Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan, from Medway, leaves the show but wife Ola Jordan will be back
Published: 00:01, 01 June 2014
Updated: 17:51, 01 June 2014
Medway’s Strictly Come Dancing pro James Jordan will not be returning to the BBC show this autumn.
Rumours have been circulating for some time about Gillingham-born James’ future on the show after being a regular for eight years.
And the BBC confirmed today that he would be leaving Strictly having rejected the offer of a reduced role, taking part in one-off specials.
But James’ wife Ola will be staying on as one of seven professional female dancers - she had also reportedly considered her future after a row during the last series with fellow dancer Karen Hauer, who also returns.
James has danced with celebrities including Denise van Outen, who was runner-up in 2012, finalist Pamela Stephenson and Alex Jones. Last year he partnered TV and radio presenter Vanessa Feltz but they went out in the second round.
James was a pupil at St John Fisher School in Chatham and still visits the area regularly to see his family who live on St Mary’s Island.
Today, he tweeted; “Yes it’s true I WILL NOT be returning to BURN THE FLOOR.... Sorry, I mean ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and then added: “.........do not believe everything the BBC have written in their statement.”
Former champion Artem Chigvintsev has also departed after choosing to stay in the US where he appeared on Dancing with the Stars.
Executive producer Louise Rainbow said: “A huge thank you goes out to both Artem and James for being hardworking, dedicated dancers on the show, and we wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.”
Anya Garnis, who joined the show last year and partnered Casualty’s Patrick Robinson, will not return as a main dancer but will remain part of the choreography team.
New dancers in the line-up are Joanne Clifton, sister of current Strictly pro Kevin, and Tristan MacManus, who appeared on Dancing with the Stars for three years.
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