Entertainment
Strictly Come Dancing 2021: James and Ola face backlash after branding Rose Ayling-Ellis’ performance ‘average’
Fans aren’t too happy with James and Ola at the minute (Picture: REX)
James Jordan and wife Ola landed themselves in hot water after they described Rose Ayling-Ellis’ latest performance as ‘average.’
The EastEnders actress, 27 and partner Giovanni Pernice, 31, have been fan favourites from the very start, after wowing the judges every Saturday with their performances.
Their most memorable routine to date was their emotional couples choice, which honoured the Deaf community, which left the judges and viewers at home in tears.
The 43-year-old dancer, who religiously commentates the show every weekend via Twitter, gave a controversial verdict on Rose and Giovanni’s Frozen inspired quickstep.
In an interview with HELLO! magazine James and wife Ola shared their thoughts on the highly-anticipated musicals special, and admitted that Rose’s routine wasn’t ‘her best performance’.
‘I think we’ve seen such great things from this pairing, that our expectations were set extremely high,’ said James
The pair performed a cute quickstep to Love Is An Open Door (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)
The couple were professional dancers on the show before infamously quitting (Picture: David M. Benett/Getty Images)
‘Last week we said Rose deserved to go all the way to the final and take home the glitterball, but this week’s performance felt a little average from them,’ Ola added.
The pair’s latest admission didn’t go down to well with fans.
One viewer wrote: ‘Nowt like a bit of bitter controversy in a rather desperately vain attempt to stay relevant.’
Another chimed in agreement and said: ‘I can’t believe how much bitterness this couple are carrying around with them. It’s years since Strictly dumped them…get over it and get on with your own lives.’
Ola Jordan said goodbye to the hit series back in 2015 after appearing on the show for nine years.
She made her debut in debut in 2006, going on to win the Glitterball trophy in 2009 with Watchdog presenter Chris Hollins.
More: Strictly Come Dancing
James also featured as a professional dancer. He came second in series 10 when he was partnered with Denise Van Outen.
Naturally, the star confirmed his departure via Twitter, and wrote: ‘Yes, it’s true I WILL NOT be returning to BURN THE FLOOR… Sorry, I mean Strictly Come Dancing.’
Metro.co.uk has reached James and Ola’s reps for comment.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday at 6:55pm on BBC One.
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