Ex Strictly pro launches scathing attack on the show judges as feud reignites
17.10.2023 - 15:10
/ ok.co.uk
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro James Jordan has taken aim at the BBC series, as he launched a scathing attack on the show's judges.
The 45 year old pro dancer, who is married to Ola Jordan, also a dancer, has said that the reason he's never been asked to join the Strictly judging panel is because he's "not a puppet". Currently, the panel includes head judge Shirley Ballas, dancer Motsi Mabuse, former Strictly pro Anton Du Beke, as well as the notoriously hard-faced Craig Revel Horwood. But James, who left Strictly as a pro dancer in 2013, claims that the judges are "told what to say" by producers - and will often use their scores and comments to influence where stars land on the leaderboard.
Speaking to The Sun, James said: "Being a judge was kind of made for me because I'm very honest," said James.
That's what people like and dislike about me. Sometimes I say what people are too scared to say, but I sleep well at night. "I am what I am, I wear my heart on my sleeve.
I'm not saying I'm always right with my opinions but I always tell the truth. I'm not a puppet. I was on Strictly for eight years so I know how to behave myself.
I work hard and know it's not all about me. However, if I was going to be a judge I wouldn't be told what I have to say. "I would say what I believe is true.
I think maybe they're a bit scared I'd say the truth. Surely that's what the public want to see." OK! has contacted BBC for comment. In the wake of James' comments, a Strictly insider issued an equally-as-scathing one, as they said that the Strictly judges are "highly regarded in their field", as they added this is the reason James Jordan "would never be asked to be a judge".