Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan has described the departure of several dancers from the BBC show as getting rid of "dead wood." The star, who was a professional on the ballroom programme from 2006 to 2013, has spoken out about the sweeping changes made ahead of the forthcoming series.
It was confirmed earlier this year that professional dancers Karen Hauer, the longest-serving pro, along with Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas would all be leaving the show. However, James insisted the shake-up was precisely what was "needed" to open doors for a new crop of professionals.
Speaking to the Press Association, he said: "When you join Strictly, you're taking someone's job. People forget that because they're on the show, but when they're asked to leave and replaced, they only worry about that. But they forget at some point, they took someone's job. It's just showbiz. Enjoy it for what it is – it is a juggernaut of a show, and it was an honour for all of us to be part of it for so many years."
He added: "But you have to remember it will come to an end at some point, and all this controversy around changing so many pros... it needed a shake-up. Some of the pros have been on there for 14 years... dead wood... get rid of them and bring someone younger in, in my opinion."
However, former Strictly professional Ian Waite disagreed, saying: "In my opinion, they got rid of the wrong ones." He continued: "All the professional dancers are amazing in their own right, but you can't stay on there forever. At some point, you have to give the younger ones a chance, because there are so many amazing dancers out there."
James also called for the "reality" of the series to be shown to viewers. "It's all like everyone loves everyone, and we're all one big happy family. That's not life, that's not real life. I want to see how hard they're working in the training room. I want to see the tears. I think that's the magic that needs to come back," he explained.
Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure from the show last year, with Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe stepping in as replacements. James said Emma was an "amazing" choice but suggested he would have "preferred" to see another established TV star hosting with her. "I would have preferred someone like Bradley Walsh or Vernon Kay, because they're tried and tested," he said. "But at the same time, sometimes you have to take risks, and I'm not going to say it's not good until I see it."
Later this year, James and Ian are joining forces with former Strictly professionals Brendan Cole, Pasha Kovalev, and Vincent Simone for the dance production Vegas: After Hours. The production will recreate the atmosphere of Sin City through performances accompanied by music associated with Las Vegas entertainers. The 30-date tour kicks off in Fareham on October 3, concluding in Cardiff on November 8. Tickets are currently available through venues, Ticketmaster, and via The Legends in Vegas: After Hours website. Strictly Come Dancing is available on BBC iPlayer.
