I'm afraid that the ratings would probably drop if "ordinary people" were used. I think it's the poking into the backgrounds of well-known people that gives it its appeal to many.
Having said that, I wasn't looking forward to Blessed. I was prepared to turn the volume down - and his sotto-voce humming everywhere drove me mad.
He was over the top - but what did we expect?? It's what the man does; he's "marmite" - and I personally have only liked him in "Z Cars" (shows my age!) and "I Claudius", where he seemed perfectly effective.
I think it's just the actor himself who has a personality that grates. But, as others have said - it WORKED. Both he and Julie Walters were emoting and identifying and imagining like mad - but hang on, isn't that what they do for a living?
Like some others, I'd like to see writers, scientists, musicians, even some TV presenters rather than so many with an acting background - for often we don't already know a lot about their backgrounds and lives, whereas actors have to put so much of themselves and their backgrounds on show at each part and interview.
