FORMER Strictly Come Dancing pro James Jordan has taken a savage swipe at the Strictly ‘celebrity’ cast following its launch show.
The BBC show kicked off last night in spectacular style but one of its past stars had some choice words to say it.
James Jordan has taken a savage swipe at the Strictly launch show as he slams 2026 celebrity cast Credit: Getty
The BBC show kicked off last night in spectacular style with the celebs making their ballroom debuts Credit: PA
The class of 2026 made their ballroom debuts on Saturday’s kick-off instalment.
New hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe also took to the stage to present the show after taking over from Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
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We then saw the celebs pair up with their pro partners in a new twist, where they found out their pairings during specially choreographed routines.
Contestants including Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Willl Best and Jaime Winstone are now set to go head-to-head in a bid to win the famous Glitterball Trophy.
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While audiences tuned into the show sharing their love, some were quick to voice their criticisms, including past stars.
Ex Strictly dancer James Jordan has since thrown some jabs at the launch episode.
Taking to X, he penned: “Serious question – but did I miss something?
“Is this a non celebrity version?”
In another post he wrote: “Bloody hell – is this the longest launch show in Strictly history?”
The remarks were met with both praise and criticism from viewers in the comments.
The celebs paired up with their pro partners in a new twist where they found out their pairings during specially choreographed routines Credit: PA
James Jordan is also in the midst of navigating separation from his wife Ola who was also a former Strictly professional Credit: David Fisher
One user agreed: “I’m with you James. Not a clue who they are. Will I switch it on each week, yes. Will I actually watch it, not much.”
“Long, drawn out, boring and chaotic with no real focus on DANCING,” added another.
But some were quick to hit back at the ballroom pro, one fan said: “You know it’s only dancing on this programme that made you a “celebrity”!!?? You wouldn’t be doing shows without it.”
“I enjoyed it, recorded it and then skipped through the bits you don’t want to see. Easy stop being so critical,” replied a second.
James was a professional dancer on the BBC‘s Strictly Come Dancing from 2006 to 2013.
After leaving the show he went on to star on series 14 of Celebrity Big Brother, where he finished in third place.
Then in 2019 James won series 11 of Dancing On Ice alongside figure skating pro Alexandra Schauman.
Today James co-hosts the MANOPAUSE podcast with fellow dancer Brendan Cole, and he continues to do stage work such as the UK showcase of The Legends of the Dancefloor.
He’s also in the midst of navigating separation from his wife Ola who was also a former Strictly professional.
