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WHAT'S THE PROBLEM? Alesha on show
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OUTSPOKEN dancefloor bad boy Brendan Cole has waded in to back new judge Alesha Dixon after she faced a huge public backlash.
The controversial pro dancer branded her critics thick and "out of order.
SCROLL BELOW TO WATCH EXCLUSIVE BRENDAN COLE VIDEO
Furious Brendan stormed: "She's doing a great job. The people who are criticising her are uneducated. They don't necessarily know what they are talking about. Anyone who criticises her needs to get a life."
Alesha, 30, joined the judges' panel after 66-year-old Arlene Phillips was booted off. It prompted an ageism row, and the BBC was inundated with complaints after her judging debut last week. Petitions called for Arlene to be reinstated, and Alesha was labelled "boring" and "pointless" on internet messageboards.
But Brendan, who danced for the first time on Friday with partner Jo Wood, insisted the change was good. And as former Strictly winner Alesha appeared to have settled into her new role this week, he insisted she shouldn't tan-go anywhere.
He raged: "Alesha's critics are frankly out of order. If she hadn't done well I would have been the first person to say: 'That was bulls**t.'
"Alesha was always in a lose-lose situation. People don't like change. And fans loved Arlene so were upset to see her go. But Alesha's just doing the job she was asked to by the BBC. And I thought she was fantastic considering the pressure she's been under.
"She wasn't hired for her technical expertise. She was hired because she is a great performer and knows what it's like to be one of the celebrity dancers."
Brendan, 33, judges a version of Strictly in his native New Zealand. But while he is backing Alesha he boasts there's NOTHING the judges can teach him.
He grinned: "There's no one on the judging panel that knows more about dancing than me."
Which will stand him in good stead with celeb partner Jo, 54, after the pair came bottom of the leaderboard with their tango on Friday.
Strictly Come Dancing ace Brendan Cole on Alesha and Jo Wood
But Brendan is still adamant the pair will take the heat off Alesha with his ultra-sexy routines - and even admitted he fancies Jo.
CLOSE: Brendan touches Wood
While he's happily engaged to model Zoe Hobbs, 27, he teased: "It's been said that I would never fancy an older woman - but that couldn't be further from the truth.
"Jo may be 20 years older than me, but this is no mother-son relationship. I want the country to be ready to watch some of the sexiest rumbas they've ever seen - courtesy of us."
Brendan added: "Jo is so sexy. She is endearing and pretty. I'd heard the bookies said there was a 7-1 chance we'd have an affair.
"Considering I'm engaged, it's kind of disgusting, but we had a laugh about it. Then we were practising the rumba and Jo nailed this one sexy move. I told her the odds had just fallen to 5-1. The next day they were down to 4-1. That's where we stopped it though it's a standing joke!"
But Brendan admits he wasn't sure ex-model Jo would be able to cope with the pressures of Strictly after her 24-year marriage to Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood ended when he cheated on her with 19-year- old Russian waitress Ekaterina Ivanova.
He said: "I really thought she might be too fragile. And I think this might be one of the toughest things she has done."
Jo, however, is adamant she's over the worst and earlier this month revealed she had "buried" her wedding ring in a coffin-shaped box. She'll have to stay tough partnering Brendan, who has left several of his previous celeb partners in tears.
He admitted: "Working with me is pretty full on - I don't mess about. At first I would set the goal, and Jo wasn't getting anywhere near it."
The bookies said there was a 7 to 1 chance we'd have an affair. Then Jo nailed this one sexy move and I told the odds had fallen to 5 to 1
Jo has already suffered one meltdown as she tried to learn last week's group dance. Brendan said: "Everyone has seen the photos of her when she ran out in tears. I was terrified it was my fault but she was just upset by the way her dancing looked." He revealed his trick is to tease Jo when she's flagging in training. Brendan said: "I call her 'granny' or 'old woman' when she isn't doing something right.
"When she is struggling I will give her a little kick in the pants and say: "Is that all you've got, Granny?' And I'll see that feisty little spark in her eye.
"Now I push her hard and she responds brilliantly. We've got a little spark together and I hope that will come across on the dancefloor. We're working well and we've got great chemistry."
Of the other celebs, Brendan tips The Bill actress Ali Bastian to do well and is supporting boxer Joe Calzaghe. "He couldn't get past the nerves last week. The poor guy is one of the hardest people in Britain and now he has to don sequins and go out in front of the whole country and cha cha cha."
As for Jo, Brendan hopes they will stay in touch after the show and she will come to his wedding next summer. "We're great friends," he said. "I love all her little quirks. Sometimes I'm amazed by what she's done in her life. Some of her stories about her time touring with the boys shocks the hell out of me.
"We do talk about relationships and things with her past, but I care about her and I'll keep her secrets. She seems to be coping well with everything that's happened.
"I don't think she's given me any advice on love - I'm a dancer, I don't need any advice!"
But one tip he does have is that this series of Strictly will score a perfect 10. "There's more tension than ever. But that's how I like it. I think Strictly is going to be great this year."
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This article has 32 comments
I agree with Brendan,Alesha is doing a fab job,and does know what she is talking about,so all you ignorant people out there just leave her alone and give her a chance.You keep on Alesha you are great and so good to look at on tv,God Bless you girl.xxx Oct 18th 2009.
By yasmin. Posted October 18 2009 at 6:45 PM.
Alesha is not qualified to do this job, her comments make everyone cringe and she clearly doesn't know what she's talking about. However, she looks good and was only employed to compete with Cheryl Cole 'on the other side'. It is obvious that she lacks the knowledge of a true professional.
By jd. Posted October 2 2009 at 9:22 PM.
This is my favourite programme, as an ex dancer I feel myself glowing with the sheer pleasure of watching gutsy people blossoming from non-dancers into sometime brilliant dancers, and sometimes not such brilliant dancers but great entertainers in a new field. Richard Dunwoody brought the feel good factor to my Saturday when I was expecting to feel uncomfortable for him. I loudly applauded his smiling, confident performance and scared the cat. He looked great.
BUT, Alesha ??? Why ? Not a good choice.
Because her predecessor was spiteful, she was not enjoyable to have in my sitting room and made me stop watching, despite once being one of the BEST and most successful dancer/choreographers.
Being nasty is not admirable, particularly to amateurs and to other human beings generally.
The AGE thing just won't wash when looking around the studio. Much more likely negative energy
The most irritating aspect of her replacement is Alesha's grating VOICE which does not match her beautiful face and elegant, pristine image. I am so non-plussed by her voice I have never taken any notice of anything she utters.
To progress her career, VOICE COACHING and some old fashioned elocution might be the solution. From there, the rest of her will tone down and follow suit. They have house trained some rhythm-less dancers, now start on the judges. Bruno needs some Rescue Remedy at times, but he's hilarious, and sorry folks, at times, so is Brucie teamed with Bruno's antics.
PLEASE SHOW MORE CLIPS of the judges in their dancing 'HAY' DAYS.
Congratulations to the costume and set designers
I LOVE the concept, the rehearsals, the sparkle, the live music, and the judges banter.
KEEP DANCING, the programme is a rare feast for the soul.
By Paulina . Posted October 2 2009 at 12:59 PM.
Well don Alesha, but I still vote for Arlene. Sorry!
By marlene. Posted September 29 2009 at 12:00 PM.
Alesha was a great contestant and she seems like a lovely girl - but she is in no way qualified to be a judge based on the fact that she was a contestant - that would make all the other previous contestants 'qualified' - can you imagine!! The proof is in listening to her inane, pointless and banal critiques - she is embarrassing herself and it's insulting to the professional dancers and the contestants to be 'judged' by someone with her scant knowledge and limited vocabulary and input. Replace her immediately with one of the many pro-dancers out there who are qualified to do the job (Camilla? Karen?) or carry on with three judges. And as for Brendan - he is a fantastic dancer and totally exhililarating to watch, but he would do well to keep his mouth shut and let his feet do the talking as such - we are not interested in his opinions, only his dancing and we don't believe he thinks Alesha is brilliant at the job for one minute! Anyone who thinks she is brilliant is - in Brendans' own words - uneducated. Take a bow Brendan - an own goal.
By Liz Sheridan. Posted September 28 2009 at 4:02 PM.
I really liked Alesha when she was dancing and I voted for her every week. However, she should not be a judge. I wonder how the professional dancers feel having an amatuer judge their dancing and choreography.
Please remove Alesha from the panel of judges and replace her with someone who has a dance judging pedigree.
What I would also like to hear is "The couple leaving SCD tonight is........Bruce and Tess"
By Gioi. Posted September 28 2009 at 8:17 AM.
Some people are actually commenting that it is the public who have made Brendan what he is which puzzles me as I thought it was all the years he had spent on the dancing circuit and winning awards.
Most commenting that they don't like Alesha are not professional dancers so in that way they are uneducated. I know a few professional dancers who think it's a great idea to have someone who has been through what the celebrities are going through on the panel. We sitting at home who think our years of watching has suddenly made us experts in what's right for the show may want to shut up and listen to the people who actually work in the industry. Alesha is bringing something new to the table and I for one am enjoying it so far. I watch for the dancing anyway so I'm not too bothered about the judges.
Phil Tufnell was surprising. I'm looking forward to the next couple of weeks.
By Diana. Posted September 27 2009 at 11:32 PM.
I think the only person who is "thick thick slow" is Brendan! Dont forget Brendan, your where you are because the public put you there, but the public can be just as quick to turn their backs on you, see what happens in the voting next week.
Have the BBC thought of asking the previous weeks professional dancer, who has been booted off, to join the panel . Thats got to be better than listening to the pointless comment made by Alesha.
By sue.. Posted September 27 2009 at 8:25 PM.
I not interested in the Judges comment i watch it for entertainmet which is what it is how many of you look to see if there toe was pointing or arm or legs bent you look for who's dancing touch you the Hollyoaks guy did it for me fri and sat it took my breath away and Ali did it for me on the 1st week. That what i look for not if there legs were bent or fingers. On the entertainment side phil and ricky add to the entertainment side of things. Get a grip and leave the girl be. Arlene not bother so why should you i would say no to being a judge and i would'nt care what the hell you all thought with all that going on in the world stop taking it too seriously have fun.
By Jeni. Posted September 27 2009 at 6:35 PM.
for gods sake get rid of bruce he is getting worse he is spoiling the show it is about the dancers not him he makes me sick
By cat woman. Posted September 27 2009 at 4:45 PM.
She was hired because she looks better than Arlene - it's that simple and that wrong.
By Lolly. Posted September 27 2009 at 3:39 PM.
In theory shouldnt all the judges be able to relate in some ways to how the celebrities feel havent all of them in some way been a beginner at something? so why do they need an extra person to do this. Every week Len states that he commends the dancers for coming out and tryin but gives them technical constructive advice on top of this.
As a dancer myself I find it cringe worthy to listen to some of the judges comments which have no actual relevance and give them no grounds for improvement. The only judge I feel is 100% credible is craig because he examines the technique and feedsback on it the good the bad and down right ugly.
Alesha should not be judging this competition.
By claire. Posted September 27 2009 at 1:49 PM.
They should get Paula Adbul on the judging panel. How hilarious would she be?
By Angie. Posted September 27 2009 at 1:25 PM.
Well done Alesha i think your doing a fab job
By l enter. Posted September 27 2009 at 1:07 PM.
Good luck Alesha - don`t take any notice of these jealous OLD people. Arlene is not entertaining - just boring and spiteful! Also, you are much more talented and far more beautiful than Cheryl Cole and Strictly is far superior to the mostly amateur and sleep-inducing show that she is in.
Wendy
PS I`m the same age as Arlene
By Wendy Agnew. Posted September 27 2009 at 12:53 PM.
ABI
You may have a degree and many diplomas but surely not in English. There shouldn't be an apostrophe in diploma's.
I also have 3 degrees. Love Brendan. He is just saying what he thinks he ought to say. Can't believe for one minute that he believes this cr*p about the odious pushy Alesha. Pretty girl. Good dancer. End of story.
By dottiep. Posted September 27 2009 at 12:28 PM.
Alesha improved with her comments this week but the laugh is beginning to grate now and we have another 13 weeks to go!
By Di. Posted September 27 2009 at 12:10 PM.
And what makes Brenden qualified to imply that her critics are thick ? Don't forget Brenden it is these "thick" people that have made you what you are today
By Chris. Posted September 27 2009 at 11:54 AM.
Alesha has no experience of judging and its only a matter of time before a professonal dancer who she criticies asks what does she know.
Why is Carron Hardy or Camilla Dallorup not a judge as they have the credentials
By gordon bate. Posted September 27 2009 at 11:44 AM.
I dont watch strictly now because she has not improved just seems more determined to hold on to the big paying job that she is not able to do. Terrible move by the BBC and sending the wrong message out that you dont need ability just youth and looks. Ageist to the extreme in the usually politically correct Beeb.
By mary. Posted September 27 2009 at 10:49 AM.
Alesha, is not suitable for Strictly other than when she was taking part in the dancing. You can see the BBC are on the backs of the judges, making them support her, Bruce in particularly. She adds nothing to the role, it has completely weakend the show. She is a great singer and thats where it ends im afraid. Come on BBC dont spoil a fantastic show by leaving this girl in there, the people who watch the show no more about the dancing that Alesha Dixon does. She is far too patronising.
Sorry Alesha, its time you went...
" But I do commend you for trying"!
By SUE HEPWorth. Posted September 27 2009 at 10:07 AM.
well done alesha you are doing great job keep it up
By mags. Posted September 27 2009 at 9:40 AM.
well said brendan cole alesha is doing a great job all she is stunning x
By mario lazarou. Posted September 27 2009 at 8:34 AM.
I have never watched Strictly for the Judges comments. I usually turn the sound off when they are on so it doesn't matter to me who is judging! It's an entertainment show that the whole family can watch and that is what I enjoy.
By TSmith. Posted September 27 2009 at 8:20 AM.
ALESHA DID BRILLIANTLY LAST NIGHT - THOUGHTFUL AND RELEVANT REMARKS PLUS HER WARMTH AND KINDNESS SHINE THROUGH - SO DIFFERENT FROM THE SPITEFUL ARLENE.
By vivienne thompson. Posted September 27 2009 at 8:01 AM.
alesha's doing just fine. i enjoy that her comments are based on her preious experience on the show and tactfully worded - nothing wrong with being kind-hearted. there's enough vitriol coming from craig as it is.
on another (facetious) note, jo could have sent her wedding ring to cash for gold... unless she's buried it for exhumation at some point in the future when ronnie comes crawling back?
By abi. Posted September 27 2009 at 7:50 AM.
Steve you have said it all.
I too hold a degree, and many diploma's. To call the public uneducated because they feel a singer with four months experience as a contestant is not suffient enough experience or knowledge to judge those with three dance training let a lone a professional career in dance.
The whole point is strictly had professional judges, with 15-40 years in the field of dance and cheography. Their opinions are sharp, educated, informative and witty. Miss Dixons sounds and looks foolish, unfortuately. She is not doing a good job, but she is 'trying', very trying.
Laughing constantly as all the other judges speak as steve and Craig RH -judge- said is rude, annoying and to me irrating
Yes she has auditioned dancers for last 10 years??? so have I for school productions. Get a grip Aleshia-stop claiming to be a professional dancer because one minute you claim to be the voice of the lay-person (oridinary viewer/celeb) next your a pro dancer and regularly audition dancers??? if that is the case why on a number of occasions have you marked low in stead of generously in empathy??? Nothing adds up to me. Can't big wigs at the BBC sort this- for miss dixons sake too.
Truth is you are way out of you dept with judging strictly and in the personality commenting stakes-especially when sat next to other 3 judges.
By millie. Posted September 27 2009 at 7:11 AM.
I do feel Alesha was much better with her comments this week. They were constructive and to the point. However, in this new series, the two people who should be got rid of are, Bruce Forsyth, he is unable to read the autocue and reads the same things off his notes. Not very professional. The other person, is his co-presenter. She is like an amateur and the end of Wigan pier.
By Jonathan. Posted September 27 2009 at 6:16 AM.
I prefere to watch pretty Alesha than that old hag Arlene. They should also get rid of that old fool Bruce.
By Jenjen. Posted September 27 2009 at 3:58 AM.
still not liking Alesha as a judge. I don't care what she's there for - a prop on the panel?? Pls don't bring her back next year - she's a bore and she thinks she's funny with Bruno.
By frankie. Posted September 27 2009 at 2:26 AM.
I'm not uneducated, but I still think Alesha's awful.
She doesn't know what she's talking about and pales in comparison to the other judges in terms of real dance/choreography experience, she patronises the contestants (I couldn't bear hearing her describe Richard Dunwoody as cute, like he's a toddler just learning to walk), we can constantly hear her cackle in the background as the other judges make their comments and some of her comments are simply inane or inappropriate.
Brendan Cole may be a decent dancer but he has no clue what makes good television and Alesha really is offensive to the senses apart from in her looks (something Mr. Cole probably allows to cloud his own judgment)! She has no place judging these people having only been being judged herself a couple of years ago.
She's clearly tried to rein in the annoying excesses of her personality, but what's left is still incredibly annoying, so I don't really want her ruining what is otherwise a great show. She should be axed!
By Steve. Posted September 27 2009 at 1:19 AM.
What's to like with Alesha. No idea what she is asked to judge, she is such a turn-off, so I did
By Keith Price. Posted September 27 2009 at 1:05 AM.