An impassioned plea for TV viewers to vote for talent, not personality has been made by Kent-born dancer and TV personality.

James Jordan, 30, who lives in west Kent and his celebrity partner, actress Cherie Lunghi, were kicked off BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday night, despite scoring of 32 out of 40.

Their Cha Cha Cha went head-to-head with Brendan Cole and TV presenter Lisa Snowdon’s Samba, after both couples scored the lowest votes with the public, to the obvious frustration of judges, who wanted to see broadcaster John Sergeant face the dance-off.

Judges gave Sergeant the lowest score of Saturday night with just 25 points for his American Smooth.

Just before leaving the show, James, who was born in Gillingham, and specialises in Latin dancing, made his plea urging viewers to consider their voting actions and that the effects meant good dancers were being forced to leave the show early.

Cherie Lunghi added that she had loved every minute of taking part in Strictly.

James, who is married to Ola who also takes part in Strictly, still visits Maidstone to get advice from his dance teacher, Margaret Preedy, who taught him for five years and has also choreographed routines performed by James and Ola on the show.