Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan has shared his opinion that the first 10s of the 2026 series were not deserved. His comments follow judge Anton Du Beke awarding the first top score of the competition to Delta Goodrem for her Rumba routine during the October 24 episode.
James Jordan's Verdict on the First 10s
The Australian singer received a total score of 34, placing her second on the leaderboard for week five. Olympian Tabitha Stoecker and her professional partner Mark secured the top spot with a score of 37 after being given a 10 by both Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse.
Speaking to DailyStar publishers Reach Plc via WhichBingo, James Jordan, who left the BBC programme in 2013, said: "No, I don't think they were deserved. In fact, I don't think anyone should have got a ten. I didn't see a performance that totally moved me in the way a ten should."
Delta Goodrem and Tabitha Stoecker's Scores
He added: "If they'd given Delta's salsa a ten, I'd have said yes, I get it. But this was a rumba with no real resistance in her body and no real earthiness. Technically, it was nice, but it was definitely too early to give that a ten."
Regarding Tabitha Stoecker's performance, he said: "I really liked Tabby and Mark's Couple's Choice, but for me it wasn't a ten. It wasn't an epic performance that's going to stick in my mind. If I had to pick who's most likely to force me to give my first ten this series, it would be one of Kai and Delta, Tabby and Mark, or Lacey and Vito."
Halloween Week and a Historic Twist
The remaining couples are preparing for Halloween Week this weekend. Shaun Wright-Phillips will be absent after becoming the latest contestant to be eliminated from the competition.
A significant twist has been confirmed for the upcoming episode: for the first time in Strictly history, a three-way dance-off will take place on Sunday night (November 1). Craig Revel Horwood told Johannes Radebe and Emma Willis that under normal circumstances, the judges cast their votes for whichever couple they wish to save. On this occasion, they will instead vote for the couple they want to send home, with only one couple ultimately departing the competition.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday on BBC One from 6:30pm.
