Ola Jordan Returns to Strictly Spin-Off After Criticizing New Hosts
Former professional dancer reappears on 'It Takes Two' after an 11-year absence, having previously voiced concerns about the chemistry of the show's current presenters.
Ola Jordan has returned to the Strictly Come Dancing spin-off show, It Takes Two, for the first time in 11 years. The professional dancer, who participated in the show from 2006 to 2015, was part of the guest lineup for Friday night's episode.
Jordan's appearance comes after she publicly criticized the new hosts of the main show, Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe. She suggested they had a "lack of chemistry" and that the show was "manipulated" during her tenure. In comments made when the show returned, Jordan stated, "It's just so fresh at the moment. I think Emma is amazing and I would like her to talk more. I would like her to take over more. The other two, obviously, I think they're still finding their feet."
She elaborated on her critique, noting, "It was a bit messy at times, with the links with Johannes Radebe for example. I think they just need to clean it all up and make it a bit cleaner for next time. I think maybe Josh Widdicombe is still really nervous, so I think we're not getting that comedy as we would like to. I think he needs to maybe warm up a bit more and maybe he's just really nervous."
Jordan left Strictly in 2015, reportedly following a disagreement after her husband, James Jordan, was dismissed from the show the previous year. At the time, Ola Jordan accused the judges of manipulating marking to keep certain couples in the competition, claims that the BBC denied.
The program's ratings have seen a decline, with 4.8 million viewers tuning in for the first live show this year, a decrease from last year's 6.2 million.
Jordan's return to the spin-off show occurs amidst personal developments. Earlier this year, she and her husband, fellow Strictly pro James Jordan, announced the end of their 26-year relationship. She recently shared a personal message on Instagram, describing moments of heartbreak and acknowledging the support she received. She highlighted her six-year-old daughter, Ella, as a source of comfort during this period.