More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Star dancer James Jordan appeared on ITV's Catchphrase last night, winning £29,700 for charity.
The 41-year-old Strictly and Dancing on Ice star, who lives in Sevenoaks and grew up in Walderslade, was on a celebrity episode of the classic game show which sees contestants attempting to identify well-known terms and phrases.
Currently presented by Stephen Mulhern, the show has been running on and off since 1986.
James, who is a member of Bearsted Golf Club, was up against X Factor judge Louis Walsh and Emmerdale actress Fiona Wade.
And it seems it's not just the cha-cha-cha which he can master but tricky riddles too – taking the title of Catchphrase winner.
James, who was born in Gillingham and started dance classes at a hall in Walderslade before moving to Margaret Preedy dance studios in Maidstone, said: "It always looks easy when you are sat at home but when you're there and a little bit nervous, your brain just goes a bit funny and you can't see things which are really obvious.
"I've watched Catchphrase for years – I'm a big fan but I've never been that great at it.
"I thought Fiona was going to win at one point but I think my competitive spirit must have kicked in. But I didn't think I was going to win."
Bagging a prize of £29,700, James has decided to donate the money to Demelza Hospice Care for Children.
The Bobbing-based charity provides specialist care and emotional support for terminally ill children and their loved ones.
James, who lives with his wife Ola, said: "I felt quite emotional when I won actually. I've supported Demelza for a number of years – it's a local charity so it's very close to my heart. Lots of my friends support it too.
"I've had lots of direct tweets from people whose families have used the facilities which is really nice.
"I'm not sure what Demelza is going to do with the money yet, but hopefully it will just be used to give young children and their families the best lives possible."
