Former Strictly Come Dancing pro takes aim at series after Wynne Evans scandal

Metro

a day ago

Former Strictly Come Dancing pro dancer James Jordan has publicly come out in support of Wynne Evans, after he spoke about the detrimental impact the BBC show scandal wrought on his mental health earlier this year.
The Welsh opera singer, 53, was tearful as he spoke on This Morning about being sensationally dumped from the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour over comments he made involving host Janette Manrara. The 'unacceptable' joke referenced having a threesome with the dancer, 41.
He apologised soon after, saying he was 'deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate action caused' and would take a break from the public eye for 'self-reflection' and to 'prioritise my wellbeing'.
Jordan, 47, who danced on the show between 2006 and 2013, has now weighed in to say he was 'deeply moved' by Evans' appearance on This Morning, in which he detailed how the scandal took him 'to the darkest spot of his life'.
Evans sat down with Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley in the ITV studio and told them how he was monitored by a crisis team for a month and that his friends, family and girlfriend set up a schedule to ensure that he wasn't alone at any point in the day when the attention 'wouldn't stop'.
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Jordan went on to defend Evans' controversial comments, labelling them 'clearly light-hearted or part of mutual banter' in a lengthy Instagram post.
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Jordan wrote: 'It would be easy to stay silent, like many others have, including some of the so-called friends from Strictly who haven't spoken out in his defence. But when I see someone being treated unfairly, I can't stay quiet.'
Jordan, who is married to fellow ex-Strictly pro Ola Jordan, added the part of the story that had 'upset him most' was Wynne's claims that he had not been contacted by the Strictly Come Dancing team following his departure from the tour.
He wrote there is 'not enough support' for those competing on the show, writing: 'The Strictly team often talk about kindness about the duty of care – they provide behind the scenes – but in reality, that care ends when the cameras stop rolling.'
He continued: 'It's not good enough. The protections in place for both celebrities and professional dancers on Strictly are inadequate, and that needs to be addressed – publicly and urgently.
'This show is a well established, flagship show for the BBC that we all cherish. If only it would cherish and protect those who help make it the success it is.'
Evans commented on Jordan's post, saying he had been 'amazing'. He wrote: 'Many of my Strictly friends are to [sic] scared to support me publicly and I thank you so much as a 'stranger' to speak out in my favour when many others would remain silent.'
The BBC and BBC Studios released a joint statement last September saying that duty of care is taken 'extremely seriously' on Strictly, adding that their welfare and support processes are updated each year.
The statement read: 'We want Strictly to be a positive experience for everyone involved.'
The broadcaster explained that new training and rehearsal measures last year saw the introduction of a production team member in rehearsals at all times, as well as two now dedicated welfare roles on the team and weekly welfare meetings.
The statement continued: 'Every celebrity and pro dancer is offered a pre-series psychological review. They complete 'wellbeing questionnaires' with the welfare producers and talk about the type of experience the celebrity would like on the show and expectations of training from both sides.
'Everyone working on Strictly, in front and behind camera, has attended workshops addressing the culture of the show and expected behaviour. More Trending
'Building on previous protocols, there is a formal exit interview process for all involved as they leave the show, which will be logged and documented.
'These new measures build on longstanding processes and procedures on the show. We will always look at whether there is more we should do.'
Metro contacted the BBC for comment.
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Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year.
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