Strictly Come Dancing 2016: James Jordan accuses show of pairing best dancers with best celebrities
'Did anyone notice some pro's always get celebs that have had loads of dance training'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An ex-Strictly Come Dancing regular and Celebrity Big Brother contestant has enflamed a 'fix row' after claiming on Twitter that celebrities with past dancing experience are often paired with the best professional dancers on the BBC One show.
During the 2016 series’ launch show, James Jordan asked his followers: “Did anyone notice some pro's always get celebs that have had loads of dance training.”
Will Young’s pairing with Karen Clifton and Louise Redknapp’s with Kevin Clifton were highlighted by the dancer, the bookies having previously announced the two couples as their favourites.
Young previously studied both ballet and contemporary dance, and is experienced on treading the boards, while Redknapp was once a judge on So You Think You Can Dance.
“The producers have been trying for years to get one of them to win,” Jordan wrote, referring to the Cliftons.
A BBC spokesman responded to the claims calling them “complete and utter rubbish.” The continued: “Pairing of celebrities with the professional dancers is based on many factors and designed to give the celebrities the best possible experience on the show. It’s the public who decides the winner, not the producers.”
Meanwhile, the Daily Star published a report calling Jordan “bitter and twisted” after leaving the BBC One show following the 2013 series.
Jordan’s wide, Ola Jordan, who was also once a dancer on the show, claimed earlier this year that the judges scores are ‘fixed’, saying people over-mark and under-mark.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments