John Sergeant

The real difference between these two shows is very little and ultimately comes down to a popularity contest. The problem with Strictly is that to have a valid opinion, you really need to know your rhumba, and let’s face it, if you get on the dance floor on a Saturday night (if you still do), then you won’t know much about that. Compared with X-Factor where you can tell if someone can sing or not, it’s damn near impossible to tell if someone’s feet are ‘not pointing in the right direction’. So this begs the question, why bother asking for the public’s opinion in the first place?

The answer? To make money and push the brand. Arguably, they have already done this, but when the ‘panelists’ then start talking about John Sergeant ruining the competition for the others, you really need to ask them to wind their necks in. Sure, the better dancers would certainly be a little peaved that they were out at the expense of Grandad, but that’s what’s entertaining. Seeing an old man, dance with a girl who’s 3 times his junior (nb. this isn’t always acceptable!).

Perhaps this is just an elaborate ruse to increase ratings of a poorer programme, in which case, they will have succeeded this week for certain, but in the end, it is a popularity contest, where the judges lose out this week