James Jordan defends himself as he hits back at 'edited' BBC Strictly footage
The unearthed clip is from 18 years ago
Last updated 18th Jul 2024
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:
Pete Wicks
According to reports in the media in late July, former TOWIE star Pete Wicks has signed up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing! Pete is no stranger to TV, having appeared on the likes of Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and The Real Full Monty in recent years.
Paul Merson
Football legend Paul Merson has reportedly signed to appear on this year's series, following in the footsteps of his former Arsenal team mate Tony Adams.
GK Barry
Social media star GK Barry, also known as Grace Keeling, is rumoured to be in talks for the 2024 series, with bosses eager to bring in a younger audience. According to reports in the media, GK Barry is in 'advanced talks' after two meetings with bosses.
Nick Knowles
DIY SOS host Nick Knowles is also reportedly set to appear on the show this year, having been a huge fan for years.
Nicola Roberts
Following her appearance on the 2022 Christmas special, Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts could be about to sign up for the main show in 2024! Bosses are reportedly very keen to get Nicola on the show, following the success of Girls Aloud's reunion tour earlier this year.
Jill Scott MBE
After being crowned Queen of the Jungle during the 2022 series of I'm A Celebrity, former England footballer Jill Scott was heavily rumoured for the 2023 series of Strictly, but after Jill didn't feature, will 2024 be her year?
Tommy Fury
After showcasing his 'moves' on his spin-off show The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer with Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard, fans have been urging Strictly to sign up boxer Tommy Fury.
Sophie Morgan
Loose Women star and TV presenter Sophie Morgan is rumoured to become the first ever wheelchair user to take part in Strictly. A source said: "She is the ideal star to take on the role. Plus, she is very glamorous so will look amazing in the sequined costumes. She already has a huge fan base from Loose Women and is a huge advocate of using her platform to promote inclusivity. It's still very early stages and the crew will officially start on pre-production in the coming months."
Phillip Schofield
Rumours have circulated that Phillip Schofield could be taking to the Strictly dancefloor for years, but since his departure from This Morning after 21 years, they've stepped up a notch - with publications reporting that offers have been more "aggressive" this year than for previous series of the show.
Gino D'Acampo
He's loved by the masses, so it's no surprise Strictly bosses are keen to get TV chef Gino D'Acampo on the 2024 series. Gino has been asked to do the show in the past, but he turned the offer down. Will he accept this year?
Louis Theroux
Louis Theroux appeared on The Jonathan Ross show last year, where he said: "I know I've had too many drinks when I'm in the kitchen dancing while listening to something on the smart speaker, often hip-hop, and I start doing the funky robot and then I start doing MC Hammer spins.
"And that's where it happens and I start thinking I should really go on Strictly."
Now we would pay to see that - sign him up!
Rosie Jones
Comedian and actress Rosie Jones recently admitted watching deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis win the series in 2021 inspired her.
Speaking to metro.co.uk, she said: "I'd say what drives me, is when I was growing up, having cerebral palsy I didn't see anybody like me on TV.
"In recent years, people like Rose Ayling-Ellis on Strictly have just shown that having a disability isn't a disadvantage and it will never stop me!"
Perri Kiely
Diversity star and KISS FM Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely confessed a few years ago he'd love to take part on the show. Speaking to Digital Spy, the former BGT winner said: "If it was on a technical level, that would be horrendous, so I'd definitely love to give it a go. But I'm not sure people would see that. They'd probably see an unfair advantage. People thought I was cheating on Dancing on Ice, let alone Strictly Come Dancing."
Tom Malone Jr
After leaving Gogglebox in 2021, Tom Malone Jr has expressed his interest in appearing on Strictly in the past. He told the Express: "If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I've never done Ballroom in my life, so it'd be interesting to see how as someone who breaks."
Munroe Bergdorf
Model Munroe Bergdorf revealed last year she wants to make history by becoming Strictly Come Dancing's first ever transgender contestant.
She told the Make It Reign podcast: "I've always said that 'Strictly' is the only one that I've got a desire to do. I've got a plan. I want to get everything done that I want to achieve, then I can start doing those shows. It's really exciting."
Helen Worth
After announcing in June that she's leaving Coronation Street after an amazing 50 years, betting odds are high that actress Helen Worth could sign up for the show! However, as Helen is currently filming her Corrie exit scenes, it seems the 2025 series could be more practical.
Andrew Ridgeley
Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley confessed in July last year he'd love to take part in Strictly, admitting he'd love the chance to learn how to dance properly. He'd be a great signing for 2024!
Martin Roberts
Homes Under the Hammer host Martin Roberts is rumoured to be appearing after he told the Daily Mail newspaper at an awards ceremony: "I'm like a Ninja Mutant Hero Turtle - I just eat pizzas. Domino's Mighty Meat. I'm the stomach of Domino's, not the face of it.
"I should worry about what I eat because I had a health scare. I need to look after myself better. And certainly if I get this TV show later in the year. I'll have to get super fit."
Michelle Keegan
Since her husband Mark Wright made it into the Strictly final in 2014, every year rumours have been rife that actress Michelle Keegan will sign up.
But Mark set fire to the rumours even further when he took part in Christmas special back in 2019, telling the Radio Times: "Never say never, but I just think her nerves would go to another level."
Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz
According to reports in early 2024, Strictly bosses were keen to make history on the show by signing up married couple Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz to both appear! The rumours are suggesting David and Victoria Beckham's son Brooklyn will be in direct competition with his wife Nicole. Now this would be a huge signing if bosses can pull it off!
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