FORMER Strictly Come Dancing professional Ola Jordan has launched a blistering attack on judge Craig Revel Horwood, after she insists that he’s “lost his sparkle.”
Just a days ago, millions watched the BBC’s Strictly final, where Chris McCausland 47, make history as the first even blind contestant to clinch the glitterball.
But now, Latin dance champion, Ola, has called for judge Revel Horwood to be sacked.
The Polish professional who appeared on the show for nine years until 2015, says that Craig has lost his trademark grit, as the BBC show has become too sanitized.
She said: “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.”
And Ola added that Craig, who is the longest serving Strictly judge, has clearly been told to tone down the punchy comments that made him famous.
“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.”
The mother-of-one who is married to former Strictly professional James Jordan, then went further, by demanding that BBC bosses bring a new judge to the panel.
She said: “What needs changing to refresh the show? Put a different judge on there, just spice it up a bit because we know what they all say. “
“They’re all the same every year, so maybe they need a new judge – someone with a bit more spice on the panel. You could even have a different guest judge every week.”
But the world champion Latin dancer was careful not to criticize head judge and ballroom stalwart, Shirley Ballas.
The 64-year-old’s fifty year career as a dance professional, earned her the nickname, the Queen of Latin, before she was appointed head judge on the show in 2017.
Ola added:
“Shirley is one of the most known people in our business. She knows what she’s talking about. She’s got the knowledge more than anyone on the panel. She’s an amazing teacher. She’s an amazing judge. But I think of the role when you look at the panel, they need to be a bit more truthful.”
Earlier this year, Ola who is known for her plain speaking opinions, came under fire, when she was accused of bullying by former partner, Steve Backshall, who branded her “cold, rude and tough” to work with.
After being partnered with Ola in 2013, TV explorer Steve reportedly lodged a complaint with the Beeb, after it was claimed that Ola’s “rude and impatient” persona undermined his confidence.
The claims came as part of Strictly Come Dancing’s bullying crisis, sparked by Amanda Abbington’s complaints about axed professional Giovanni.
Then professional Graziano di Prima was fired by the BBC following claims he hit, spat at and kicked former celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals.
After the nine month BBC investigation concluded in September it was revealed that Italian dancer Giovanni Pernice has been cleared of the serious allegations levelled against him.
But as Chris McCausland lifted the glitterball on Saturday watch by 9.6 millions, many fans on social media were saying that the 20th anniversary series was the best one ever.
Mecca Bingo has teamed up with Ola Jordan, professional dance champion and former Strictly Come Dancing professional, to share her thoughts on the final.
