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BBC chief: I’m Strictly against X Factor clash
Georgina Littlejohn, London LiteUpdated 16:02pm on 22 Sep 2009
The Chairman of the BBC Trust today hit out at the decision to put Strictly Come Dancing up against The X Factor in the ratings war.
Upset: Alesha Dixon
Sir Michael Lyons said the celebrity dance programme had lost viewers by broadcasting at the same time as the ITV talent show.
Reacting to the scheduling row — which saw Strictly moved from its Saturday early evening slot to compete directly with The X Factor, Sir Michael said the BBC should be focusing on the “quality and impact of its programmes, not just audience share”. He added: “Viewers were asked to make a choice and that choice didn't go in favour of the BBC.”
Sir Michael revealed the row had been discussed with BBC director-general Mark Thompson who satisfied trustees it was not easy to avoid a ratings clash between the two shows.
The X Factor, which ran from 8pm to 9.15pm on Saturday, hit a peak audience of 10.7 million compared with a peak of 8.7 million for Strictly, which aired between 7.25pm and 9.05pm. Sir Michael's comments came as the BBC revealed nearly 300 people had complained about Alesha Dixon's debut as a judge on Strictly.
This brought the number of complaints to 4,107 since it was announced the 30-year-old would replace Arlene Phillips, 66. Fans have used online forums to moan about Dixon, saying her comments were “banal” and that she had nothing to offer. The singer, who won Strictly in 2007, has defended herself but admitted she was “wounded” by the backlash. She said: “I'm the only judge who understands what the celebrities are going through.”
Meanwhile, Alesha's words of wisdom are under the spotlight...
As the debate continues over Alesha Dixon's performance on Strictly Come Dancing's judging panel, here are some of her comments from her debut show.
To actress Lynda Bellingham:"One word. Fierce."
To boxer Joe Calzaghe: "Was you smelling her hair at one point? I thought he was smelling her hair."
Bastian: "One of the most beautiful dancers I've ever seen. Your lines are beautiful. You're just so beautiful to watch."
To ex tennis star Martina Hingis: "You need to work on your arms more. They were a bit flyaway."
To actor Ricky Groves: "He's wearing pink. He should get points for wearing pink. I love a man in pink."
To TV presenter Rav Wilding:"There was some hip action going on there... But there was some weird arms going on that was a bit odd."
Reader views (28)
The arrogant useless Dixon has lost Strictly its great image and its loyal fans................the proof is in its mega loss of ratings!
- Dan, Wakefield, 12/02/2010 12:19
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I was shattered to hear of Arlenes departure from SCD as, in my opinion, she was part of a successful experienced team, articulate and qualified to give constructive criticism making for a classy act.Typically BBC but sadly not any more. After all the controversy before the show began I felt as the decision had been made it was only fair to give Alicia a chance but she is so wrong in the role of judge and sadly leaves us feeling so embarrased we have to switch off. This is not her fault, she should never have been put in the position to make herself look so inadequate and almost foolish when there were more suitable experienced professional replacements such as Karen Hardy. What is so annoying is that Alicia is incapable of scoring fairly, this means several contestants have the same score leaving us so frustrated the show is spoilt. Whoever was responsable for the decisions regarding the replacement should be suitably dealt with. I and many of my friends, who were so dedicated to the show we even organised SCD parties, sad I know but we really loved it, have lost the adiction. It is now not so important if we miss the show and prefer to tune into Claudia's 'It takes two' for the post mortem. She is wonderful and much more professinal. Thank God for Craig, I love him for his honesty and clever wit. It now seems obviouse that Arlene was the glue that held the panel together. The BBC made such a huge mistake. How we miss the 'looking forward to Saturday night'.
- Carol,, Worcestershire., 11/10/2009 23:39
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Karen Hardy, is a professional judge and as a former pro dancer on the show would have been perfect.
- Alex, manchester, 06/10/2009 08:31
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The BBC have really shot themselves in the foot this time by getting rid of Arlene. She was straight talking and honest, giving credit where credit was due. Constructive criticism is necessary for the competitors to push themselves and improve.
The judging panel are there to give their opinions on the technical and overall merit of the dances. Alesha or, for that matter, any of the previous winners, are not capable of doing this. This is a job for an experienced dancer/judge.
The show has lost it's integrity. Alesha must be replaced. She is a sham.
- Susan, Ayrshire, 23/09/2009 12:23
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i lvu dixon u go gal , keep doing ur thing
- Michelle, london england, 23/09/2009 09:27
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It's strictly rubbish like Eastenders and other opium for the masses of TV watching zombies - read a book.
- Frederick, London, 23/09/2009 07:39
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The moment they dropped Arlene from the show they lost me as a viewer and I'm sure I'm not the only one. This show has now passed its Sell-By-Date and the BBC has ensured this all by themselves!
- Sixtysomething, North Yorkshire, 22/09/2009 20:42
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Has this girl got any professional qualifications entitling her to judge a dance competition? If not then there are legal implications. It would be insulting to the professional dancers if the BBC had knowingly appointed an unqualified judge. Frankly her comments were embarrassing.
- R.F.York, Yorks, UK, 22/09/2009 18:30
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The only dixon I want to see on this show is Ron Dixon.....
- Mark, St Albans, 22/09/2009 17:32
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I was disgusted with the BBC when they axed Arlene in order to bring in Alesha. What does Alesha know about the technicalities of the dances? Seemingly not a lot judging by her remarks. She should be replaced immediately by someone who knows what they are talking about or the show will become a mockery. Arlene has moved on, but I'm sure there are others more suitable who would be available, such as former pro dancers Camilla or Karen. They would be ideal choices.
How dare the BBC waste my licence fee in such a way.
- Sally, Ayr, Scotland, 22/09/2009 17:31
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Bring back Arlene and replace the awful Tess Daly with Alesha. Job done.
- Fiona, Kingston-upon-Thames, 22/09/2009 17:29
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What are the BBC thinking about? Ratings? Bring in a young face to attract the young audience? What nonsense! SCD is already a hugely popular show, appealing to all age groups, from toddlers to grannies! If it ain't broke don't fix it!
As a competitor, Alesha shone. As a judge, she is out of her depth. She does not have the technical know how to be able to give constructive criticism. Yes, she knows how it feels to stand in front of the judging panel and understands how the competitors are feeling, but that does not make her right for the job.
If Arlene had to go, then there were many more suited for the task., such as the ex SCD pro dancers. The young and lovely Karen Hardy is a professional judge and as a former pro competitor, would be ideally suited for the role.
Alesha MUST GO NOW!!!! Bring on Karen!
- Flirty, Troon, Scotland, 22/09/2009 17:21
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I was absolutely horrified when I heard that the highly respected and professional Arlene was being replaced as a judge by the young and inexperienced Alesha Dixon. As a contestant Alesha shone, but she does not have the know how to be able to judge and give constructive criticism to the contestants. She may know how it feels to be judged and have a different perspective, but there are other more fitted to the job. There are plenty of ex SCD professional dancers who would have been more appropriate. Karen Hardy, for example, is a professional judge and as a former pro dancer on the show would have been perfect.
Alesha must go now! Bring on the lovely Karen!!
- Flirty, Troon, Scotland, 22/09/2009 16:45
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Niecie of London. You should listen to the radio more (or even read the papers) Craig has NOT been banned by the BBC talking about Alesha.
He was the guest on Nicky Campbell's talk-in on Radio 5 yesterday and has been quoted in the newspapers since!
- Brian Taylor, Oxford UK, 22/09/2009 16:26
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BRING BACK ARLENE, PULEEZE
- Annie, croydon, 22/09/2009 15:46
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Alesha Dixon was great when she won two years back.
We have a past winner who is already a judge so why not use her expertise and experience and of course I am talking about Karen Hardy. Having appeared on the show she knows exactly what Mark was experiencing every time they took to the dance floor, she herself was shaking after her Argentinian Tango. They might have axed her as a dancer but surely they should have considered her as a judge.
A while back both Craig and Bruno were very upset about the sacking of Arlene and bringing Alesha on board, but they have now obviously been gagged by the BBC who is paying their salary. Craig has done a complete turnaround. Shame on you Craig and BBC, if you don't bring Arlene back at least bring Karen on board. After all it is our license fee you are spending on this lavish show.
- Niecie, London, 22/09/2009 15:00
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Cheryl Cole any day for me, real classy and beautiful lady.
Alesha who, what does she actually do??
- C Cusano, Bedford, 22/09/2009 14:24
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The truly upsetting thing about these two shows is that apparently between them they attracted seventeen million viewers. And these people are allowed to vote and have children.
To quote Randy Newman we might as well "drop the big one now" and put what's left of civilization out of its misery. It would be a mercy.
- Steve, London, UK, 22/09/2009 14:04
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We the public pay the BBC to exist and give us TV & Radio Programmes - They should listen to what we say instead of displaying the same arrogance as MP's display in Parliament . 72% of the public have said they want Alesha to go and therefore she should go. Pay her what's due to her under her contract and let's have Arlene back. That's what the Public want. Then the Head of BBC should be fired and replaced by somebody who is more in touch with what the viewers want.
- Frank, UK, 22/09/2009 12:54
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She is a hopeless clueles waffler, bring back Arelen...I prefer older women!!!
- Nikk, london, 22/09/2009 12:45
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Well done Craig for supporting Alesha. Unfortunately, the show will lose viewers in droves if Alesha continues. Noone I've discussed this with are in the least bit supportive. We the 'Great British Public' already have the final casting vote without us having any professional dancing qualifications. What we want are the professionals pointing out what should have been the right steps and moves so that we can then make an 'informed' judgement and then have a good laugh because a contestant is pretty hopeless or is a current TV favourite personality. Whilst I'm sure that she has something to offer to the show in the way of being a past, and let's face it, a winning contestant, she should not be in the judges panel, but perhaps as a side-kick, maybe in the background interviewing and chatting to the new contestants and offering moral support which she would know a lot about. Employing her as a judge is like saying that she should now be one of the dance partners and teach the newbys how to dance because she knows how to after winning. She's NEVER won a professional international dance competition and never ever will. The show is not about being catty or a bitch. The boys are good at that already but they have the education of dance behind them to back that aspect of the show up. Alesha doesn't. So, no, Craig, it's not necessary for us to give her a chance in order for her to learn how to do that. It's for her to accept that she is not qualified for the job in hand.
- Nadz, Harpenden, 22/09/2009 12:13
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Arlene the expert - as I said yesterday Pans People/Legs and Co were choreographed by Arlene Phillips, these were professional dancers yet were constantly making mistakes. The routines were very basic, I would have expected more from professionals. Yet Arlene Phillips would criticise people who have never danced before for some action which you would expect from a professional. I am glad she has gone.
- E Sullivan, London, 22/09/2009 12:01
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I am proud to say that I have no idea who Alesha Dixon is and consider Strictly Come Dancing to be soft porn for the middle classes!
- Jr, Haugesund, Norway, 22/09/2009 10:23
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She should stick to her day job, ie if she has one. She is crap at this one, but then the unaccountable BBC is known to be very extravagant with the license fee.
- Ram2009, Reading, UK, 22/09/2009 10:15
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She doesn't seem to get that she hasn't really got the qualifications to judge other contestants - its a bit like Posh being a judge on Americas got Talent - pointless - Arlene is the expert - this girl, although pretty to look at (unlike Stictoria on AGT) is vacuous
- David, soton, 22/09/2009 10:15
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All show and no ability.
Will she be invited on these sorts of programmes when she looses her looks - I doubt it
One suspects that the casting editor of this programmes has taken the superficial over the able route and therefore must also loose their job along with the Ms Dixon, before the programme ends this season !
- Jilly, Colchester, 22/09/2009 10:01
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Alesha's comments were banal and embarrassing. There were many gramatical errors. Sadly, her performance portrayed an unintelligent amateur trying to think of something intelligent to say.
- R.F.York, Yorks, UK, 22/09/2009 09:51
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Dixon, as is usually the case, seems to be the only one that doesn't comprehend that she simply isn't QUALIFIED to judge dance, and must, for the good of Strictly, walk away with her dignity intact.
But having written that, I also believe that a certain party (and I'm sure we all know who that is) should call off the attack dogs - for, in my view, it's that or cancel the show.
- Ted, London, 22/09/2009 07:47
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