Judy Murray

[merylpeep]

I am one of those seemingly rare people who really like Andy and Judy Murray. But I was baffled by Judy's performance on Strictly on Saturday. She's a fiercely competitive woman, fit as a fiddle, got a good brain, has been practising for weeks with a top pro (Anton), yet she was truly pathetic. Worse than the worst from Fiona Phillips, John Sergeant, Kate Garraway, etc, from previous series. In tennis, pros sometimes throw matches they should win but don't want to - it's called Tanking. From her first appearance on the launch show, Judy has looked like she's regretted singing up, so I'm wondering if she's tanking. I'd find it harder to believe that Mr du Beke would risk his reputation by not teaching her properly. But it didn't add up to me. You?

[Zeuhl]

I've not watched it, but some people no matter how competitive, fit and intelligent they are, no matter how much excellent teaching they receive,

just can't dance....

[brainiac]

I think she's surprised at just how far out of her comfort zone the show has taken her, and is unable to let go of her crippling embarrassment. I like her too, and can't imagine that she'd ever appear bad at something on purpose. Anton is the ideal partner, so maybe she'll loosen up as the weeks go on; otherwise , it's curtains.

[Elina]

Hi meryl, she did look convincingly happy though when saved ? But danced rather wooden with her legs on the last dance, I thought the same as if she couldn't be bothered.

[woofgang]

I have a feeling that she is uncomfortable with the physical closeness.

[Cloverjo]

I like her, too. I agree with Zeuhl. She just doesn't have the talent for dancing. I wonder if she's uncomfortable with being called a "celebrity".

[hc4361]

I think that Anton is a useless teacher. None of his celebrities have done well and they haven't all been obvious turkeys.

[ethandron]

I quite like her too, especially since seeing some of the strictly interviews she's done. I just get the feeling that she's got no dancing ability, combined with being embarrassed/not being able to 'let go'. Just because she's good at tennis or any other sport, doesn't make her automatically a good dancer, regardless of competitiveness.
I also wonder if it's all been a lot more difficult for her than she imagined it would be, every aspect of it. Perhaps she thought it was all going to be 'fun', and it's not.

[whirlyhurly]

She has no rhythm whatsoever. Just stiff as a board.

[Elina]

Nerves? She does seem quite shy away from her usual comfort zone. She just may improve though!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfn5UcVf7JI

[Elina]

Was this the routine you spoke of meryl?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H4cvXZkQbQ

[merylpeep]

Well, I'm delighted so many responders so far like Mrs Murray. I've always warmed to her and Andy. And Jamie for that matter! Can never understand why they've had so much abuse over the last few years.

[woofgang]

I suspect that Anton gets the likely also rans for two reasons. he's very gentlemanly and doesn't "need the win" like some of the younger less established dancers. He also has a very busy Christmas (he's at the Albert Hall this year) so it suits him to be eliminated early. Realistically, he's unlikely to win. he's not as athletic as most if not all of the younger male dancers, he's also considerably older than them, (age 48) I'd like to see him get a presenting role in strictly. He's so funny wen interviewed.

[Elina]

I like Anton too! He's never too serious.

[Butterbun]

I agree with whirlyhurly. Much as I like Judy, she just isn't a dancer. I nearly wrote 'natural'. She can't swing her hips, it's alien to her She'll maybe go next week or the week after. Can't see her lasting longer than that.

[weecalf]

I would not lower myself to appear on such drivel no matter how much I was paid.. Does anyone honestly care who wins. Would rather be trampled on by wild goats than have any part of it .What was the question again ?

[Netty7]

I agree, I don't dislike Judy at all but she is rather pathetic, she's got no go and looks like she want's a kick up the backside. Come on Judy make a bit of an effort, you look like a soggy dishcloth.

[Caribeing]

She looks uncomfortable and embarrassed and is dire don't know why she signed up for Strictly, I feel sorry for Anton as he always gets duff dancing celebs!