[Romantic Old Bird]

Originally posted by jog2001

I'm sorry, but I found the whole Paul / Helen thing last year the biggest yawn ever. It was pure Mills & Boon

It actually kept me awake!

Of course I must disagree. Your view is similar to those expressed by everyone who thought the relationship was a sham.

It wasn't a sham, and it evidently still isn't a sham.

It was the most sweet, poignant and real thing I have ever seen on television. I knew it was love blossoming when I first saw it, because I can still remember that feeling. Wonder, warmth and happiness, 110% alive!

It was long ago for me, but I was 20 again as I saw it developing unmistakeably on the screen right in front of me! The staring into each others eyes was so touching. They couldn't stay apart, no matter how they tried.

Enthralling!

WONDERFUL!

What I loved about it was the lack of tackiness, the helpless and progressive attraction they both felt for each other, Helen's refreshing 'go for it' honesty, and Paul's respect for and protection of her.

As for the 'tedious and gormless' labels - unkind and uncalled for I think. Paul was under tremendous pressure, week after week. He stayed calm and pleasant, but he was guarded. I know he had a couple of outbursts under pressure, but he was essentially a sweet natured guy. Look at the effect successive nominations have had on Jonny this year. Always underestimated I think.

Helen would have been rightly labelled 'gormless' if she had sat staring emptily into space. She didn't. She was lively, effervescent and entertaining. Everything she did was spontaneous and guileless. I don't think she is at all unintelligent, that's why she sparkles so! She is uneducated, inexperienced and has been sheltered. There is a difference.

Brian was entertaining, and I don't think he's a bad chap, but Paul and Helen made it for me. I knew they wouldn't equal it this year, becuse it was a unique situation, hardly likely to be repeated.

I don't hate BB3 as much as I did. The characters are not stronger, but they do benefit from not having a damp squib like Elizabeth and her (rather nice but collusive) side kick Dean looking down their noses at all the fun and incessantly complaining about the decibel levels.

This lot didn't take mum and dad in with them. Weird Uncle Sandy perhaps, but he went of his own accord.

The disadvantages this year have been, of course, the meddling. Watching people in extraordinary situations interact is always fascinating. They jostle for position, make alliances, break them, and manipulate others overtly and covertly.

That in itself is enough.

This time they have changed the dynamics so often that it has been traumatic for them and us.

I think the last 3 weeks will be the best of this series, and I hope they now leave them to get on with it.

Still, not a patch on BB2 though.