James Jordan Critiques Strictly Come Dancing Exit, Questions Song Choice & Partnering Dynamics
The first elimination of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 saw comedian Brian Skinner and his professional partner, Amy Dowden, leave the competition on Sunday. While Skinner expressed positivity about his experience, the departure has sparked debate amongst fans and former professionals alike. James Jordan, a Strictly alum himself, hasn’t shied away from sharing his candid opinion on the situation, focusing on the song selection and the complexities of professional pairings.
Jordan, who danced on Strictly from 2006 to 2013, spoke exclusively with Express Online via Freebets.com, offering a nuanced perspective on Skinner’s early exit. He addressed speculation surrounding the decision, acknowledging the possibility of external factors influencing the outcome.
Was Skinner’s Exit Predetermined?
Jordan didn’t directly accuse the show of a “stitch-up,” but he strongly suggested the song choice hindered Skinner’s performance. He pointed out the show’s core audience demographic.
“I’m not necessarily saying it was a stitch-up, but he wasn’t given a very good song,” Jordan explained. “They know the demographic that are watching Strictly.It’s generally an older audience. I don’t even know what the song was, but it was one of the worst songs I’ve ever heard.”
He felt the salsa, set to Dizzee Rascal’s “Bonkers,” was a misstep. A more traditional dance, like a waltz, might have allowed Skinner to showcase his potential. “I just thoght the whole thing was a bit naff really, and I felt sorry for him because if he’d had a nice lovely waltz or something, he probably would have gone through.”
The Challenges of Partnering & Amy Dowden’s Situation
The conversation then turned to Amy Dowden, who recently battled breast cancer. Jordan acknowledged the emotional weight of her situation, but also highlighted the practical considerations of professional pairings.
“It’s really difficult, isn’t it? I feel horrendous for her that she’s had cancer,” he said. “But when they’re partnering them up, they’re partnering them up to see who they think is gonna match the best, that’s the problem.”
He emphasized that while dowden is a “lovely” dancer, the show aims to create the moast dynamic partnerships. This sometimes means prioritizing compatibility in dance style and ability.
“Amy is absolutely lovely.But when it comes to maybe dancing style, ability, or choreographing, maybe there’s perhaps better in the show, possibly, I don’t know.” Jordan added that a pro’s longevity on the show isn’t always about having the most technically skilled partner. “But of course, for anyone to go out as a pro when you do the show, you want to stay in as long as possible, but having the best dancer isn’t always necessarily make your series the most enjoyable.”
Fan Concerns & Skinner’s Regret
Fans echoed similar sentiments online, with many believing Skinner was “set up to fail” with the challenging salsa. Social media comments suggested the song choice was deliberately unfavorable.
skinner and Dowden themselves expressed disappointment at not getting to perform a ballroom dance together. Dowden, though, maintained a positive outlook.
“We’ve laughed so much. we’ve worked so hard and a glitterball would have been amazing, but what I’ve learnt in the last few years is happiness, health and being alive is more significant than anything,” she stated.
Jordan’s insights offer a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of Strictly Come Dancing. It’s a show where artistry, strategy, and audience appeal all play a crucial role, and sometimes, even the best dancers can find themselves facing an early exit.
James Jordan was speaking exclusively with Freebets.com,the home of the best betting sites,where he works as the entertainment betting expert.
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