Telly Talk

The audience may not be voting for the best dancers on Strictly, while over on the X-Factor master manipulator Simon Cowell may be lapping up the headlines, controversy and all.

But there is certainly no way anyone can accuse either of ageism this year. And not just because Ann Widdecombe is having a whale of a time with Anton Du Beke amid a sea of sequins. And let me be very clear on this – that’s certainly not any kind of reference to what she looks like on the dancefloor. I’m Ann’s number one fan.

No 2010 is the year of the goldie oldie. And talent is for once the winner. Even Mr Cowell admitted on Saturday night that he hadn’t seen this one coming but was now all for it.

Pamela Stephenson, 61 and Mary Bryne, 50, are this year’s Saturday night poster girls.

Blonde dynamo Pamela is tripping the light fantastic and not only entertaining fans but topping the leader board on Strictly, while the judges on the X Factor can’t get a word in edgeways as the audience are so busy clapping and cheering Tesco worker Mary.

It’s is a triumph that these two ladies are winning over hearts across Britain. They are to reality television what Helen Mirren is to the red carpet – proof that appeal to the masses is not all about youth and beauty even when you expect it to be.

And, frankly, with all the shannanigans going on on both channels, these two are a blessing. It seems the X-Factor judges have split into two camps, with Simon obviously worried for Cheryl amid all the flak she has been taking since the live shows launched.

Dannii Minogue most definitely clasped hands on last night’s results show with Louis Walsh as the pair emerged on stage. It was a sign of defiance against the other pair. But this division has made the judges’ comments all very strange, with each appearing to be desperate to back up their ally.

Meanwhile, Tess Daly looked like a reject from Dynasty last night; she was only marginally better than Claudia Winkleman in a red lace ensemble which made Ann Widdecombe look the the epitome of style.

And I never thought I would say this, but I miss Brucie on a Sunday – the Claudia and Tess double act is just not the same.

So long may voters keep Pamela dancing and Mary singing. They are the best wake-up call this format could have had.