Beeb's Strictly refund
BBC bosses says viewers WILL get money back
BBC bosses now say they WILL refund viewers who voted during Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing scandal.
The corporation relented just 24 hours after trying to insist no one would get their money back.
Votes will still be carried over to next week, say bosses, but anyone wanting a refund can have one.
All three Strictly couples will be in this weekend's final-after reality TV's biggest fiasco that saw the BBC inundated with complaints.
Viewers were left in confusion as the BBC1 show's hosts Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly offered NO explanation after the dance-off was axed last night.
All Saturday's millions of votes will be carried over to the weekend's final-when Tom Chambers, Rachel Stevens and Lisa Snowdon and their pro dance partners will all compete in the final.
Embarrassment
But the News of The World can reveal the full inside story of the fiasco-which is a severe embarrassment to the BBC.
It happened after Rachel and partner Vincent Simone and Lisa with Brendan Cole wowed judges with their tangos to tie in first place with the judges' votes. Tom and partner Camiller Dalllerup were bottom.
An insider said: "Because of the way the internal voting system of combining judges' and viewer votes works, it meant the two girl celebs each had THREE points and Tom had ONE.
"But it meant that even if Tom received the most viewer votes, he could only have got FOUR points. If either Rachel or Lisa received the least viewer votes, they would have got one point, making their total four points too-the same as Tom.
"So there was NO WAY for Tom to escape the dance off, and the viewers that voted for him would have wasted their money."
With each vote costing a minimum of 15p, BBC chiefs faced a huge scandal if they had not abandoned the eviction as potentially, millions could have wasted their cash trying to keep Tom in.
Red-faced
BBC chiefs were left red-faced at the weekend because they failed to give viewers ANY explanation for the fiasco in the second of Saturday night's two shows. They later released a statement to the News of the World.
It said: "The vote opened just before the first programme went off air. So we made a decision that the fairest option to all of our dancers was that all the votes cast will stand and be carried through to next week's final."
The BBC insider added: "It's GCSE maths for heaven's sake - I can't believe that Strictly hadn't thought this through.
"This is the biggest show on the BBC on its second biggest night of the year and the whole thing has gone horribly wrong.
"Brucie, Tess and the judges are absolutely furious. They can't believe that such an idiotic mistake has been made. They have all been made to look like complete laughing stocks.
"What made matters far, far worse is that viewers were kept in the dark."
The BBC were alerted to the scandal by the News of the World after we were tipped off about the mix-up during the first show. Producers then realised the error.
An emergency meeting was called - and it was decided they had no choice but to abandon the dance off. When viewers tuned into the second show, they were immediately told that phone lines had been frozen.
An estimated audience of 11 million viewers tuned into the 9pm results show and watched as the fiasco unfolded.
But it was not till the very end of the show that the contestants discovered that none of them would be evicted and would go through to this Saturday's final. They all looked stunned and bewildered.
BBC chiefs are now investigating how they misled viewers so badly.
The Strictly judges quickly realised the error and were involved in a huge bust-up behind the scenes as producers were alerted to the fiasco.
But the catastrophe could all have been easily avoided. Our insider explained: "If they had just awarded both Rachel and Lisa two points, instead of three, this would never have happened."
Angry fans posted complaints on the show's message board. One wrote: "'They really should have told the public that their vote for Tom wouldn't count. Simple maths."
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This article has 162 comments
wanted to vote for lisa and brendan but the line was permanently engaged!!!.Seems kind of suspicious to me.I cannot believe that they didn't get into the final.
By john fletcher. Posted December 20 2008 at 9:30 PM.
just a joke for christmas,all will be good.
By hunter lee,china. Posted December 19 2008 at 6:38 AM.
oh dear debbie, i think that little rant has just put you on the naughty list this year. if reality tv is so crap, why did you read an article about it. surely you have something much more worthwhile to be doing. have a cup of tea, calm down and try to be good till christmas then perhaps santa will give you a second chance :-)
By sheila. Posted December 17 2008 at 6:38 PM.
It is totally ridiculous that the BBC has done this. Tom was clearly the worst dancer on Saturday night so why the hell should it be a problem that he wouldn't avoid the dance off? Its clear to me that Tom would have had a lot of sympathy votes on Saturday which is the British public's biggest flaw. So come Saturday he will have a big advantage from the off.
As for people complaining that Rachel had an advantage because Vincent is a world champion at AT doesn't wash either. At the end of the day SHE has to be able to perform the dance (which she did beautifully). Brendan and Lisa did an OK AT but it was not a patch on Vincent and Rachel's. Brendan is completely deluding himself claiming his and Lisa's AT was the best ever on SCD. As if!
By Gen. Posted December 17 2008 at 12:02 PM.
Thank you Debbie you have spoilt my Christmas with that news.
By Freddie aged 25. Posted December 16 2008 at 1:26 PM.
Oh come on people GROW UP!!! I have something to tell you it may upset you a little bit but here is the shocking truth. Along with SANTA, The easter bunny, the Tooth fairy. REALITY TV IS NOT I SAY NOT REAL!! Its all a fantasy. Grow up. Don't you think that the BBC gets enough money from you ie from EXTORTIONING a license fee from us. I have never watched Celebrity come dancing. The thought of silly non entitiies I mean celebrities prancing around making bigger fools of themselves then they already are is too much for me.
Is your life that dull and empty that you waste your mind and energy on fake crap!!
All "Reality" shows are FAKE they have the winner BEFORE THE SHOW EVEN STARTS. If you have wasted your money on mindnumbing crap like this and other reality shows. THEN MORE FOOL YOU!
Why don't you all do something more constructive with your time, energy and money.
By Debbie. Posted December 16 2008 at 3:02 AM.
I agree with John, UK above - it seems that the problem here was that Tom (who is the bookies' favourite to win) was likely to leave the contest so the BBC fixed it for him to win. So what if Tom had been in the dance-off? He is certainly the worst dancer at this stage. Both Rachel and Lisa have had to go through a dance-off on more than one occasion even though they didn't deserve to, and Cherie Longhi was voted off in similar circumstances when she didn't deserve to leave. Okay, so argue this is an entertainment show but it is also one of endeavour, ambition and strength. So far the British voting public have shown themselves up to be more concerned with style than substance. I think that the BBC should change the rules for future programmes and only let the public vote for their choice between the bottom two... but there again (cynical me), it probably wouldn't bring in enough cash.
By Sue, UK. Posted December 15 2008 at 10:34 PM.
Did no one else notice Arlene and Craig when they were going to give Rachel and Vincent's marks for the American Smooth?from their comments,you would have expected a 10,but they looked at each other and changed their minds. Look again on Sky+ if you recorded it and watch both judges carefully - it was obviously pre-planned - they needed a tie between Rachel and Lisa.
By Alex Dimmond. Posted December 15 2008 at 10:06 PM.
With only three people in the semi final the person who finished bottom was destined for the dance off anyway. I think it is unfair to carry the votes over, they should all start with a level playing field and the BBC should refund the money from this weeks phone vote.
For me Rachel and Vincent are sheer class, and if Rachel can pull off an amazing AT after learning it for only a week, and only being trained in dance for the last eighteen weeks then why couldn't the others. The sinple answer is that she is better than they are.
By Debbie. Posted December 15 2008 at 8:46 PM.
Enough is enough, please, the very last Strictly, just scrap it.
What could some of the people do, here are some ideas.
Bruce...........he must go into a home.
Tess............unemployable
Craig............open a school for drag queen.
Len..............open a home for retired dancers.
Arlene..........open a botox factory
Bruno...........give him his own chat show
Matthew.......a model for shampoo
Brendon........marry well and live a life of luxury
Vincent .......a waiter in a back street Italian cafe
James Jordon..will be a poor loser all his life.
Anton..........revert back to his original name
Darren.........open a poodle grooming shop
All the girls can work on the perfume counter at Boots.
By Dancing Doris. Posted December 15 2008 at 8:45 PM.
what a load of nonsense, this is an entertainment programme, yes i voted but what the heck lifes too short to worry about that. A final with 3 couples will certainly be better and more entertaining than one with only 2 couples. May the best man/ woman win, they work hard to provide the entertainment that we chose to watch. If you can`t cope with that then don`t watch and certianly don`t vote , just in case your favourite doesn`t win, Oh and what a stitch up that will be !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh but you could moan some more!
By kaz. Posted December 15 2008 at 8:00 PM.
I think when it get to the final 4 the judges vote must not count but the public vote should decide who should get through after all it is our show and we should decide who we want to win. The judges can still give their point but it should not be counted as part of the vote.
It's such a shame the BBC let those judges still decide on the final even tho we are ask to vote. Totally unacceptable! Tom to win
By Diana Harris. Posted December 15 2008 at 5:42 PM.
If they had wanted three couples in the final they should have brought Cheri back when John Sergeant left.Then there wouldn't have been any problem. The whole voting all way through has been a fiasco.The judges have voted for there favorites and NOT for the dancing skills so they have no right to call the public for doing the same.If Tom was bottom he should have gone out
By Jean Stephenson. Posted December 15 2008 at 5:27 PM.
I voted for my favourite, not understanding at the time how misleading and fraudulent the whole system is. The producers - and not the judges - ought to repay the public who have been taken in by this cynical money making set up. I can't be bothered anymore to watch, which is sad. I am disabled, can't go 'out', and my enjoyment derives through such programmes.
By banjoman. Posted December 15 2008 at 12:54 PM.
Does anyone else think that probably no one was voted off this week because John left unexpectadly? they had always planned to have three couples in the final, and the probably have it all set up for three couples, when john left without being voted off he caused an imbalance that had to be sorted by not kicking someone out this week? makes sense...
By kate . Posted December 15 2008 at 12:09 PM.
What's all the fuss about?
Most viewers vote for their favourite, irrespective of actual performance, and the judges SHOULD go on performance on the night.
Three couples ..add the two sets of votes together .. bottom two dance off (same as usual!) ...best on the night (irrespective of personality) goes through to final. Easy!
As to a vote roll over .. just refund the money .. voting in advance is a farce!
By Angela. Posted December 15 2008 at 11:28 AM.
Rachel had the unfair advantage, Vincent specialises in the Argentine Tango!!! He would have had Flavia's input too! Tom has been the most consistent throughout and therefore thoroughly deserves his place in the final! I mean there is a reason that the girls have been in the bottom two! It should have purely been up to the public vote to evade this fiasco!
By Di. Posted December 15 2008 at 10:10 AM.
I am so so happy Tom is in the final. He is so happy dynamic and clearly having a good time. where the others are to serious and "look at me i'm so good" attitude. this is a family show for entertainment, and Tom entertains this family and makes our saturday and sundays nights Perfick. Go for it Tom your the best.
By ann. Posted December 15 2008 at 9:10 AM.
As per my previous coment.
The phone in vote should be calculated as a percentage of the judges points awarded.
By Ted Rhodes. Posted December 15 2008 at 8:17 AM.
One of the best comments on this subject was made by Colinos on December 14th at 11.12pm. I totally agree with them, but I am not a dancer. The judges are always telling us it is a ballroom dance competition and then an Argentine Tango, which is not ballroom, is put in. The whole series this year seems such a shambles. I hope the News of the World past all these comments on to the BBC. I would like to hear Colinos's opinion on the other judges. I think they favour Rachel, which seems totally unfair.
By David . Posted December 15 2008 at 7:33 AM.
The BBC should have let the dance off between tom and either rachel or lisa take place and the worst dancer of the night would have left and nobody could have disputed that fact!!!! The BBC can not carry votes over to the final as those votes were cast on the semi final dance performances and not on the unseen final dances and will corrupt the result. I expect there will be a legal challenge to prevent this happening.
By robert cooksley. Posted December 14 2008 at 11:43 PM.
I get a bit cheesed off with all these comments, it is the public voting for personalities and not the dancing that has really caused the problem. Keeping John Sargeant in was a fiasco. Vote for the quality of dancing or dont vote at all is what I say, you are ruining a cracking program.
By Bobby. Posted December 14 2008 at 11:21 PM.
Argentine Tango is great to see, however as this is not a ballroom dance and the professionals do not do it, apart from Vincent, who is a past World Champion at it, seems to me to be very unfair. If it is going to be in the competition it should be done in a much earlier round. Len Goodman is the expert judge and usually I agree with him but I and many dancers I have talked to thought the Foxtrot that Vincent and Rachel gained four tens for in an earlier round was dull and lacked foxtrot movement. Brendan made a fabulous job of Argentine Tango considering he had to learn it in a week along with Lisa. I was a little disappointed with Vincents effort with his experience at it. Hope the best dancers win next week and not the public favourites.
By Colinos. Posted December 14 2008 at 11:12 PM.
I am so glad the result of the semi as I want Tom to win. However I am sad it finished like it did last night.
By Caroline. Posted December 14 2008 at 10:53 PM.
i think this was preplanned because the strictly come dancing result was not advertised in the whats on tv mag the programme comes on on a snday evening but was not advertised in the tv magazine
By margaret. Posted December 14 2008 at 10:22 PM.
The judges have definitely been anti the men dancers throughout the series.
Please get rid of Tess or at the very least teach her to walk like a dancer. More lessons from Anton needed.
If she says Brucie one more time I'll scream.............
By Chris . Posted December 14 2008 at 10:00 PM.
All you people who are saying the judges voting is/was fixed against Tom are simply wrong, his partner choose a Jive, which basically he was pants at, if you wanna blame anyone for your beloved Tom almost being knock out blame his pro partner, as for the two girls there dancing last night and for the last few weeks has been brilliant, as for comments that Lisa is been favoured its utterly ridiculous, he score for the jive last week was grossly underscored, name me a better jive that hers and Brendons this series, lets get some perspective rather than swooning over Tom, yes his a good dancer, there is no dispute, but you have to do it on the night, and last night he didn't, I personally will be annoyed if he does win as he shouldn't be in the final on last nights performance.
By Ian Uk. Posted December 14 2008 at 8:12 PM.
This is not on.
Lisa and Rachael glowed last night and in all fairness, Tom was the worst and rightly got the lowest marks. So what if he was in the dance off. All the other dancers have had to survive a dance off, so why should'nt he.
I'm sure Lisa and Rachael are delighted to make the final, but I bet deep down they were mad at having to train hard and dance their socks off for nothing. What if Lisa does not get full marks next week, or Rachael is not as good as tonight. Even moreso, if I was Austin I would be really peed off watching Tom go through to the final and doing nothing to earn it.
And more to the point, what if Tom wins next week, the sticky brown stuff will really hit the fan then.
When John Sargeant left, the BBC said it would be a two couple final. So why change all of a sudden.
No wander Tom and Camilla were ecstatic, who would'nt be when you have just be handed a free entry into the final.
Bad move BBC - you should all hang your heads in shame.
By Bonnieb. Posted December 14 2008 at 8:38 PM.
How anyone can believe that the judges favour Rachel I do not know. They have consisently over marked Lisa, and have 3 times saved her in dance off's when at least twice she should have gone.
Last nights fiasco was all down to them completely overmarking her - to get 40 points for a vert average, boring & safe quickstep was a travesty, and if she had just been amrked properly she would have finsihed second and all this rubbish wouldn't have happened.
But at least this means that she will go straight away in the final, as she has consistently been one of the lowest in the public vote, and she wont have the judges to save her next week
By Freddie. Posted December 14 2008 at 8:43 PM.
I am sorry but the judges have their favourite, who is Rachel, this is totally unfair. If the show comes back next year the BBC must change the judges.
By Harry . Posted December 14 2008 at 7:32 PM.
It is clear the judges want Rachel to win, this whole show is another BBC sham.
By Johnny. Posted December 14 2008 at 7:28 PM.
the main point is - MONEY BACK - because when we paid our money, our vote should have been used for the correct purpose. We paid money so our favourite would win - and the loser would go. Which would make a far better show for our favourite. Now the final is corrupt. So therefore - MONEY BACK.
By sky. Posted December 14 2008 at 7:55 PM.
What a CATASTROPHE, however will I sleep tonight??!!
By Jenni. Posted December 14 2008 at 7:41 PM.
The original plan was always to have three in the final but because John Sargent wimped out it had to be reduced to two, now justice has been done and we have three finalists with the winner chosen by the public as the judges do not get a vote next week. Please can we just watch and vote if you wish to , do not if you don't
By Karen. Posted December 14 2008 at 7:21 PM.
When they showed the leaderboard last night I wrongly assumed that lisa would have been placed first as she had the highest scoring dance. I f they had done this it would have avoided the fiasco that took place. Sorry but its now ruined for me. Not really interested in next saturdays show.
By David. Posted December 14 2008 at 7:03 PM.
I knew from the first show this season that Rachel would be in the final if the judges got their way. She danced appallingly and the judges only talked about her getting to the final and that she was a 'dancer'. A couple of weeks ago Rachel's dress was too long for her feet to be seen. I immediately noticed and pointed it out to my husband. I also said that I knew without a doubt that the judges wouldn't mark her down for it. You couldn't make out whether she made mistakes or not, and the judges never said a word about it! Lisa's dress was above her feet and all her footwork showed. Rachel is a beautiful dancer but Tom is my favourite and is as the judges have said themselves, the most natural dancer of all the celebrities. I think that the judges have wanted Rachel to win from day one and have judged accordingly.
By Phil whitehead. Posted December 14 2008 at 7:02 PM.
Lisa should of been gone ages ago. The judges have ruined this series for me, and I feel Arlene and Bruno must go.
Bruno summed it all up last night when he said "my girls have not let me down" he is supposed to be neatral. They have to go and be replaced by a Strictly pro who knows what they are talking about.
The judges have been vile to Tom yet he has been the most consistant throughout the show.
By Springer. Posted December 14 2008 at 6:34 PM.
You can see the judges have their favorite when a certain person Lisa gets 10 when her partner storms off in a temper,they are gving into him.
The judges do not want Tom to win!
By Vivian. Posted December 14 2008 at 6:39 PM.
Why does everything have to be a fix?
Tom shouldn't go - he has been consistently good from week one and never in a dance off whereas each of the girls have, one twice and the other thrice.
His marks were lower because the girls were overmarked and the BBC prevented a fraud taking place by freezing the phone vote.
(The actual fraud would have been to carry on asking people to vote to save someone from the dance off when it physically could not.)
Neither Tom nor the girls had anything to do with the decision and I'm delighted that all 3 have gone through.....they have all worked extremely hard and deserve a place in the final which is there to entertain us not cause a civil war.
By BB. Posted December 14 2008 at 6:34 PM.
Is there any chance of NoW starting a movement for a voting boycott for next weeks show?
Who is there to chanllenge the arrogant BBC on this one - no-one!!
Licence fee looks even more in jeopardy for this out of touch organisation.
By Pat Baldry. Posted December 14 2008 at 5:45 PM.
As Lisa and Brendan received a 40 point score, they should have been awarded 3, with Rachel getting two and Tom receiving one. That's how they'd do it in the Eurovision!
By Domhnall. Posted December 14 2008 at 5:49 PM.
I voted twice for Rachel and will vote for her next week. As Len Goodman obviously wants Lisa Snowden to win even though she should have been out the first time she was in the bottom 2 against Sheri Lunghi. I don't mind if Tom gets through. Lisa should have gone as she is not popular with public hence being in the bottom 2 three times in a row. Bring on the final.
By Sarah. Posted December 14 2008 at 5:01 PM.
Face it, even if the Argentine tango hadn't been imposed on all three contestants, Rachel and Vincent are by far the best - not to say "classiest" - dancers by far. Moreover, remember it was also the FIRST TIME that Rachel had danced the Argentine tango and she did it with brio!!!!
Tom is a real sweetie and it is a real pleasure to watch him and Camilla on the dancefloor.
Lisa is very pretty and has improved tremendously, but is still no match for Rachel. Brendan? Brendan who?
The day that Rachel realized that she had to put all her reserve and shyness aside to prove she could dance, she emerged as the rightful "Dancing Queen"!!
I also adore that Italian imp with the lisp, Vincent! He is so cute, but she is so self-effacing in such a naughty way.
Even if these two don't win the title this year, in my eyes they are SIMPLY THE BEST!!!!
-----------------------------------------------
By maria de castro. Posted December 14 2008 at 4:59 PM.
This whole series was touted as the best ever but early on it started to become a farce. First we had the John Sargeant issue and the whole vitriol laid on him for daring to be popular with the general public so the Judges couldn't vote him out and then increasingly over the last few weeks when the girls were completely overmarked to stop them facing the dance off as it was clear that if they weren't top of the leaderboard they did not have the public vote to be out of the dance off. hence the judges did all they could to prevent the best final with Austin, Tom and maybe Cherie fighting it out as these three were clearly better than the rest. instead we had Judges favourites going through and then last night's total fiasco just put the icing on the cake. if the show is to survive then the BBC needs to actually change the entire format, get rid of the current crop of biased judges, bring in fresh blood and remove the dance off, especially over the last 6 weeks or so so that the public can decide who they want to win and not the judges
By GHAZALA SADIQ. Posted December 14 2008 at 5:23 PM.
Could there be a problem if the votes for last night are carried forward? Many people will have voted for the underdog - because we're British, that's what we do - and because they wanted Tom to be in the final.
When it's the final though we're more likely to want fair play which means voting for the best dancer - and that looks like Rachel at the moment unless the others up their game. But surely with the carry-over Tom will have an advantage?
Oops.
By Falmouth Fan. Posted December 14 2008 at 4:49 PM.
Not interested in all this heresay about who deserves a 10 or not.... all I am interested in is 'how rude' that Len Goodman is getting. The way he spoke to Vincent last night would have stunned a polite Italian. By the way Len his name IS Vincent not 'sorry Vince'.....
By bessie walker. Posted December 14 2008 at 4:42 PM.
I totally agree with Mr Townley, the judges are a total waste of money they are critical of someones dancing then give them high marks. Len is the worse person for this. Bruno gives high marks to everyone, he's off with the fairies. Arlene has her favourites and that is obvious to see, with all the botox in her she probably cannot see. Craig is the fairest judge but his people skills is nil. I think they should get new judges in next year, if they have one.
By David Thomas. Posted December 14 2008 at 4:27 PM.
This show has become a pantomime! The only way to restore confidence is for there to be complete transparancy in reporting the viewers votes and in the final judges to only give their views but not have any votes in deciding the winner.
By Ken Terry. Posted December 14 2008 at 4:24 PM.
In the event of a tie in the judges votes there should be a predetermined method of allocating places to the tied contestants. It was immediately obvious to me last night that Tom couldnt possibly escape the dance off given that Rachel and Lisa had been awarded 3 marks each and it appeared that Tom had been 'stitched up'. Maybe 'in the event of a tie' it should have been Len Goodmans task to allocate the judges first and 2nd places.
By Tony Woodward. Posted December 14 2008 at 4:16 PM.
The whole thing is a farce. It stinks of fix. How on earth can Len have any pretensions to be a professional judge when he gave Lisa a 10 for her first dance. She got stuff wrong and stumbled. How could it be a 10? And Rachel getting an 8. It looked contrived to achieve the result they wanted, three couples in the dance off. They have consistently overmarked Lisa. He jive was terrible and better dancers have gone out. The whole thing is a joke and if Tom dances badly and wins, when Rachel is clearly the best of the three, then I for one will NEVER watch it again.
By Roger. Posted December 14 2008 at 4:16 PM.
Why just use the judges to judge and give the dancers points for dancing? That`s the reason they`re on the show ( I guess)
But............. Let the public decide who`s had to leave.
Just us ! no judges or BBC , Just us!
Then we avoid such a mess as this year
oww yeah
Start the show at 7.30 and the results at saturday at 10
Please :)
By Traffic. Posted December 14 2008 at 4:03 PM.
There was clearly NO fixing involved - just a major cock up - get over it and enjoy next week.
By Nick Moore. Posted December 14 2008 at 4:02 PM.
Who cares! I really enjoyed it, and Im looking forward to seeing them all dance again.
By Mikemacdt. Posted December 14 2008 at 3:59 PM.
This years programme has gone too far, It is now far too serious, removing much of the fun and entertainment eg. the John Seargent affair,The Judges now in their minds are 'Bigger' than the celebrities, and for all the enticements to vote not one penny goes to charity. Who's the losers here?. I wont be watching next year.
By John William Connolly. Posted December 14 2008 at 3:55 PM.
me and my wife both think it is quiet obvious who the panel want to win
allso why did len say one of the dancers made a mistake then give them 10 points
he chould practice what he preaches
looks like tom has been ambushed by the judges
we allso think that tom had that many votes so they had to calloff the decision
thankyou
iwonder if anyone will take any notice of this comment
By mr r townley. Posted December 14 2008 at 3:43 PM.
Why bother to vote when the ending of the show had been decided earlier.Or did the public result not suit the JOOGES(that is what Tess calls them) Len's made it obvious who he wants in,get rid of the JOOGES,Bruce and Tess and get a new team in.It's been done on Spooks with success. The BBC should show the number of votes the public voted for each couple,as a lot of money was spent by Joe Public last night.As a license payer and voter I'd like to know.Lastly Lens gutter comment "cod-piece" was unprofessional and uncalled for.
By Katherine. Posted December 14 2008 at 3:36 PM.
Personally, I can't believe that anyone bothers to vote on any of these programmes - have any of you seen the results - how do you know for sure that it's a true and honest vote - answer in short - you don't. Save your money folks - give the cost of the calls to a charity of your own choice - not the BBC....
By Pammy. Posted December 14 2008 at 3:33 PM.
Clearly a fix. In my view ALL monies reived from last nights phone in should go to CHILDREN IN NEED.
The judges have lost all credibility by promoting their favourites and useing one liners fo make them look good with little professional comment on the technique of the dance apart from berating those they want to see off.
By David Stathers. Posted December 14 2008 at 1:01 PM.
IM GLAD TOM IS IN THE FINAL I VOTED FOR HIM TWICE LAST NIGHT HOPING IT'D BE A RACHEL TOM FINAL TOM TO GO ALL THE WAY
By LIZZIE. Posted December 14 2008 at 3:15 PM.
I think it was unfair that the compulsory dance was the Argentinian Tango which is Vincent's speciaity. This gave him and Rachel an unfair advantage. Unsurprising though, as Rachel seems to be the judges favourite.
Also, wasn't the idea of the programme originally to raise money for Children in Need. Has this been mentioned at all this series?
By Diana. Posted December 14 2008 at 3:11 PM.
rachal shoud win her and vincent were far the best dancers
By i wood. Posted December 14 2008 at 1:03 PM.
Having watched all 6 series of Strictly I think this decision was the only fair way to proceed. I was never happy with the fact that, due to the departure of John Sargent, the judges would get to decide who was in the final by way of a dance off. In series 5 there were 3 couples in the final with the public vote being the decider as to who went forward to perform their show dance in the second part of the show. THAT IS MUCH FAIRER THAN THE JUDGES CHOOSING THEIR FAVOURITE COUPLE although I admit the BBC could have handled it better.
By RN. Posted December 14 2008 at 2:59 PM.
i didnt understand why this happend. but i do now tom wouldnt have had the same chance that. both rachel, and lissa have had in a dance off, it was correct to carry votes over to next week, as it was the only way to be fair to everyone, this happend because both girls end up with the same score, and ment even if viewers voted to save tom, he would be out due to the double top points of the girls. why are people upset ? it was the only fair way it could be done, no one has been favoured, just everyone has treated the same. what do you think everyone who voted for tom would say when they realized that they wasted money, as the vote wouldnt have saved tom. its been done fairly and im glad this error was corrected.
By m hall. Posted December 14 2008 at 2:59 PM.
Tom should do the honest thing and pull out. He is and was the worst dancer and should have gone home last night. He will no doubt stay as he has no conscience. TOM GO GO GO
By Trevor Spilsby. Posted December 14 2008 at 2:42 PM.
I just think it is time to say goodbye to all these reality show. Strictly was good when it first started but all its done now is make a lot of people rich. Bruce is getting embarrassing, not being able to read or see the autocue. His blond assistant seems as though she is on a youth opportunity scheme. I question the knowledge/experience of the judges. Craig seems to be the most sensible one. The voting system seems completely up the creek. The are too many so called celebraties in the audience. I think it is best to call it a day with this show. Send Bruce to a home, Arlene to a waxworks, Len to Dartford, Bruno, who is so funny, must have his own show, Craig can open a gay club in Brighton and the blond presenter can take English lessons from Janet Street Porter. As for the male professional dancers James Jordon can become a hairdresser, Brendan Cole can have his own dance show on tv, the lovely Matthew Cutler can be a male model, Vincent can be a waiter at Pizza hut and all the females can find proper jobs. Sad but true, the show is a scam.
By Thomas . Posted December 14 2008 at 2:40 PM.
It was obvious from day one that Tom and Austin were exceptional dancers and most likely to be in the final. The judges were collectively determined that this would not happen and have been so obviously biased in their overmarking of Lisa and Rachel that I am afraid they have totally lost credibility. They all knew exactly what they were doing with their strategic marking and the effect it would have on fair judgement for Tom. They are a disgrace. It makes one wonder about their motivation.
By ron. Posted December 14 2008 at 2:46 PM.
bbc cocked up millions tune in what a slap in the face for the fans of strictly.not happy about this one.
By michael tunnicliff. Posted December 14 2008 at 2:19 PM.
To eleanor lee, if you are going to comment, please get your facts, spelling and grammer right.
By David . Posted December 14 2008 at 1:40 PM.
I telephoned the BBC complaints department re this, and was told that the decision was made because mathmatically Tom would have been in the dance off, and the BBC wanted him in the final. The judging system has been the same throughout and worked, and Tom Chambers should do the decent thing and walk. Think of all the thousands of people that voted for either Rachel or Lisa, and wanted them both in the final. What gives the BBC people, whose wages are paid by the public, the right once again to disregard the wishes of their viewers.
By Jennie Scotland. Posted December 14 2008 at 1:38 PM.
rachal shoud win her and vincent were far the best dancers
By i wood. Posted December 14 2008 at 1:05 PM.
Who cares who wins! It's the way you play the game and Lisa has worked really hard and improved 100%, Rachel is a natural dancer and it was always on the cards that she could be a winner and Tom is so smug that he now gets on your nerves.
Let it be Lisa NOT Tom!!!!!!!!!!!
By jenny . Posted December 14 2008 at 1:52 PM.
Who cares who wins! It's the way you play the game and Lisa has worked really hard and improved 100%, Rachel is a natural dancer and it was always on the cards that she could be a winner and Tom is so smug that he now gets on your nerves.
Let it be Lisa NOT Tom!!!!!!!!!!!
By jenny johnson. Posted December 14 2008 at 1:48 PM.
'If the judges hadn't shown such favouritism to Lisa this wouldn't have happened. How Len can justify giving Lisa's AT a 10 and Craig Rachel's only a 9 was beyond me. Len and the other judges to a certain extent, have consistently overmarked Lisa throughout the competition and have lost all credibility with me.
By Kim Deathe. Posted December 14 2008 at 3:05 AM.'
Spot on. This is such a fix I can't believe it. Vincent and Rachel's AT was far and away the most skilled and accomplished and riveting to watch.
I also think the BBC should start publishing the number of public votes for each contestant. I think we would get quite a shock.
By mistress t. Posted December 14 2008 at 1:44 PM.
The BBC should have stated at the end of the first show that Tom would be in the dance-off no matter what, and that the voting should have been a question of 'who joins Tom in the dance off?' Then Tom fans would not be decieved and it would have been fairest. To put Tom through, when lets be honest he's not as good as Lisa or Rachel but is nevertheless most popular with the public, will give him an unfair advantage. Especially as now he has many 'extra votes' from people who voted to keep him in this week (no doubt he will have got more than either of the girls - my whole family voted for him). I don't think it was a fix on the BBC's part to keep Tom in, since the judges obviously prefer the girls why would the BBC plot to keep Tom in? (And those of us who were complaining about the judges having their favourites - well, what do you expect? They have their favourites because they're the best! Hardly unfair...) It was a silly mistake, easily avoidable anyway if they'd awarded the girls 2 each. But the biggest mistake was the lack of explanation to the public. I bet Brendan Cole will be fuming... The only good thing to have come from the whole fiasco is that we'll have 3 in the final. But I have a horrible feeling Tom will win, since the final is 100% public-driven, when he shouldn't. It should be Lisa or Rachel to win, despite Tom's popularity.
By Beth. Posted December 14 2008 at 2:06 PM.
Why if the BBC realised this was happening did they just not open the voting lines at all. some people who voted for their favourite last night may change their minds next week depending on how they dance and may not have chosen to vote for them in the final but now their original vote will be carried over making the result a farce.
By Wendy. Posted December 14 2008 at 1:09 PM.
Those at the BBC have got to decide where the programme is going. Entertainment or talent. Some of the contestants were neither but still got through. The judges are judging, the public are voting on personality (even though we know nothing about these 'celebrities'). On that basis it's never going to work. Quit while your ahead (just) and let us enjoy Saturdays again without having to sit with our fingers in our ears whilst Bruce makes yet another gaff.
By Jules. Posted December 14 2008 at 1:37 PM.
I am disgusted that our votes have been carried over.
I like to vote on the performance and not the person.So i may next week i may not want my vote carried over. This is seriously misleading and deceiptful.
I for one will not be watching next weeks show and have serious issues with watching the BBC after this and their treatment of Jonathan Ross.
What do we pay liscensing fee for? this is ridiculous that such a bunch of morons run this organistation that we are forced to pay for.
By mike. Posted December 14 2008 at 1:30 PM.
Yes... of course some viewers will complain, some will want to cry 'fix'... and the BBC made a stupid mistake, true! BUT THE DECISION to 'roll over' votes in the circumstances WAS VERY FAIR!!!! I for one will LOVE to see a 3 couple final - HOORAH!!! I'm actually pleased it turned out this way! It's gonna be an even greater final! :)
By JP. Posted December 14 2008 at 1:28 PM.
Tom has never been the Judges favorite they make it clear.Bruno is the worst Rachel an Lisa cant put a foot wrong in his eyes. Tom is so good in Ballroom an Latin but the Judges have not been giving him the marks he derserves it so unfair he is the best male dancer Strickly has had Tom should be in the finale i wish him well. get rid of Craig an Bruno they are not Good judges. Good Luck to all three on Saturday
ted
By Ted Smart. Posted December 14 2008 at 1:21 PM.
Tom has never been the Judges favorite they make it clear.Bruno is the worst Rachel an Lisa cant put a foot wrong in his eyes. Tom is so good in Ballroom an Latin but the Judges have not been giving him the marks he derserves it so unfair he is the best male dancer Strickly has had Tom should be in the finale i wish him well. get rid of Craig an Bruno they are not Good judges. Good Luck to all three on Saturday
By Ted Smart. Posted December 14 2008 at 1:13 PM.
I love the programme but think Anthea and Bruce should be replaced. he is so boring and his jokes are awful and her voice is dreadful.
The proffesional dancers seemed to be more stressed this time than ever before
The glamour and content are the best yet.
By eleanor lee. Posted December 14 2008 at 11:43 AM.
I so agree with Rob re Tom being in the dance off no matter what the score/placement of Lisa and Rachel.
Whoever was in third place on their own would be in the dance off. The vote should have stood and the normal dance off taken place.
Strictly and the BBC have got it wrong again and it does look like a ploy to keep certain dancers in.
By Meryl. Posted December 14 2008 at 11:42 AM.
I so agree with Rob re Tom being in the dance off no matter what the score/placement of Lisa and Rachel.
Whoever was in third place on their own would be in the dance off. The vote should have stood and the normal dance off taken place.
Strictly and the BBC have got it wrong again and it does look like a ploy to keep certain dancers in.
By Meryl. Posted December 14 2008 at 11:42 AM.
The whole thing was fixed, including the miraculous judges tied scores, to ensure that their two favourite girls, who bore the pants off most viewers, get to the final. I shall be voting for Tom even if he spectacularly trips over and crashes into the smug judges, hopefully wiping out Arlene, Bruno, Len and Craig (in that order) in the process
By sugarlequesne. Posted December 14 2008 at 12:45 PM.
Tom has been the most consistent and never in the bottom 2 so I am glad he was saved by the error. The judges were sooo harsh and I think he would get the public vote! They should do what the xfactor do and just do it be public vote from the quarter finals!
By di. Posted December 14 2008 at 12:38 PM.
I think Strictly Come Dancing has been a farce this year more than ever before. It is supposed to be a happy show with the world the way it is. Far from it. The judges should judge but should not be paid to dish out insults. Not a good example. The perameters should have been set even before the J Sargeant scenario. Is it a dancing competition or an entertainment personality show. I personelly will not be watching it again if it comes round next year, unless they get rid of the opinionated judges and define exactly what they want us to vote for. Dancing or because we like the celebrity. Even Len is too big for his boots now. Get them off!
By Dorothy. Posted December 14 2008 at 12:51 PM.
Omg!!!,I am sick of hearing how unfair it is on the girls,and that Tom shouldve gone out in the danceoff,if people look at it logically,Tom wouldnt have been in the danceoff at all if the public votes were counted fairly,he obviously won the phone vote,thus getting 4 points,so if hed been in the danceoff because one of the girls got 5 points,it wouldnt have been an accurate portrayal of the public vote.The viewers saved Tom!!!!!!!!,the travesty is not that he is still in,but that Lisa
By jadzia. Posted December 14 2008 at 12:51 PM.
The crown should go to Lisa or Tom.
By Beryl . Posted December 14 2008 at 12:50 PM.
Lisa and Brendon were saved by a totally biased Len,Lisa shouldve gone in numerous danceoffs,but because she chickens out of Latin,shes safe.Even JS didnt look too bad in ballroom athe end!!
By jadzia. Posted December 14 2008 at 12:54 PM.
THESE JUDGES HAVE COLLUDED TO ENSURE THEY PICK WHO THEY WANT TO WIN.
ITS SIMPLE REALLY DONT VOTE AND THE BBC WILL STOP THE EVENT BECAUSE IT WILL THEN COST THEM MONEY!
By Mike. Posted December 14 2008 at 12:53 PM.
Even if, as some suggest, the vote is being 'fixed' for Tom, with the votes being carried over, he's actually been shafted! Anyone who can count would've worked out that there was no point voting for Tom and wouldn't have wasted their money. Therefore, next week, he'll be starting with a handicap cos he's got to catch up with this week's missed votes!
Only honourable thing to do is discount this week's votes and refund everyone. Fresh slate for the final.
By Lucy. Posted December 14 2008 at 12:21 PM.
The same thing happened on the Aussie version, as my two daughters are just back and there was outcry over there when this happened.
I think you will find that this was arranged to happen before the series started.
By Brian u.k.. Posted December 14 2008 at 12:20 PM.
I think it is about time this government looked into how the BBC is being run. There seems to do one disaster after another.
By Dave. Posted December 14 2008 at 12:29 PM.
Totally agree with Eileen, it is just so boring when it's a 2 way final, much better to have the best 3 in the final!
By Susan. Posted December 14 2008 at 12:27 PM.
this is made all the more interesting as following John Seargents departure they had a gap in final contestants - and now they will have 3 in the final as plannned - spoooky!
By will simpson. Posted December 14 2008 at 11:53 AM.
Clearly a fix. In my view ALL monies reived from last nights phone in should go to CHILDREN IN NEED.
The judges have lost all credibility by promoting their favourites and useing one liners fo make them look good with little professional comment on the technique of the dance apart from berating those they want to see off.
By David Stathers. Posted December 14 2008 at 12:01 PM.
oh please.... fix, scandal, farce...... were you all thinking that when you kept voting for john sargeant to stay in. Watching him week-in week-out WAS a waste of licence fee and painful viewing. At least all 3 finalists can dance and will make for an exciting final. Don't like it, don't watch it, it's that simple!
By buzy bee. Posted December 14 2008 at 11:11 AM.
The second the top spot was a tie with the judges, the whole scoring system was shown to be flawed.
Tom could not be saved from the dance off as at least one of the two girls would have got a total of at least 5, and Tom's max possible score was 4.
Oh and just to clarify, if two couples get the same total score then the public vote swings it. So if the top spot wasn't tied, then yes Tom could have been saved from the dance off.
Jess encouraging people to vote to save Tom was the dummest thing since, well the other week actually, when they couldn't add up the judges score cards properly!
Those people that voted for Tom, frankly deserve to lose their money for not being able to count. Doesn't excuse the BBC though. They should have foreseen this and planned accordingly.
The people I really feel sorry for are the two girls that went through hell practising all week when all their hard work was flushed down the toilet at the last minute. Tom should have gone, and if justice is served then next week he will come 3rd.
By Alex UK. Posted December 14 2008 at 11:11 AM.
Who cares why they messed it up, they did the right thing by freezing the votes and carrying them forward to next week, its how they dealt with it that matters.....anyway the final will be so much better with 3 contestants. Shame the Strictly bosses didn't think of it themselves!!
By Nicky. Posted December 14 2008 at 11:33 AM.
rachel tom final
By richard. Posted December 14 2008 at 11:36 AM.