Ali and Brian in the dance off...what??? - Strictly Come Dancing

WalfordFanatic · 01-11-2009, 12:11

I couldn't believe that Brian and Ali were in the dance-off last night. Shocker! Was anyone else surprised?

jjackson42 · 01-11-2009, 12:14

Just goes to show - its not just about dancing - its mainly about VOTING!!

Did you vote??

JJ

Jan2555*GG* · 01-11-2009, 12:16

No because I didnt vote for her........did you ??

Robert Romarin · 01-11-2009, 12:29

Not surprised at all...I posted this during the voting period:

Quote:

My hunch is it could be any two from Laila, Zoe, Jade and Ali in the DO.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s...&postcount=793

It seems clear to me with this ridiculous new scoring system that 3rd place is far less safe than it used to be when there are ties.

RichmondBlue · 01-11-2009, 12:34

It did surprise me, I thought she would have gained a big "sympathy" vote for clearly being injured.
That said, people here condemn sympathy votes for other contestants..why should Ali be any different ?
If everyone voted for the best performance on the night, I can find little excuse for voting for anyone other than Ricky Whittle..with the possible exception of Jade (though you would have to provide a very convincing argument)
As it stands, the public do not vote logically..come to think of it, the programme would become pretty boring if they did.

Smokeychan1 · 01-11-2009, 12:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by WalfordFanatic

I couldn't believe that Brian and Ali were in the dance-off last night. Shocker! Was anyone else surprised?

Smiling through a Paso!?

No I wasnt a bit surprised.

claire2281 · 01-11-2009, 13:05

She was near the top of the table and I don't think people have still got into the mindset that, due to the new scoring system, just being in the top half doesn't mean someone's basically safe any more.

There may be lots of people who might have voted for Ali but didn't because they thought she was safe.

The program can't really win here though - people complained that the judges had too much power, the new scoring system gives more power back to the voting public and unsurprisingly there are still some complaints.

gorlagon · 01-11-2009, 13:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by claire2281

She was near the top of the table and I don't think people have still got into the mindset that, due to the new scoring system, just being in the top half doesn't mean someone's basically safe any more.

There may be lots of people who might have voted for Ali but didn't because they thought she was safe.

The program can't really win here though - people complained that the judges had too much power, the new scoring system gives more power back to the voting public and unsurprisingly there are still some complaints.

My view exactly.

bobbla · 01-11-2009, 13:12

I was surprised. Even with an under par performance and even smiling (gritted teeth?) she still outshines the majority of the others on every performance imo.

I thought she would gain the sympathy vote as well for her injury but we also had Craig begging for votes (it was his birthday you know, and did you know hes from Blackpool

) Ricky G at the center of a judges row, Jade being in the dance off last week and the sympathy vote could have been pulled every which way.

Did Ali deserve the sympathy vote above them? Especially when even with the injury she was rewarded with high scores ? Well she received my vote but i can imagine that many others didn't bother to vote believing her to be safe (in fact i know they didn't going by the AT here and the Fortuna Fantastics thread on the BBC, as well as twitter, the blue room etc)

The true extent of her voters will come to light in the coming weeks

samanda · 01-11-2009, 13:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbla

I was surprised. Even with an under par performance and even smiling (gritted teeth?) she still outshines the majority of the others on every performance imo.

I thought she would gain the sympathy vote as well for her injury but we also had Craig begging for votes (it was his birthday you know, and did you know hes from Blackpool

) Ricky G at the center of a judges row, Jade being in the dance off last week and the sympathy vote could have been pulled every which way.

Did Ali deserve the sympathy vote above them? Especially when even with the injury she was rewarded with high scores ? Well she received my vote but i can imagine that many others didn't bother to vote believing her to be safe (in fact i know they didn't going by the AT here and the Fortuna Fantastics thread on the BBC, as well as twitter, the blue room etc)

The true extent of her voters will come to light in the coming weeks

My thoughts exactly. I never got the view from reading various threads that Ali wasn't well liked, so I was shocked.
I share our view that people felt she was safe and never voted. This years voting by the public appears to be personality over ability.

*Liya* · 01-11-2009, 14:02

I wasn't that surprised. Her paso stalled in places and i've never seen anyone smiling through one before.

I was more surprised that Jade and Ian were in the dance off last week. Based on dancing ability....Jade is way ahead of Ali and is a better all round performer but she's not a teacher's pet and that will ultimately be Ali's downfall.

EmilyIRE · 01-11-2009, 14:05

Not really surprised - she didn't give a good performance and was slightly overmarked for it.

bobbla · 01-11-2009, 14:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Liya*

I wasn't that surprised. Her paso stalled in places and i've never seen anyone smiling through one before.

I was more surprised that Jade and Ian were in the dance off last week. Based on dancing ability....Jade is way ahead of Ali and is a better all round performer but she's not a teacher's pet and that will ultimately be Ali's downfall.

I really don't understand this teachers pet stance. She's been pulled apart by the judges as much as the others and in some cases more. Has Jade ever had a mauling by the judges? I could be wrong but i don't remember an instance. Has Natalie ever actually been critiqued on her dance ability?

She's had a mauling by them on more than one occasion when others doing worse are praised for their enthusiasm and glaring errors and technique are not mentioned.

People see what they want to see i guess, me included.

tootsieroll · 01-11-2009, 14:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbla

I was surprised. Even with an under par performance and even smiling (gritted teeth?) she still outshines the majority of the others on every performance imo.

I thought she would gain the sympathy vote as well for her injury but we also had Craig begging for votes (it was his birthday you know, and did you know hes from Blackpool

) Ricky G at the center of a judges row, Jade being in the dance off last week and the sympathy vote could have been pulled every which way.

Did Ali deserve the sympathy vote above them? Especially when even with the injury she was rewarded with high scores ? Well she received my vote but i can imagine that many others didn't bother to vote believing her to be safe (in fact i know they didn't going by the AT here and the Fortuna Fantastics thread on the BBC, as well as twitter, the blue room etc)

The true extent of her voters will come to light in the coming weeks

I will be voting for her - a lot - next week

fredster · 01-11-2009, 14:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by WalfordFanatic

I couldn't believe that Brian and Ali were in the dance-off last night. Shocker! Was anyone else surprised?

I am afaid sadly "Strictly" is not about who are excellent dancers, it is all about "Favourites" and it has become a bit of a joke.
There are several left in who should not be and I am afraid worse is to come.

CABINET · 01-11-2009, 15:47

I never watch Strictly in "real time" - it is the highlight of my evening and as such I record it and start watching around 8pm. Consequently I cannot vote because the voting window is so small having done away with the later results show.

I may be in the minority but find it hard to believe that I am alone in doing this.

I wish they would bring back the original format

Caramel Crunch · 01-11-2009, 15:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by WalfordFanatic

I couldn't believe that Brian and Ali were in the dance-off last night. Shocker! Was anyone else surprised?

No. She was overmarked & I find that off putting.

Did you vote?

Dancemeister · 01-11-2009, 16:13

No, I wasn't surprised. Her dance might have been technically accomplished but for me didn't capture the feel of a paso. Likewise Zoe – who I liked, by the way – her samba didn't feel like a party to me; it was self-conscious and unconvincing. For me Strictly should be about all aspects of dance – feel and personality as well as technical ability – and I actually find it quite gratifying that other members of the public seem to share my opinion and penalise those who don't deliver an entertaining and authentic-feeling dance.

Vientre · 01-11-2009, 16:38

Nothing should suprise on this show anymore, at this stage it really should be about the dancing ability and who is improving the most, yet again we see two couples in the dance off that are far superior than 4/5 couples who were voted through. Must be a bit galling to be voted out when you actually know you are head and shoulders above others left in. If it was me being constantly saved by the viewers voting even though my dancing was crap i really would feel guilty and uncomfortable being there, if the shows not decided on actual dance ability and the improvement on the dance floor whats the point? It should be renamed strictly personalities.

icequeen · 01-11-2009, 16:54

I wasnt suprised because I dont feel that ali is well liked - she has a 'victim' look about her in every dance she does....but I did think that Brian had more support and that their 'romance' (however real) may keep the public voting for them......

Tissy · 01-11-2009, 16:58

Does anyone remember the leader board scores from last night ?

mrs goggins · 01-11-2009, 17:11

I voted for the first time this series last night because I thought that Ali and Brian would be in trouble and they are my favourites. Well, at least he is and she is normally pretty good but Ricky W's dance was magnificent last night.

Still hoping for Ali and Ricky to be in the finals.

bobbla · 01-11-2009, 17:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by icequeen

I wasnt suprised because I dont feel that ali is well liked - she has a 'victim' look about her in every dance she does....but I did think that Brian had more support and that their 'romance' (however real) may keep the public voting for them......

You say you don't feel she's well liked and yet she's consistently come out on top in the polls.

Maybe her fans are quieter types like her and less likely to pick up the phone

RichmondBlue · 01-11-2009, 18:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dancemeister

No, I wasn't surprised. Her dance might have been technically accomplished but for me didn't capture the feel of a paso. Likewise Zoe – who I liked, by the way – her samba didn't feel like a party to me; it was self-conscious and unconvincing. For me Strictly should be about all aspects of dance – feel and personality as well as technical ability – and I actually find it quite gratifying that other members of the public seem to share my opinion and penalise those who don't deliver an entertaining and authentic-feeling dance.

My thoughts precisely.
I'm no expert, but surely one of the requirements of dancing at this level (ie, in front of an audience) is the ability to "sell" the dance. I don't know any other way of putting it..artistic impression perhaps ?..or give the dance a feeling of authenticity ?
Unfortunately, despite being fine technically, Ali often fails to do this. Jade has changed, and being from a sporting background, I would have thought it would have been more difficult for her than someone who earns their living from acting.

Sallyforth · 01-11-2009, 18:40

I didn't really enjoy the routine although how much that was down to her performing it under par because of her injury I am not sure.

01-11-2009, 12:11	#1
WalfordFanatic Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,416	Ali and Brian in the dance off...what??? I couldn't believe that Brian and Ali were in the dance-off last night. Shocker! Was anyone else surprised?

01-11-2009, 12:14	#2
jjackson42 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: London - Gerbilophobe! Posts: 6,465	Just goes to show - its not just about dancing - its mainly about VOTING!! Did you vote?? JJ

01-11-2009, 12:16	#3
Jan2555GG Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: www.strictlygethinjones.co.uk Posts: 4,304	No because I didnt vote for her........did you ??

01-11-2009, 12:34	#5
RichmondBlue Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,564	It did surprise me, I thought she would have gained a big "sympathy" vote for clearly being injured. That said, people here condemn sympathy votes for other contestants..why should Ali be any different ? If everyone voted for the best performance on the night, I can find little excuse for voting for anyone other than Ricky Whittle..with the possible exception of Jade (though you would have to provide a very convincing argument) As it stands, the public do not vote logically..come to think of it, the programme would become pretty boring if they did.

01-11-2009, 13:05	#7
claire2281 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 10,149	She was near the top of the table and I don't think people have still got into the mindset that, due to the new scoring system, just being in the top half doesn't mean someone's basically safe any more. There may be lots of people who might have voted for Ali but didn't because they thought she was safe. The program can't really win here though - people complained that the judges had too much power, the new scoring system gives more power back to the voting public and unsurprisingly there are still some complaints.

01-11-2009, 13:12	#9
bobbla Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 8,663	I was surprised. Even with an under par performance and even smiling (gritted teeth?) she still outshines the majority of the others on every performance imo. I thought she would gain the sympathy vote as well for her injury but we also had Craig begging for votes (it was his birthday you know, and did you know hes from Blackpool ) Ricky G at the center of a judges row, Jade being in the dance off last week and the sympathy vote could have been pulled every which way. Did Ali deserve the sympathy vote above them? Especially when even with the injury she was rewarded with high scores ? Well she received my vote but i can imagine that many others didn't bother to vote believing her to be safe (in fact i know they didn't going by the AT here and the Fortuna Fantastics thread on the BBC, as well as twitter, the blue room etc) The true extent of her voters will come to light in the coming weeks

01-11-2009, 14:02	#11
Liya Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: London Posts: 1,478	I wasn't that surprised. Her paso stalled in places and i've never seen anyone smiling through one before. I was more surprised that Jade and Ian were in the dance off last week. Based on dancing ability....Jade is way ahead of Ali and is a better all round performer but she's not a teacher's pet and that will ultimately be Ali's downfall.

01-11-2009, 14:05	#12
EmilyIRE Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: A cushion in Bar Cutler Posts: 3,122	Not really surprised - she didn't give a good performance and was slightly overmarked for it.

01-11-2009, 15:47	#16
CABINET Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 772	I never watch Strictly in "real time" - it is the highlight of my evening and as such I record it and start watching around 8pm. Consequently I cannot vote because the voting window is so small having done away with the later results show. I may be in the minority but find it hard to believe that I am alone in doing this. I wish they would bring back the original format

01-11-2009, 16:13	#18
Dancemeister Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 9	No, I wasn't surprised. Her dance might have been technically accomplished but for me didn't capture the feel of a paso. Likewise Zoe – who I liked, by the way – her samba didn't feel like a party to me; it was self-conscious and unconvincing. For me Strictly should be about all aspects of dance – feel and personality as well as technical ability – and I actually find it quite gratifying that other members of the public seem to share my opinion and penalise those who don't deliver an entertaining and authentic-feeling dance.

01-11-2009, 16:38	#19
Vientre Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 323	Nothing should suprise on this show anymore, at this stage it really should be about the dancing ability and who is improving the most, yet again we see two couples in the dance off that are far superior than 4/5 couples who were voted through. Must be a bit galling to be voted out when you actually know you are head and shoulders above others left in. If it was me being constantly saved by the viewers voting even though my dancing was crap i really would feel guilty and uncomfortable being there, if the shows not decided on actual dance ability and the improvement on the dance floor whats the point? It should be renamed strictly personalities.

01-11-2009, 16:54	#20
icequeen Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: somewhere in my head Posts: 517	I wasnt suprised because I dont feel that ali is well liked - she has a 'victim' look about her in every dance she does....but I did think that Brian had more support and that their 'romance' (however real) may keep the public voting for them......

01-11-2009, 16:58	#21
Tissy Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 29,263	Does anyone remember the leader board scores from last night ?

01-11-2009, 17:11	#22
mrs goggins Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 39	I voted for the first time this series last night because I thought that Ali and Brian would be in trouble and they are my favourites. Well, at least he is and she is normally pretty good but Ricky W's dance was magnificent last night. Still hoping for Ali and Ricky to be in the finals.

01-11-2009, 18:40	#25
Sallyforth Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,067	I didn't really enjoy the routine although how much that was down to her performing it under par because of her injury I am not sure.