The scores are in....

....and it’s a win for the X Factor and a spectacular own goal for the Beeb.

The ratings, the newspapers and opinion on the internet are united in considering that Alesha’s debut was a complete turn off SCD, turn on ITV. I feel so dreadfully sorry for Alesha, because I admired her as a contestant, and it is awful to see the backlash building. But she was ill-advised to take the gig, and will need a really thick skin to get through the next few weeks. Watching both shows this weekend, I really felt that the judging panel has lost its chemistry, and the other judges treading on eggshells. The lowest point of Alesha’s performance was the infamous “he’s wearing pink” comment. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

And what of Arlene? I think that she genuinely loved Strictly, so I imagine that seeing the slings and arrows directed at the programme is not a pleasant experience for her. The producers treated her terribly – she was the only “name” on the judging panel at the start of Series 1, and without her experience of staging large, travelling dance shows, I very much doubt that the Strictly tour would have had the success that it has enjoyed for the past two years. At least she has the comforting thought that her career has seen more achievements and longevity than that of the hapless suit behind this piece of decision making.

I would love to be a fly on the wall in the production meeting in Strictly Towers today. Selecting a judge to go head to head with Cheryl Cole, and opting to schedule the show directly against the X Factor were huge gambles, and the price of failure will be high. The right wing press always leaps at an opportunity to take aim at the BBC, and any trouble with the flagship autumn show will be seized on with tenacity and joy. The anger of the BBC’s commercial rivals has been mounting all summer, with accusations about its size, scope and anti-competitive stance. So how does the BBC respond? By loading and cocking two pistols, handing one to Simon Cowell and the other to Rupert Murdoch, and saying “I’ll just stand here while you pull the trigger”.

Anger coming from ITV is fully justified. The BBC is publicly funded, and is not facing a cut in its income. ITV is dependent on advertising revenue and needs to win the ratings war, especially among the 18 – 34 age group, which the BBC seems desperate to target. With the recession hitting media companies hard, and the advertising industry collapsing by 20%, the BBC’s aggressive scheduling just looks like a hostile act.

The BBC have built their brand around the personification of Auntie, everyone’s much-loved relative and best friend. Being portrayed as ruthless competitors could bang a nail in the coffin of the brand. And TV’s Mr Nasty has seen the opportunity to be Mr Magnanimous, and is working it well. The news today is Simon Cowell may re-schedule the X-Factor because he knows his mum will want to watch Strictly. Master class in how to win a PR war.

And the BBC’s counter stroke? To announce that they are thrilled with Alesha’s debut, and although there is criticism on the internet, it is not representative of public opinion. However, the criticism on the internet is not rabble rousing to score a cheap point at a rival, such as we see in the red tops. It is real comment coming from the show’s staunchest fans. Internet wisdom may not seem representative enough of public opinion for the BBC, but the preferences of the 10.7 million viewers who opted for the X Factor cannot be so easily dismissed.

This story is set to run and run, so expect a head on a platter by the end of the month. I am just hoping that it won’t be Alesha Dixon’s, and would far rather see the actual instigator of the mess fall on his or her sword.