Strictly feud reignited as James Jordan slams judges as ‘puppets’ in scathing attack on his ex co-stars
EX Strictly pro James Jordan has launched a scathing attack on the show judges.
The 45-year-old said the reason he wasn’t asked to join the panel is because he’s “not a puppet”.
Anton du Beke, 57, was the most recent to cross the dancefloor and sit alongside Craig Revel Horwood, 58, Motsi Mabuse, 42, and head judge Shirley Ballas, 63.
Speaking on Secure the Insecure with Johnny Seifert, James claimed the Strictly judges are “told what to say” by producers – and will often use their scores and comments to influence where stars land on the leaderboard.
“Being a judge was kind of made for me because I’m very honest,” said James.
“That’s what people like and dislike about me. Sometimes I say what people are too scared to say, but I sleep well at night.
“I am what I am, I wear my heart on my sleeve. I’m not saying I’m always right with my opinions but I always tell the truth.
“I’m not a puppet. I was on Strictly for eight years so I know how to behave myself. I work hard and know it’s not all about me. However, if I was going to be a judge I wouldn’t be told what I have to say.
“I would say what I believe is true. I think maybe they’re a bit scared I’d say the truth. Surely that’s what the public want to see.”
James appeared as a professional on Strictly Come Dancing from 2006 to 2013 alongside his wife Ola.
Last week he slammed head judge Shirley for giving Eddie Kadi a ten – the earliest of the series.
“Strictly is produced,” said James as he double-downed.
“I do think the judges do often get things spot on. It’s only on occasions they get things wrong and I think there has to be a reason.
“It has to be because they’ve tried to keep them safe and into a position on the leaderboard. There’s always going to be an ulterior motive, which I find annoying. I wish they could leave the show as it is.
“They do their judging and then the public vote for who they want to save. The show is still going to be amazing.
“Certain people get the best music, which helps massively… there will always be people they want to get further in the competition and they might be able to help them in certain ways.
“That’s life. It’s not cheating, it’s just produced.”