James Jordan blasts Strictly Come Dancing for choosing Kevin Clifton to replace Neil Jones rather than Gorka Marquez
FORMER Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan has slammed the show for choosing Kevin Clifton to replace Neil Jones rather than Gorka Marquez.
Viewers were shocked to see Kevin alongside Neil’s celebrity partner Alex Scott on last night’s show, with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman revealing Neil had injured himself in rehearsals and was unable to perform.
Kevin – who left the competition with his celebrity partner Anneka Rice earlier in the competition – stepped in at the last minute, quickly learning Neil and Alex’s Couple’s Choice routine to the Ghostbusters theme tune.
But taking to Twitter for his weekly critique of the live show, James, 41, slammed the show for not choosing Gorka – who wasn’t given a celebrity partner this year – instead.
He wrote: “Shame they didn’t use Gorka to step in for Neil…”
James also branded the show’s Halloween-themed dances as the “weakest” he has ever seen on the BBC One series.
The hugely opinionated star, who was axed in 2014, revealed he thought the spooky sets and terrifying costumes had come at the expense of fancy footwork and choreography.
He took to his Twitter account to rage: “I feel this week on #Strictly the whole Halloween themed thing has overtaken the dancing.
“It’s been the weakest week I’ve seen on the show for many years.”
Giving a hint of optimism at the end of his message, he added: “Next week will be much better when back to normal you watch!!!”
The show had already been thrown into disarray after Paralympian Will Bayley was given a bye after suffering a devastating knee injury.
His partner, Janette Manrara, was also temporarily replaced after she suffered a niggle.
Meanwhile professional Neil Jones, who has been partnered with a celebrity for the first time in the show’s history, was switched for Kevin Clifton for his routine after also suffering a knock.
Fans took to Twitter to comment under James’ remarks, with many seemingly agreeing with his direct criticism.
One posted: “Once again I agree. It’s definitely the weakest Halloween I’ve seen.”
Another added: “I totally agree halloween wk is normally one of my fave wks but it was lacking something this yr x”
One then posted: “I agree with this so much. The dances and songs have been so disappointing.”
A fan then mused: “Halloween Week passed its use-by date about eight years ago. Dire.
“Everything is comprised by the horrible costumes and feeble music choices.”
On Saturday, RU Paul Drag Race star Michelle Visage and Giovanni Pernice topped the leaderboard with their rendition of the Foxtrot to the Addams Family theme by Vic Mizzy.
The pair secured a score of 39, and on his return to the show after a one week break, judge Bruno Tonioli said: “The Addams Family values are rock solid, and so was that foxtrot.
“The characterisation was absolutely perfect, and so was the foxtrot. Perfect.”
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Yet comedian Chris Ramsay tipped the other end of the leaderboard with 23.
His samba, with Karen Hauer to Everybody by the Backstreet Boys saw them bottom prior to tonight’s Dance Off.
Meanwhile last week, James slammed the professionals’ routine for what he believed to be a lack of dance content.
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