Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan has criticised one celebrity's Movie Week routine, labelling the technique "non-existent" and the performance "diabolical" as a Samba.
During last weekend's episode, Cach Mercer performed a Samba with his professional partner, receiving a total score of 29 points. James strongly disagreed with the mark, sharing his views with the ScreenTime team at Reach Plc via WhichBingo.
James Jordan's verdict on the Samba
James stated: "Cach, way, way over-marked. Didn't even do the dance he was asked to do, in my opinion. With Cach, as a performance, this was fantastic, and if it were in the West End, it would be brilliant."
"As a samba, it was pretty diabolical. He said in the VT that he wanted to get the technique down. Well, unfortunately, mate, it was non-existent."
While James emphasised that he likes both Cach and Alexis, describing the Love Island star as 'brilliant', he anticipated greater execution of the Samba's core elements. He continued: "Like I said, I love the performance, and people can say I'm being super harsh at home. I am a professional Latin dancer, a Latin expert."
Judges' reaction and other scores
"There was zero technique in that. And for the judges to go, oh, I think you just created a new dance - well, unfortunately, we weren't supposed to be creating a new dance. You're supposed to be marking a samba. So was it a samba? No, it wasn't."
The former professional dancer, who departed the programme more than ten years ago, also felt Delta Goodrem and Graeme Hall received inflated scores, while believing Jaime Winstone and Dani Dyer were under-marked.
Elimination and farewell
Ultimately, Cach escaped the dance-off and was spared by public votes to remain in the contest. Nevertheless, Jaime Winstone and Chris Appleton ended up in the bottom two and were forced to perform their routines once more before the judging panel.
Following a unanimous verdict, the judges chose to save Jaime, bringing Chris' journey in the competition to a close alongside his Strictly professional partner Amy Dowden. Reflecting on their departure, Amy said at the time: "I know, unfortunately, only too well heartbreak."
"But I also know that the reason it hurts so much is because of the friendship and bond we've formed, and that's something that isn't going anywhere. From the nerves, the laughter and the endless rehearsals to the moments when things felt tough, you gave everything you had."
"You showed such heart, determination and kindness, and it has been an absolute privilege to share this journey with you. Strictly may have brought us together as partners, but I truly believe it has given me a friend for life. Our dancing journey may have ended, but our friendship certainly hasn't." Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday on BBC One from 6:15pm.
