Strictly Star Calls for Radical Overhaul
The glittering world of Strictly Come Dancing is facing calls for its most significant transformation in years, following the seismic announcement that its beloved hosts, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, are stepping down. The departure of the iconic presenting duo has ignited debate about the show's future, with former professional dancer James Jordan leading the charge for a complete revamp.
'Time for a Big Shake-Up'
James Jordan, who starred as a pro on the show between 2006 and 2013, has not held back in his assessment. The 47-year-old British dancer has publicly declared that the time is ripe for a 'big shake-up', suggesting the BBC should axe a staggering 50% of the professional dancers and refresh the judging panel.
In a candid interview with The Mail on Sunday, Jordan stated, "Now Tess and Claudia are leaving, it is time for a big shake-up. Let’s get rid of some of the judges, 50% of the pros, and bring back a brand new Strictly." He passionately argued for injecting new blood into the professional lineup, suggesting there are many hungry British dancers eager for the opportunity.
However, he was quick to praise the show's backbone, stating that the costume department, hair and makeup team, and prop guys are the 'nuts and bolts' of the operation and are irreplaceable, having worked with the same incredible team during his tenure.
A Judging Panel Gone 'Too Woke'
Jordan reserved particular criticism for the judging panel, which he claims has become "too woke". He expressed disappointment at the lack of hard-hitting, honest critiques, a sentiment that led him to single out long-standing judge Craig Revel Horwood for losing his trademark harshness.
"I feel he has lost his harshness," Jordan commented. "I just think everything finishes with a positive, and there’s nothing wrong with saying someone isn’t good at dancing if they aren’t a dancer... It is a dance competition. They are there to judge the dancing, and I just feel it has become too woke for me."
He advocated for a return to the 'old days' of constructive criticism, akin to the style of the late Len Goodman, whom he believes gave genuine technical feedback. While he admitted he has specific judges in mind for replacement, he chose to keep those names private.
Presenting Swaps and Leaking Results
On the subject of who should fill the enormous shoes left by Daly and Winkleman, Jordan proposed a shake-up of his own. He suggested that current judge Anton Du Beke would be a great presenter and floated the idea of himself joining the judging panel as a 'good swap'.
He emphasised that the BBC must appoint the 'best person for the job' and avoid what he described as a 'box-ticking exercise'.
The interview also touched upon the ongoing issue of the pre-recorded Sunday results show, where a 'Strictly Mole' consistently leaks the elimination results online hours before broadcast. While understanding the logistical challenges of moving the results to the live Saturday show, Jordan admitted he has "always been able to find out who was eliminated" in advance for years.
Despite his criticisms, Jordan's affection for the show remains. He confirmed he would not return as a professional dancer, citing his age at 47, but would happily accept a role as a judge, believing his honest approach would be better suited to the panel. He is currently rooting for contestants George Clarke and American pro Alexis Warr to win this year's Glitterball Trophy.
