Virtuosity - An obituary

Alright, I admit it. I watch popular TV.

All I can say in my defence is that my wife forces me.

That said, I do derive a modicum of voyeuristic, academic interest in the anthropological perverseness of it all. I'm not surprised at who wins and loses on X Factor or Strictly Come Dancing. But, I do lament the fact that the first casuality of popularity is virtuosity.

I also confess to enjoying watching the Strictly' professional dancers. Because they really can dance. Christina and Ola are my favourites. Then again, I could watch them direct traffic.

So when the judges have given their opinions and scores it's over to the Great British public to put it all back into perspective and all the talent in the world won't save you from show business oblivion. Because the public don't care if you can't sing, dance or entertain, as long as you represent a popular 'cause'. In John & Edwards' case, the fact that they're Irish has earned them huge nationalistic support. That also happens if the contestant happens to be Welsh or Scots. They get carried further towards the final on a tide of jingo-votes.

That doesn't happen on Strictly'. Here we have a battle of the soaps Vs sport. Sure, the person who wins is normally deserving of being declared the winner. But, along the way, people who can dance just as well (if not better) fall fowl of the TV public's viewing and sporting preferences.

Virtuosity is ignored; of no real importance in a spectacle of blind favouritism.

It's sad.

I feel for the professional dancers who courageously struggle to make a pair of glossy pumps out of two left flip-flops. In a week that has headlines declaring 'Jordan makes TV history' by appearing twice on I'm a Celebrity.., I also despair for the future of television.

And, I mourn the tragic passing of virtuosity. On telly, at least. But, what do I know?