AS soon as Joe McFadden became the sole male standing in Strictly Come Dancing, it was inevitable he would win.

As a councillor of almost 40 years standing, I have a fair knowledge of voting behaviour. In the absence of other factors, like political party or nationality, many people will usually vote for a candidate of a particular sex. In the Strictly final, the votes for females were split three ways, while Joe monopolised the vote for males.

Being Scottish, he had the added advantage of a block vote from north of the border.

Because the judges’ verdict does not count in the final, the last night of Strictly has become a personality contest. Judged on the dancing alone, Alexandra Burke should have taken the Glitterball trophy.

I hope the BBC has learnt its lesson and, next year, the final will be decided by a combination of the votes of both the judges and the public, as in the earlier rounds.

At present, Strictly is just not strict enough!

Cllr Steve Kay (Ind), Redcar & Cleveland council, Moorsholm