Has Strictly Saved Itself?

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With Chris McCausland winning Strictly Come Dancing and the Xmas special being especially feel-good, has Strictly saved itself as the raft of upheld complaints and accusations that preceded the most recent series? Richard lets us know if it’s possible to appear on several quiz shows and what producers are looking for in contestants. Plus, was 2024 ‘the rise of celebrity surgery’ and will certain trends carry on into 2025?
Producer: Neil Fearn + Joey McCarthy
Executive Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport

Inside This Episode

Strictly Come Dancing: Crisis and Recovery

• The episode delved into the recovery of Strictly Come Dancing following recent scandals. The show’s positivity and standout performances, such as Chris’s win, were highlighted as factors that restored its reputation.
• They discussed the brevity of media coverage around the scandal and credited the programme’s uplifting qualities, calling it “a perfect ten version” that reminded audiences of its best qualities.
• While acknowledging the potential for unresolved issues to resurface, they emphasised the importance of better support systems for contestants and staff to prevent future crises.

Celebrity Transformations and Cosmetic Surgery

• Marina and Richard discussed the normalisation of cosmetic surgery in Hollywood, citing examples like Lindsay Lohan, Demi Moore, and Nicole Kidman. Agents often influence these decisions, but stars’ insecurities play a significant role.
• They noted the historical precedent of such practices, mentioning Marilyn Monroe’s transformation, and highlighted current trends like buccal fat removal among young celebrities.
• Concerns were raised about how surgeries might affect acting, with Marina observing that Kidman’s “resting ice queen face” has influenced her role choices.

Game Shows and Quizzing Culture

• Richard explained the casting process for game shows, noting that prior appearances often limit opportunities on mainstream entertainment quizzes but are common for professional-level competitions like Only Connect or Mastermind.
• He shared anecdotes about prolific quiz contestants, such as Cornelius O’Donovan, who appeared on 31 shows, and the “quizzing underground” that strategises game show success.
• They discussed differences between entertainment-focused quizzes and competitive ones, comparing the latter to professional sports.

Film Trailers: Art or Advertisement?

• Simon’s question about formulaic film trailers sparked a discussion on their purpose as advertising rather than art. Marina and Richard criticised trailers that prioritise cleverness over clarity.
• They highlighted trends like avoiding spoilers and employing quick-cut editing. Richard defended traditional trailer structures, which provide audiences with clear expectations.
• They joked about poorly marketed films, citing Wolves (Brad Pitt and George Clooney), which left them confused about its genre and story.

Media Mentions

Television Shows

• Strictly Come Dancing

Movies

• Wolfs
• The Thursday Murder Club

Books

• The Thursday Murder Club

Hot Takes

• “Strictly… reminded us of what it can be at its very best.”
• “Nicole Kidman has… ‘resting ice queen face.’”
• “[Buccal fat removal has] become so utterly normalized in LA… You’ve grown up in that in that town and that industry and everyone’s doing it all the time. So it would sort of seem like a completely normal thing to do”
• “[After seeing the trailer for Wolfs] I had no idea what the Brad Pitt and George Clooney film was about. If we don’t realize that by the end of that trailer, then then we’ve got a problem.”
• “If [the trailer for The Thursday Murder Club] doesn’t have Helen Mirren saying something cool, then send it back.”

Who’s Who

• Nicole Kidman (discussed in context of cosmetic surgery and acting roles)
• Marilyn Monroe (example of early celebrity transformation)
• Brad Pitt (Wolfs star)
• George Clooney (Wolfs star)
• Cornelius O’Donovan (record-breaking quiz show contestant)

Notable Numbers

• Cornelius O’Donovan appeared on 31 quiz shows, earning over £12,500 cumulatively.

Featured/Recommended

Strictly Come Dancing

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