Leader: Strictly good, sporting entertainment
Saturday’s grand finale attracted 12 million television viewers with more following it online which must put the show firmly in the ranks of the nation’s favourite attractions. It clearly has more than voyeuristic celebrity appeal for Mr Judd is not exactly the best known of the original competitors. Neither is it the hope of seeing inflated personalities make a complete fools of themselves – horoscope writer Russell Grant, unpredictably, looked the most likely candidate but acquitted himself with a certain flamboyant dignity.
We think it is because it more closely resembles a sporting event, where all can watch the competitors earnestly go through a training routine and then do their utmost to perform to the peak of their ability. Honest endeavour which leads to individual triumph with little rancour from losers – or the cruelty of other “celebrity” shows – on the way is always attractive, helped in this case by the participants’ knowing the show is all about entertainment.