Just watching topical debate show The Wright Stuff on Five this morning and one of the topics being hotly discussed was sixty-something Strictly Come Dancing’s Arlene Philips, a cheorographer of some 35yrs, (Hot Gossip anybody?) being replaced by 30 year old less experienced Alesha Dixon, who’s only experience is that she won Strictly (in the States think Dancing with the Stars).
Entertainment-wise it doesn’t really bother me that much as I don’t watch the show. I’m one of the sad individuals that watches The X-Factor. But, they did the same thing last year on that show too, replacing fifty-something year old judge Sharon Osbourne, who’s been in the business longer than her replacement’s (Cheryl Cole) age. Cheryl’s experience is that she won a similar reality show, Popstars, The Rivals. From that she’s now part of an all-girl band, Girls Aloud borne from the show.
Strictly Come Dancing seems to be causing more of a stir than the X-Factor. With the X-Factor Sharon Osbourne approved of her replacement, indeed, touted her to creator and boss Simon Cowell. But the BBC are also accused of sexism. Cries of “why couldn’t they replace 80 year old Bruce Forsyth or get rid of fellow male judge 55yr old Len Goodman. Why Arlene?”
Methinks that part of the reason for replacing Arlene is down to ratings, as traditionally the X-Factor is on at the same time as Strictly on a Saturday night. Since Sharon left and Cheryl took over, apparently ratings have soared and ITV has trounced the BBC on those Saturday nights. So I guess the BBC thought they’d do the same.
Basically, beauty and inexperience has replaced maturity and experience. Maybe it’s because I’ve just celebrated a birthday so this is bothering me more than usual. But has anybody noticed that all the more mature female newsreaders have slowly disappeared as well? Moira Stewart, Angela Rippon, Selina Scott? But male readers of the same age are still about. Jon Snow on Channel 4. Bill Turnbull on the BBC morning news?
Do you reckon there’s a fetish for zimmer frames, anyone?
