Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan has launched a scathing critique of the show's current presenting duo, describing Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly's on-screen chemistry as "cringeworthy" and in need of immediate improvement.
Brutal Honesty From Dance Veteran
Jordan, who competed on the BBC dance extravaganza for seven years before lifting the Glitterball Trophy in 2019, didn't hold back during his appearance on Hello Great British TV podcast. The outspoken dancer argued that while both presenters are talented individually, their partnership lacks the magic that made previous hosting teams so successful.
"I think Tess and Claudia are great at what they do individually," Jordan stated, before delivering his damning assessment. "But I don't think they work well together. I think it's a little bit cringeworthy sometimes."
Calling for a Format Shake-up
The dance expert suggested the presenting structure needs significant changes to recapture the show's former glory. Jordan pointed to the legendary partnership of Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly as the gold standard that current arrangements fail to match.
"I think they need to change the format of the presenting because when Bruce was there, it was Bruce and Tess and it worked," he explained. "Now you've got Claudia and Tess and I don't think it works as well."
A Controversial History with Strictly
This isn't the first time Jordan has voiced strong opinions about the show that made him famous. The dancer has previously criticised the judging panel and various aspects of the production. His latest comments add fuel to ongoing debates about whether the long-running series needs refreshing to maintain its position as Britain's favourite Saturday night entertainment.
Despite his criticisms, Jordan's connection to the show remains strong. His wife, Ola Jordan, also enjoyed a successful tenure as a Strictly professional, and the couple continue to be prominent figures in the dance world.
BBC representatives have yet to respond to Jordan's latest outburst, leaving fans to speculate whether the producers will take his advice on board for the upcoming series.
