VANESSA Feltz has accused the BBC of ‘ramping up the Strictly drama’ as she defended ex pro James Jordan.
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James has been engulfed in controversy over a resurfaced ‘fat jibe’.
The dancer took to social media to defend himself after a clip that showed him calling partner Georgina Bouzova “fat” went viral.
James, who has previously won Dancing On Ice, insisted the viral clip was edited together for It Takes Two for “entertainment purposes”.
Vanessa, 62, previously took part in the eleventh series of the hit BBC competition in 2013 and was partnered with James.
The former TalkTV host was the second star to be eliminated.
Defending James, former TalkTV star Vanessa said: “I’m astounded by what’s been released.
“It was put deliberately together by the BBC to feature on It Takes Two.
“So anybody who thinks that this is mysterious footage of James Jordan that has suddenly come to light and shows him in the same kind of category as Giovanni Pernice or Graziano Di Prima, both of whom are now no longer associated with the program, is quite wrong.”
Recalling working with James, she added: “James Jordan was unbelievable to work with on strictly.
“Poor thing he got me, it was really the short straw the short, chubby non dancing straw, it really was.
“And he was completely magnificent to me. He was incredibly funny, kind, patient, amazingly hard working, and very, very, very, very nice.”
Giovannie Pernice and Graziano Di Prima were sacked amid an investigation into abuse allegations and behaviour in rehearsals.
Graziano faced gross misconduct allegations after he admitted that he ‘kicked’ Zara McDermott in rehearsals.
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
Zara this week admitted watching the footage back was “distressing” for her and said she was previously “scared” to come forward.
Giovanni was accused of bullying Amanda Abbington, 50, on the last series – which he has strenuously denied.
Summarising the crisis at the heart of the show, Vanessa slammed the BBC and accused them of delaying dealing with the complaints.
She said: “I think it’s a real shame to hear about the horrible stories.
“And I think really, lots of elements of this are really unpleasant. The first is that it could happen at all.
“The second is that the celebrity is worried too nervous or scared to come forward.
“The third is that, you know, it wasn’t dealt with immediately and it’s taken all of this time for these things to emerge and get into the public eye.”
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media - see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page Graziano wrote: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.”
He continued: “While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”
He concluded the post: “I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
