Strictly's James Jordan issues defiant statement after resurfaced clip sparked backlash
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan, who competed in the BBC series from 2006 to 2013, has found himself embroiled in controversy due to a clip from the fourth series. However, the star has broken his silence on the footage in a lengthy statement.
The video in question shows him training his celebrity partner Georgina Bouzova and documents their time together on the show.
In 2006, actress Bouzova was paired with Jordan in a bid for the Glitterball Trophy, which was ultimately won by Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy.
A compilation of their intense training sessions was aired on spin-off It Takes Two by then-host Claudia Winkleman, and this has recently been reposted on TikTok, sparking a strong reaction.
"I'm a force to be reckoned with," declared Jordan at the start of the clip. The montage shows the 46-year-old hurling a chair and swearing at his partner during dance rehearsals.
James Jordan has issued a statement (Image: ITV)READ MORE Strictly's Graziano 'digging trenches on farm' and is 'broken man' after axe
Within the clip, he says: "I'll kill you. Stand on your left leg." The dancer also tells the cameras: "I will push her to her limit. She will go through that pain, and as far as I'm concerned, tough luck."
"Unless she's physically broken a rib, I don't care. Unless her feet are bleeding I don't care, if they are sore, dance through it," he then stated to the camera.
When the former Holby City star asks Jordan what he'd do if she made a mistake during a live show, he replied: "I'll drag you across the floor then scream at you when we get off."
After a brief return to the studio, host Winkleman introduced the next 'extraordinary' montage, which showed the pair discussing Bouzova's weight.
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"Basically, he thinks I'm a bit of a porker," Bouzova, 48, said with a laugh before footage was shown of Jordan taking sweet treats away from his partner. "Do I look fat? " Bouzova asked, to which Jordan responded with a "No".
However, when Bouzova then enquired if she needed to "lose a few pounds", he quickly interjected with an affirmative "Yes". At another moment, Jordan called Bouzova a "lazy cow" and said "Come on fat belly" to encourage her to continue with a sit-up exercise.
Jordan has now shared a statement in response to the video resurfacing on social media, writing: "For those of you who have seen the edited BBC VT of me training with Georgina 18 years ago - yes I had hair once!! But I just wanted to reassure you that footage was shot and edited together by the BBC team for transmission on It Takes Two 18 years ago in specific ways for the purposes of ENTERTAINMENT.
"Many of the clips were not related to Georgina at all (they are not allowed to do that these days as it misrepresents what actually happened) but were included for the purpose of exaggeration. The BBC thought it would be fun to put this VT together in the way they did.
"You can see Georgina laughing about it in the studio and in the clips... And I have never received ANY complaints from any of my celebrity dance partners in the 8 years I was on the show. Obviously, if I had genuinely upset anyone, that footage would NEVER have been allowed to be used in that way by the BBC themselves."
He claimed he was "painted as the bad guy" by producers, adding: "I would never have deliberately upset anyone and pride myself on good friendships with my celebrity dance partners. I strongly suggest that nobody attempts to link this edited BBC VT with the current alleged reports of abusive behaviour taking place behind the scenes by other Strictly professionals.
"There is no comparison to be drawn between those awful allegations and the highly produced and exaggerated VT from the BBC archives that are featured on social media. To be clear, I deplore bullying or abusiveness in the workplace."
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The BBC has been contacted by Express.co.uk for comment.
His statement comes after Italian pro dancer Graziano Di Prima was dismissed from the show for allegedly "kicking" his former partner Zara McDermott during training.
He penned on social media in recent days: "There's more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future."
His exit follows pro Giovanni Pernice quitting the series earlier this year in the wake of a complaint from his 2023 partner Amanda Abbington. Pernice has denied any claims made against him.
On Tuesday, the BBC confirmed there would be Strictly staff present during rehearsals for the upcoming series "to strengthen welfare and support" on the show.
Strictly's James Jordan issues defiant statement after resurfaced clip sparked backlash
Strictly's James Jordan issues defiant statement after resurfaced clip sparked backlash
Strictly's James Jordan issues defiant statement after resurfaced clip sparked backlash
Strictly's James Jordan issues defiant statement after resurfaced clip sparked backlash
Strictly's James Jordan issues defiant statement after resurfaced clip sparked backlash
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