Former Strictly Come Dancing star Ola Jordan has backed calls for a major shake-up of the BBC show’s professional dancer roster, suggesting roughly half should be let go.
The ballroom veteran, who competed on the programme for 10 years, believes introducing fresh talent is crucial for maintaining viewer interest and upholding the quality standards audiences have come to expect.
“Yes, I do,” she told Mecca Bingo when questioned about whether the show needed to refresh its line-up. “I think about half should go.”
Her remarks arrive as the long-running Saturday night series prepares for what appears to be its most significant transformation in years, with reports suggesting multiple professional dancers will not feature in the upcoming series.
BBC Strictly: Ola Jordan (left) starred in BBC Strictly from 2006 to 2015, while husband James Jordan (right) featured from 2006 to 2013 | GETTY
According to reports, several established professionals will not be returning for the next series, including Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas.
The changes to the dancer line-up follow another significant departure behind the scenes.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have both stepped down from their presenting duties after more than twenty years fronting the programme.
Jordan, who was part of the Strictly family between 2006 and 2015, expressed support for the BBC’s decision to bring in new faces.
The former professional believes the broadcaster is making the right move by refreshing the talent pool and giving opportunities to different dancers who can offer something new to the ballroom format.
Jordan highlighted the positive impact that introducing new performers can have on the programme, pointing specifically to the arrival of Alexis in the previous series.
“Bringing someone like Alexis into the show last year was amazing,” she said. “Some of the lifts she did, I couldn’t do, and you’ve got to be honest with yourself.”
She added: “It just shows that bringing fresh blood into the show freshens things up.”
Gorka Marquez is one of the other dancers said to be leaving | PA
The former champion was also critical of some current professionals, suggesting their enthusiasm had waned.
“Some professionals looked a bit bored last year. They’re not really bringing much to the table anymore,” Jordan said.
She emphasised that countless talented performers exist who could inject new ideas and excitement into the competition if given the chance.
Looking back at her own decade on the programme, Jordan acknowledged there came a point when she recognised it was time to step away.
Former BBC Strictly dancer Ola Jordan shared her thoughts on the show’s future
|
GETTY
“At the beginning, there’s excitement and drive; you work really hard. But after ten years, you think, ‘I’ve done it all. I’ve won. I’ve had different partners. What else can I bring?'”
Jordan suggested some professionals remain longer than ideal because transitioning away from the show feels intimidating.
“But as an audience, you can see when people are over it,” she observed.