James Jordan defends himself as he hits back at 'edited' BBC Strictly footage

Whilst the show is gearing up to celebrate its 20th anniversary later this year, it hasn't been the best of weeks for Strictly Come Dancing bosses, with two professional dancers now being removed from the show.

With both Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima being investigated by the BBC HR team, an unearthed video has now surfaced featuring former star James Jordan, and his celebrity partner Georgina Bouzova from 2006.

The edited video, which was created for spin-off show It Takes Two, shows James and Georgina in rehearsals, before James appears to insinuate Georgina is eating the wrong types of food, saying: "Come on chubby".

James, who left the show in 2013, has now taken to Instagram to furiously defend himself, confirming he 'deplores bullying or abusiveness in the workplace'.

He wrote on Instagram: '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. The Producers loved to paint me as the bad guy and I played along...always a perfectionist ...but 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 is featuring on social media. To be clear, I deplore bullying or abusiveness in the workplace.' (sic)

James was quick to receive messages of support in the comments, with his wife and former Strictly dancer Ola Jordan writing: '❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️'.

Former Strictly contestant Dani Harmer added: 'You weren’t even my partner and always went out of your way to help me when Vincent wasn’t around! Top bloke', with Nicola McLean adding: 'Was so grateful for your friendship in celebrity big brother always looking out for those who needed it ❤️'. (sic)

Fans also left messages of support, one wrote: 'I was hoping you'd put out a statement on this latest nonsense. Well said James ❤️', with another adding: 'That show needs you back on it - along with your beautiful wife ❤🙌'. (sic)

After seeing the comments, James replied saying: 'Thanks for all the messages of support ❤️ You will be hearing more from me soon 🕺'. (sic)

Check out all of the rumoured stars for this year's Strictly:

James' statement arrives just days after BBC bosses announced Italian dancer Graziano Di Prima had been removed from the professional line-up.

Bosses released a statement, saying: "We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the BBC has established and robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate."

Graziano then shared his own statement on social media, writing: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it's best for the show that I step away.

'While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can't discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.

'I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.'

Graziano's 2023 partner Zara McDermott broke her silence on the news just days later, admitting she was 'scared' about opening up about the treatment she received inside the rehearsal room.

Since the news of both Graziano and Giovanni's removal from the show, BBC bosses have now introduced further welfare stages, which includes a member of production being in rehearsals at all times.

Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, said: "Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act.

"Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals. The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production."

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in September.

Now read:

Strictly bosses introduce chaperones to all rehearsals

Zara McDermott releases statement over Graziano Di Prima's Strictly exit

Aljaž Škorjanec is returning to Strictly as a pro dancer

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