It’s that time of year again when rows about weekend television viewing start in households around the country and the X Factor and Strictly fans start their ‘journey’.
Fun and games on Strictly Come Dancing
Laughable, fixed and manufactured it may well be, but it still holds the attention of millions of people and provides a certain level of entertainment during the longer, darker nights.
If ever there was any credibility in the X Factor, it was blown when Louis Walsh left singer Carolynne Poole and non-singer/controversial entertainment draw Rylan Clark in the hands of the public vote at the weekend. A member of the production team was seen talking to Louis just before the decision: no doubt telling Louis to keep the controversial, eccentric Rylan in – better for viewing figures and publicity for the show. When it’s competing for viewers it’s all about publicity.
The show was saved from complete ridicule by some great performances by 16-year-old Ella Henderson and Jahmene Douglas. Ella sang Take That’s Rule The World and it was quite beautiful. Jahmene was also impressive, singing the John Lennon classic Imagine.
No doubt a few acts from the show will be in the charts next year: it could just be the X Factor chart: sad really.
Then, of course, there’s the fun that is Strictly Come Dancing. It was great to see former Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley top the leader board and the contrast in her dancing ability and natural effervescence to the stiffness of Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton, who many assumed would be a good dancer. She, rather predictably, cried – again. Well, she is partnered with Brendan Cole.
The other Olympian in Strictly this year is gymnast Louis Smith, who put in an impressive performance on the dance floor. He certainly impressed new judge Darcey Bussell. Darcey is an interesting addition to the show: if she doesn’t stop saying “yah” all the time she will soon have people reaching for their TV remotes.
Strictly and X Factor will keep battling it out for viewing numbers, but for me Tuesday night is the night of the week. That’s when I can settle down and enjoy the real joy that is The Great British Bake Off. The contestants, all home bakers, have their baking skills tested every week as they battle it out to be crowned the Great British Bake Off’s Best Amateur Baker. Apparently The Great British Bake Off, which is a truly British show, has now been sold to the French. A Gallic version of the series is currently being produced and will be aired later this year.
How did the world exist before all these television shows? Quite well, I think. The charts sounded better too. However, they do draw you into them and provide something to watch on a quiet weekend in. I think I may be out for the next few and keep Tuesdays free.