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Strictly Come Dancing set to split but it has 'nothing to do with X Factor'
Updated 11:48am on 18 Nov 2009Strictly Come Dancing will be split into two shows in the run-up to the final, it was revealed today.
Change: Darcey Bussell will also join the panel of judges
The BBC said the change, which will begin from Saturday December 5, will allow phone operators "more time" to manage the votes.
A spokesman for the broadcaster said the decision to split the show was made at the beginning of the series and had nothing to do with the scheduling conflict with primetime rival The X Factor on ITV1.
"As we near the end of the run, Strictly will split into a main show and a results show," he said.
"This split, which has been planned since the beginning of the series, allows more time to manage and verify the increased volume of calls that we expect to receive as the show reaches its conclusion.
"As a result of the split, the main show will start slightly earlier than usual."
The first instalment will start at 6.40pm and end at 8.10pm, and the result will be broadcast during the second show, beginning at 9.40pm.
The split shows will coincide with the arrival of guest judge Darcey Bussell. The ballerina joins Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Alesha Dixon on the panel.
Reader views (7)
the show is not good because of the judges len got it wrong in week 1 also on saturday if it is a tie the public vote should count as in who go,s alesha dixon should not be a judge on the show why did their not ask karen hardy too be a judge she is better dance then alesha will ever be she was in a pop group singing and dancing that way alesha won
- Michael, glasgow, 19/11/2009 23:18
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I think Pete has a point. We're all sick of watching d-list celebs try and revive their careers just because they've quit Eastenders or similar - much more interesting to watch semi-professional dancers have a go with their own partners - the quality of dance would be much higher too.
- B Lane, London, 19/11/2009 09:39
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I presume we're going to go back to a pre-recorded Sunday show made after the Saturday show has finished.
From where I am, the energy always went down knowing that the final wasn't live. That and the fact that you could always find the result on spoiler websites.
- Charles, Kennington, 19/11/2009 09:30
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You cannot have a 'celebrity' show when the so called celebrities are so unknown that they cannot be distinguished from their professional dancing partner.
Get some proper celebrities on board and get rid of the very charming but hopelessly out of date Brucie, and the show will become watchable again.
Its not exactly rocket science.
- Mw, London, UK, 19/11/2009 08:48
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Both shows are rubbish and feature under-talented overpaid Z listers who will never amount to anything
- Keith Price, Luton, Emgland, 18/11/2009 16:33
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Hear hear, I also, am either dancing or practising, so I watch on Sunday eve. I totally agree that it needs a re-vamp especially Bruce! But also the results, as it was a disgrace to lose very good dancers over poorer ones just by popularity and not by performance. The Professional dancers have devoted a life-time to their career, with very little reward or financial gain, and all they have here is SCD a poor example of a dance competition.
X-Factor has genuine people with a glimmer of hope of stardom, they get tuiton for singin and stage work and hopefully make it near the final and get a career. Strictly is about celebrities that already have a career. So of course X-Factor is going to win more interest as its interest is helping the public that entered to get a chance to make a difference to their life.
When SCD begins to help out the struggles of a un-financed British dancers then the public will want to watch and vote!!! simple.
- Pete, Dorchester Dorset, 18/11/2009 15:52
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Splitting the show will not in my opinion draw more viewers. I now watch it in "catch up". if at all. The show needs re-vamping, starting with "Brucie". The panel with the exception of Len should be replaced. Well past their sell by date and OTT remarks.
- Maggie, leyland, 18/11/2009 14:32
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