Ex-Strictly pro responds to shady replacement dig from Craig Revel Horwood
James Jordan has had his say on a comment made by the Strictly judge.
After Craig Revel Horwood responded to a comment made by former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Ola Jordan, her husband and fellow former Strictly pro, James Jordan, has given his own reply.
The back-and-forth started when Ola said to Mecca Bingo in a 2024 interview: "I feel like Craig's lost his sparkle. People loved Craig for what he was before. He would say it as it is, saying he wasn't good, that was rubbish, but it's almost like he's got to say a positive now.
"He’s obviously been told they’ve got to be positive and that they don’t want any negativity in the show and that comes from producers, but they need to look at what the public wants really. It’s too nicey nicey."
She added that the show needed a new judge “with a bit more spice”.
Responding to this in a post on X, Horwood quoted a headline and commented: "'Former Strictly pro Ola Jordan says ‘nicey nicey’ Craig Revel Horwood replaced with ‘spicier’ judge.' Maybe you’d like to suggest your wonderful husband Ola?"
This was followed by James replying with a quote to Horwood's post, saying: "Why’s that @CraigRevHorwood?? Do you think I would make a good honest judge? I don’t suppose you read the part where she said you were her favourite judge - big love my friend."
Ola and James both joined Strictly for its fourth season in 2006, with James then leaving after season 11 in 2013. Ola left one year later, after the 2014 season.
Meanwhile, Horwood has been with the show since its beginning, and is the only judge remaining from its first season. Fellow judge Anton Du Beke was also on the show at the time, but as a professional dancer.
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Last year, Horwood spoke to Radio Times about how his approach to judging has evolved over the years.
"I have changed my style of judging," he admitted. "I was really harsh 20 years ago. When I look back, I think, 'Ooh, that’s cutting.' It would now be classed as bullying, and then I’d be cancelled."
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
