Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan has claimed the BBC 'got rid of the dead wood' by axing several pro dancers ahead of the upcoming series. The show has seen a major shake-up, with five professionals departing in recent months, including Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Marquez.
Jordan, who appeared on Strictly from 2006 to 2013 before winning Dancing on Ice, told the Press Association: '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're only worried about that. But they forget at some point, they took someone's job. It's just showbiz.'
He added: '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.' Jordan also suggested the cuts could have gone further, saying the show could have 'got rid of some of the judges as well'. He criticised the current tone of the programme, saying it had become 'nicey-nicey' and 'politically correct'.
Fellow former pro Ian Waite disagreed, arguing: 'In my opinion, they got rid of the wrong ones… 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.'
The upcoming series, set to return in September, will feature new presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, replacing Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. Confirmed contestants include EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, Love Island's Dani Dyer, and Australian singer Delta Goodrem.
