A Weighted Decision Matrix can be used for all sorts of things, even Strictly! Complete a matrix with your friends!

So Strictly Come Dancing started has started again and in my house this has brought on much excitement. As there’s a three week gap before the whole Strictly thing really starts I thought it’d be fun to put the runners and riders through a weighted decision matrix to see who will win. I’m a reluctant Strictly fan, the sort who peers over the top of my book when Russell Grant is about to be fired out of a cannon or when it’s time for the show dances, so I suggest you choose your own factors and favourite contestants as my judgement in this area will not be good!

This blog was written back in 2012 so is a little out of date. However the same principles apply so have a read and then download a weighted decision matrix template.

The five candidates who got onto my shortlist have not got there because of their dancing ability, I have chosen them because in Brucie’s words, “they’re my favourites”. So you won’t find any soap stars, pop stars or wannabe’s, I prefer Michael Vaughan because I love cricket; Jerry Hall for a good first impression; Louise Smith and Victoria Pendleton for inspiring us all during the Olympics and lastly I chose Johnny Ball for nostalgic and “he’s a top guy” reasons. Let’s face it, Strictly is formulaic and contestants are picked to fit various stereotypes. These are the ones that appeal to me.

So onto the factors to judge them by and frankly, I haven’t a clue so kept it simple and in looking for a winner plumped for important things such as “Fan base” and “Appeal”. Sex appeal is also very important, if anything is going to get dad to rise out of his seat to vote this is it! Practical factors are important as well so “Stamina” has to be rated as after all they have got to last about 6 months or so before it’s all over haven’t they? The last factor is “Dance ability” as that has to come into it somewhere along the line, surely!

Do you agree with my weightings and assessment or have I got it all as wrong as John Sergeant a few years back? Let us know in the comments below.