James Jordan Criticizes 'Scripted' Strictly Come Dancing Format, Calls for Presenter and Judge Changes

James Jordan, a former professional dancer on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, has publicly criticized the show's current format, advocating for changes to both the presenting team and the judging panel. Jordan, who competed on the show for eight years between 2006 and 2013, expressed his view that the current three-presenter dynamic, featuring Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, is excessive and detracts from the show.

"Two [presenters] are enough. Why do you need three? I just don't really understand it," Jordan stated in an interview with the Daily Mail. He added, "Emma's so good, she doesn't need two people to share her job with. She's doing less because she's got to share. It's just confusing for me, It's just too much. Go back to two hosts on Strictly, not three."

While Jordan acknowledged that Radebe might be nervous and could improve with experience, he found Widdicombe's humor to be forced. "Josh seems to be forcing some humour into the show and it almost seems too scripted," he remarked.

The presenter lineup has faced mixed reactions since taking over from long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Following a change in layout for a recent results show, viewers praised the chemistry between Willis and Radebe, with some suggesting Widdicombe had found his place. However, Jordan remains unconvinced by the current arrangement.

Beyond the presenters, Jordan also suggested that some of the judges need to be replaced. He feels the judging panel, which includes Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood, has become too predictable. "I think some of the judges need to be replaced," Jordan said. "I find it all too predictable now what they're going to say each week because we know them all so well. I really do feel that the judging panel needs a bit of a freshen up because I don't think it's working anymore."

He further commented on the overall dynamic, noting that while he enjoys the show, the interactions sometimes appear "scripted and disjointed."

Despite his criticisms, Jordan conceded that the new presenters are stepping into significant roles and may improve over time. "They've stepped into massive shoes. Is it as good at the moment? No, definitely not. Do the three presenters work in my opinion at the moment? Definitely not. I find it all too much," he stated. "But I'm not going to make my full opinion until the end of the series because we have to give them time to bed in and get used to it and find their feet."

Jordan recalled the successful partnerships of previous hosts, such as Bruce Forsyth and Daly, and Daly and Winkleman, suggesting that the current presenters will likely improve as the series progresses. He noted that direct comparisons to past duos might be unfair and that the new team will benefit from more time to settle in.

Jordan shares his weekly opinions on Strictly Come Dancing in his blog.