Why are the Strictly judges so uncritical these days?

DH and I were saying much the same thing. We feel that marks for technical difficulty and for performance - like for ice skating - would be a good idea. Contestants need to learn from constructive criticism.

I miss Darcy for that reason Septimia she was always good at constructive criticism. At the moment it seems as if comments and scores are rather disjointed.

Craig see me to be the only had nest one and even so he seems to be going soft...is it post pandemic sympathy?

I never watch it live so I fast forward all the schmaltzy chit chat build up and I only watch the dance listen to Craig and look at the scores !

To some extent I think the judges awarded very high marks too early on, but week 3 was excellent. This week seemed as if there was nowhere to go.
Darcey brought a new dimension because she came from a different discipline. I too wish she had stayed longer.

Couldn’t agree more. Craig looks slightly embarrassed when he has to criticise. Anton is like a puppy that just wants to be loved. Motsi comes out with the same platitudes.
Every time Shirley comments I think of the saying beware the Greek bearing gifts

I think a definite decision has been made to dial down the criticism this year so as not to appear unkind.

I’m not as engaged in this series. I feel it has a tiredness to it.

I have really enjoyed Strictly especially when it gets to the gloomy November nights with not much else on offer TV wise; …
For me it has lost it’s crispness and it should have taken a break last year because of all the restrictions and also this year with celebs testing positive.

Also, just too much of the “back story” and mawkish sentimentality for me.

It’s a shame because the production values and music are top notch as ever and the special effects ingenious

I watch it because it provides some joy and escapism and not to listen to celebs who I barely recognise relating how awful things have been.
There is ample space for that kind of TV already.
The X Factor and The Voice slipped into the same mode and it was the death knell for me.

Why don’t they just stick to the brief: Celebrities learn to dance and put on a show

there's already a thread on strictly, why start another

lemsip

there's already a thread on strictly, why start another

I think perhaps because the judges are seen as a separate entity from the celebrities and the dancers. The other thread is all about the performers, although of course the competition wouldn't exist without the adjudication.

Did anyone notice how "gushing" Shirley was to Judy? After her commnt last week of "you're actually quite sexy"

Anton is really beginning to irritate me with all his hand waving. Motsi says the same thing almost every time apparently every couple ‘shine’. Shirley is also quite repetitive and is putting too much emphasis on the emotional side rather than the actual dancing for example, Judi last night. Craig is about the only one who really says what he thinks but even he seems to be overly influenced by the others. I think the dancers need more constructive comments to help them improve their performance.

I think the constructive criticism is there, eg Anton explained Sara's left head looking very well. It just somehow gets swallowed up in all the gushing. Especially Motsi, and now Shirley is joining in.

GrannyMacawell

Did anyone notice how "gushing" Shirley was to Judy? After her commnt last week of "you're actually quite sexy"

Yes I did.

I actually winced when I heard that comment last week!

I winced as well 3dog.

Shouty Mabuse - I turn the volume down. Still bad being a judge where her sister is involved.
I liked Craig because he pointed out what was wrong. The judge everyone loves to hate.
Anton surprised me. As a stand in judge I wasn’t impressed, but on the main panel he offers constructive criticism.
Shirley . . .

I’m enjoying it hated how hard they had been in previous years so for me it’s a 10!

I thought Anton’s comment to Greg was perfect when he said watching the dance was a bit like having a bath with your socks on - uncomfortable. I knew exactly what he meant, but it was not unkind.

I wish Anton wouldn’t do that twitchy bit with his left eye when he thinks something is not right. It looks weird.

He looks and sounds more like Len Goodman every week, with his gestures and his ‘ Well done, my son’ type comment.

Craig was a bit more critical last night, I thought.
I still love it all though, regardless.

I like it when the judges praise the choreography like Anton did last night with Giovanni. He looked chuffed and I am sure he is having to think extra hard about the routines, being partnered with lovely Rose. Good to recognise it.