Vanessa Feltz has hit out at 'lazy commentators' who blame the so-called Strictly curse for the end of James and Ola Jordan's 22-year marriage, calling it a 'purely personal and private tragedy'.
Feltz defends the Jordans
Writing in her opinion column, Feltz, who was partnered with James Jordan on Strictly in 2013, said she 'can't believe the tentacles, even of the most venomous curse, extend more than a decade later'. She described the couple as 'the most devoted and multi-talented' and recalled how Ola would join James to create their choreography, and how James showered Ola with thoughtful gifts on her birthday.
Their daughter Ella was born six years ago after 'emotionally wrenching fertility struggles'. Feltz said everyone expected the Jordans to 'live happily and gracefully ever after', adding that blaming the Strictly curse is 'knee-jerk and inane'.
Arday's fabricated life story
Feltz also commented on Professor Jason Arday, Cambridge's youngest black professor, after a former schoolmate contradicted his claim to have been non-verbal until age eleven. She said Arday has 'fibbed himself into a hell of a pickle' and peddled a life story 'riddled with lies and flights of fiction'.
She suggested that getting away with fooling people may have been 'intoxicatingly easy' and that his improbable story was 'music to the ears' of universities desperate to proclaim diversity. She warned that witnesses will inevitably reveal the truth and the fabricated narrative will collapse.
New YouTube venture
Feltz announced her new YouTube show, 'At Home with Vanessa', filmed at her home with a rotating cast of friends and colleagues. She said the responsibility is all hers, with builders converting her living room into a studio. She aims for a relaxed atmosphere to help people 'get things off their chests' and talk naturally.
She asked readers to wish her luck, noting she is 'up against the big guns'.
Criticism of civil servant's commute
Feltz also criticised civil servant Sam Lister, who reportedly lives in London while working for Andy Burnham in Manchester, costing £800 a week in train fares and hotel stays. She compared it to the days of This Morning coming live from Liverpool's Albert Dock, when celebrities and experts flew north and back each day until someone realised it was cheaper to rehouse Richard and Judy in the capital.
She advised Burnham: 'That's what Downing Street is for.'
BA's 'stressful shambles'
Finally, Feltz complained about British Airways, saying the airline is now 'as slapdash and chaotic as any bucket shop upstart airline'. She described how her family's luggage failed to arrive twice in consecutive flights, and how in Olbia on Sunday, BA's 'systems went down', leaving passengers with no information, no water, and a stressful end to a holiday.
She said it was 'another blot on BA's tarnished reputation'.
