all out!!! You are right - the only thing the upstairs lot take any notice of is viewing figures - and I can't see anything on the other channels on Saturday nights rivalling SCD at the moment..........but things can change very very quickly in telly world as we know. The SCD producers are famous for saying that no one dancer or personality is bigger than the show - which is right of course in the end, however, they should also realize that this applies to them too and their decisions - GBP have the ultimate say in whether a show is a success or not.

Mauve we did the same for Reception class reports and Nursery reports to. A copy and paste and add name here style.
I'm sure the BeeB will become complacent in their own look at us bubble and their downfall will be pride. I'm sure if they had just thrown say A.nton or C.raig out of contract this year it would affect viewing figures.
It's always the little minions that have the ear bashing etc on the phone or endlessly write Dear Customer blah blah blah apology insert here blah blah will one day rise up and shake The Suits around the boardroom...