Former Strictly pro James Jordan says show was in need of a ‘shake-up’

EntertainmentLifestyle
16 Jun 2026 • 3:53 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Former Strictly pro James Jordan says show was in need of a ‘shake-up’

  • Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan sparked debate by describing the recent departure of several dancers as "getting rid of dead wood", arguing a shake-up was necessary.
  • Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas are among the professional dancers confirmed not to be returning to the BBC series.
  • Jordan criticised the show's current tone, suggesting it has become too "nicey-nicey" and politically correct, and even proposed cuts to the judging panel.
  • Fellow former Strictly pro Ian Waite offered a contrasting view, believing the "wrong ones" were let go, though he agreed that dancers cannot stay on the show indefinitely.
  • Jordan will reunite with other former Strictly professionals, including Ian Waite, Brendan Cole, Pasha Kovalev, and Vincent Simone, for their new 30-date dance show, Vegas: After Hours, touring the UK later this year.

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