ALESHA - seemed restrained

There's an article by Tim Dowling about who is going to replace Alesha (Page 11 of Radio Times out today). It's based on an imaginary Confidential Memo sent to the production staff of SCD. Here it is:

To: Production staff, Strictly Come Dancing
Subject: Replacing Alesha

Dear all,
As you know, Alesha Dixon's off to be a judge on Britain's Got Talent, but let's not wish her any ill fortune in her new venture. There will be plenty of time for that once we've found a replacement. Forget any rumours you may have heard - we're thinking outside the box this time. Here are a few selections from our current long list....

Hilary Devey As long as it doesn't interfere with her Dragons' Den commitments, we think Hilary could add some much-needed grit to the mix. It's true she doesn't know much about dancing, but her sharp tongue and evil queen dress sense tested well in focus groups.

Sue Perkins We'd have to poach her from The Great British Bake Off. This is not contractually impossible, provided they are able to replace her with the hairier of the two Hairy Bikers. In this scenario the remaining biker would go to MasterChef, and Gregg Wallace would be put on loan to Antiques Roadshow. This would set off a chain of job-swapping that apparently ends with B runo Tonioli presenting the lunchtime news, which leaves us back where we started, unfortunately.

Vince Cable The word is that Cable will be at a loose end come the autumn, and he certainly knows his stuff when it comes to ballroom. He's not a woman, obviously, so this would be part of a larger shake-up, in which we ditch L en and C raig for half of Little Mix. It seems they're going to be at a loose end as well.

saxonsiren wrote:At last Alesha to leave SCD. Poor BGT to have such an articulated judge amongst them.Not Karen Hardy
as replacement

I have to agree - I really could not warm to Alesha - in fact, I think she got worse as the series went on, yes she moved on from her first cringingly awful 'wicked' fierce' type comments and then came across as rather arrogant in my view (I stress). Who to replace her, well I really hope the Beeb does not try to repeat it's mistake with Alesha and try to foist us off with some celeb but does actually trawl for the masses of untapped talent that is out their with real knowledge of dance. Go on Beeb - surprise us, and show up DOI who have, again in my opionion, got it very wrong this year. Oh and by the way, a very belated Happy New Year to you all. x

Radio Times today has published a viewer's letter, suggesting that Karen Hardy would be a worthwhile replacement! And a lovely photo of Karen printed beside the letter (not a frequent occurrence).

Is this the Beeb's way of sneakily preparing us for the change?

p.s. it has been notable this year that the Radio Times has published letters about Strictly, nearly every week during the series, many of which made 'critical' points. Usually, there is very little published about Strictly in the letters page.

I hope they are taking note of viewers' opinions and that any further 'refresh' of the show, takes account of those points. Mind you, they need look no further than this Exiles website if they want to know what true Strictly fanatics think about the show and what works/what doesn't!

I don't particularly like BGT or Simon Cowell however loved his put you down
comment to Aleisha- Who are you anyway!
Poor Aleisha didn't mind the publicity of SCD or taking Arlenes job
then jumped for more money & got slap put down! A long time to wait
but worth it.
Simon got rid of Kelly,Cheryl & played Dermot re usa x factor
Can only hope Alesha goes quietly

Sax