Ex-Strictly pro wades into fix row saying dance training is essential to compete

04 October 2023 , 13:34

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Ex-Strictly pro wades into fix row saying dance training is essential to compete

Former Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan has become the latest celebrity to wade in on the BBC show's fix row by claiming that celebrities who are thinking of joining the show next year need some level of dance training - otherwise it's pointless.

The 45 year old professional dancer, who sensationally quit the show ahead of the series 12 in 2014, following a reported clash with the show's judge Craig Revel-Horwood, has publicly said that show bosses have gone too far in signing up people who have previously had professinal training. This comes after it was revealed that Layton Williams had a successful career in musicals and Angela Scanlon danced with the O'Shea Irish Dance Company - and performed internationally with the group.

James performed on Strictly until 2014

In a recent interview, James, who is married to pro dancer Ola Jordan who was also previously on the show, said that Layton's performance with Nikita Kuzmin last weekend, was among his favourite dances that he has ever seen.

Speaking to Hello magazine, he said: "He is a fully trained, professional dancer. When they came out, you had essentially two professional dancers next to each other. Let's not say, 'oh it's because (Layton's) really talented and has worked really hard'. Because that kind of belittles our dancing world that someone can come out and be that good after a week's training. You can't. It was probably one of my favourite dances I've ever seen on the show - but that's only because he's a professional dancer." James has now admitted that it is not the fault of the celebrity as he feels the problem lies with BBC bosses and their contestant selection.

James Jordan and his wife Ola

He continued: "Do I feel Strictly are going too far by bringing on professionally trained dancers? Yes. I would actually say to anyone thinking of doing Strictly, 'don't do Strictly unless you're dance trained in some shape or form because you don't have a chance'."

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And it looks as though fans also share the same sentiment as James. One person took to Twitter to comment on Layton's performance. They wrote: "He’s a west end dancer since 12!!! He’s unbelievably good, played Billy Eliiott and MJ in Thriller, possibly better than the pro’s but ticks every box…." Another added: "The poor other contestants like 78 year old Angela are wasting there precious time to this box ticking bull s**** agenda." And a third said: "How is Layton Williams allowed to be on Strictly? He’s a professional dancer. Played the lead in Billy Elliott and Michael Jackson. Not fair."

Meanwhile a fourth penned: "Get Layton Williams off @bbcstrictly he’s a professional dancer who has been at theatre school since he was 14 and performed in the West End, what a con. #strictly." Layton's performing arts career started when he studied street dance and drama at Carol Godby's Theatre Workshop in Bury. He also studied ballet at Centre Pointe in Manchester.

And his career didn't end there as he was then awarded a scholarship to attend Slyvia Young's Theatre School in London and stayed there until 2008. His theatre credits include Rent, Hairspray The Musical and The Car Man.

Lucretia Munro