Latest news with #TheReturnoftheLegends
Wales Online
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Strictly Come Dancing star 'thought he was going to die' in heartbreaking admission
BBC Strictly Come Dancing star 'thought he was going to die' in heartbreaking admission The former Strictly pro is preparing to return to the stage this September with The Return of the Legends alongside his Strictly pals Lorraine: James Jordan defends comments on wife Ola's weight Former Strictly Come Dancing favourite James Jordan has opened up about his fears of collapsing during the strenuous Legends of the Dance Floor tour last year. The tour, which was a sell-out success, saw him reunited with fellow past Strictly professionals Ian Waite, Pasha Kovalev, Brendan Cole, and Vincent Simone. They thrilled audiences nationwide with their dynamic performances and amusing anecdotes from behind the scenes. Despite the excitement, James, who is married to another Strictly alumnus, Ola, confessed to finding the rigours of live shows particularly taxing after some time away. His concern reached a peak during a fast-paced jive number, where he doubted his ability to finish the dance without incident in front of a full house. Speaking to The Sun, Jordan expressed his anxiety by saying: "Every night I did that jive I thought 'is tonight the night that I'm going to die?'" He light-heartedly recounted how Pasha joked about the situation, saying: "Pasha, you're the one every night that used to say 'if he dies he dies.'" Former Strictly Come Dancing stars Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone and Ian Waite (Image: Terry Blackburn ) Strictly star Ellie Simmonds faced with heartbreaking baby decision READ MORE: Fortunately, 46-year-old James remains fit and eagerly anticipates a new theatre tour, The Return of the Legends, slated for September, reports Edinburgh Live. Article continues below The previous year's tour not only entranced fans but also received adulation from the Strictly Come Dancing chief judge Shirley Ballas. With another round looming, the whole ensemble is fully committed to rehearsals. Moreover, James and Ian Waite have just returned from a gruelling fitness retreat abroad, which was attended by other ex-sportspeople, including Olympic champion swimmer Rebecca Adlington. James admitted that the routines were rather intense (Image: Getty Images ) At 54, Ian is the eldest of the group but still boasts an enviable eight-pack, which showcases his fitness. James may not match Ian's chiselled physique, but he has shown remarkable commitment to his health, overcoming weight issues and a series of medical setbacks, including shoulder surgery and complex hernia repairs. The prospect of touring has fuelled James's motivation to stay in top form for their upcoming performances. James remarked: "Ian is just an anomaly, he's a freak of nature. I've just been for a week with him on holiday actually a fitness week; he's 54 years old and he's as fit as anyone 20 years younger than him." James previously appeared as a professional dancer on Strictly (Image: (Image: GETTY) ) He continued, reflecting on his own physical challenges: "I'm trying to keep up, but unfortunately, genetically, I don't have the same joints and bones that Ian does. I've had shoulder surgery, I need shoulder surgery on this one, I've just had a hernia operation where they had to totally reconstruct my inguinal canal." Despite various ailments, James remains determined: "I've got bad knees, I suffer with my back, I've got tennis elbow. However, I'm one of these people, as Ian knows, I've got to get over myself and try and get through it, and this year will be no different," he admitted. Article continues below The Return of the Legends will be on tour from September
Edinburgh Live
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Strictly icon says 'I thought I was going to die on stage every night'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Former Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan has confessed that he often questioned whether he was going to "die" during last year's sold-out show, Legends of the Dance Floor tour. Joined by fellow former BBC professionals Ian Waite, Pasha Kovalev, Brendan Cole, and Vincent Simone, the group dazzled audiences across the UK with their high-energy routines and entertaining behind-the-scenes stories. However, after being away from live performances for a while, James, who is married to ex-Strictly star Ola, found the intense demands of the tour especially challenging, particularly during a fast jive routine, when he genuinely feared he might not make it through in front of packed crowds. He told The Sun: "Every night I did that jive I thought 'is tonight the night that I'm going to die?'" Laughing, he added: "Pasha, you're the one every night that used to say 'if he dies he dies.'" (Image: Terry Blackburn) Thankfully, 46-year-old James is still going strong and gearing up for another theatre tour this September with The Return of the Legends. When the five dancers hit the road for last year's tour, they received high praise from Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas and this time, the whole team is throwing themselves into preparation. In addition to this, James and fellow dancer Ian Waite just got back from an intense fitness retreat overseas, joined by other former athletes, including Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington. (Image: Getty Images) Despite being the oldest of the group, 54-year-old Ian proudly showed off an impressive eight-pack. While James might not be quite as ripped, he's proven his dedication by shedding weight and pushing through several health challenges, including shoulder surgery and hernia repairs that required reconstruction of his inguinal canal. Getting back on tour has reignited his drive, and he's committed to being in peak shape for the upcoming shows. (Image: (Image: GETTY)) James said: "Ian is just an anomaly, he's a freak of nature. I've just been for a week with him on holiday actually a fitness week; he's 54 years old and he's as fit as anyone 20 years younger than him. "I'm trying to keep up but unfortunately, genetically, don't have the same joints and bones that Ian does. I've had shoulder surgery, I need shoulder surgery on this one, I've just had a hernia operation where they had to totally reconstruct my inguinal canal. "I've got bad knees, I suffer with my back, I've got tennis elbow. However, I'm one of these people, as Ian knows, I've got to get over myself and try and get through it, and this year will be no different," he confessed. The Return of the Legends will be on tour from September.
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Strictly icon James Jordan says ‘I thought I was going to die on stage every night' as he reveals fight to beat injuries
STRICTLY Come Dancing's James Jordan admitted he thought he was going to die on stage each night of last year's sold-out Legends of the Dance Floor tour. Former BBC pros James, Ian Waite, Pasha Kovalev, Brendan Cole and Vincent Simone turned back time and wowed fans around the country with fast footwork and hilarious tales. 6 James Jordan felt the physical strain on the Legends dance tour last year Credit: The TCB Group 6 James, Ian Waite, Brandan Cole, Pasha Kovalev and Vincent Simone are returning to the stage Credit: The TCB Group But having been away from the live circuit for so long, James found the gruelling nature of life on stage particularly tough and, when it came to a fast-paced jive, was worried he might kick the bucket in front of thousands of fans. In an exclusive interview with The Sun, he said: "Every night I did that jive I thought 'is tonight the night that I'm going to die?'" Laughing, he continued: "Pasha, you're the one every night that used to say 'if he dies he dies'." Fortunately, James, 46, is still with us and is raring to go for another theatre run this September for The Return of the Legends. And the lads are definitely giving it their all in the build up. Ian and James just returned from an elite fitness week abroad with other ex-athletes like Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington. Despite being the elder statesman of the group, Ian gleefully showcased his ripped eight pack, which is no mean feat for anyone - especially at 54 years of age. He might not be as shredded as his close pal, but James has shown his grit and determination by losing weight and overcoming numerous health setbacks, including surgery on his shoulder and hernias, which needed his inguinal canal reconstructed. Being back on the road has given him renewed purpose and he has vowed to be 100 per cent, and then some, for the upcoming run. James said: "Ian is just an anomaly, he's a freak of nature. I've just been for a week with him on holiday actually a fitness week; he's 54 years old and he's as fit as anyone 20 years younger than him. Lose six pounds in six weeks with The Sun's exclusive Strictly Six diet plan "I'm trying to keep up but unfortunately, genetically, don't have the same joints and bones that Ian does. I've had shoulder surgery, I need shoulder surgery on this one, I've just had a hernia operation where they had to totally reconstruct my inguinal canal. "I've got bad knees, I suffer with my back, I've got tennis elbow, however, I'm one of these people, as Ian knows, I've got to get over myself and try and get through it and this year will be no different. "I feel like I'm in a slightly better place than I was last year when I started the tour; these boys are ridiculous. Their fitness levels are still insane and I'm going to be up with them this year 100 per cent every night." The five dancers got a glowing endorsement from Strictly's head judge, Shirley Ballas, when they embarked on last year's tour. They had been hesitant to send out invites to other famous names from their past for one reason: what if it was just a bit s**t? That proved not to be the case with Shirley calling it "one of the funniest shows that I've ever seen in my life", while fans around the country were left applauding on their feet. Following favourable reviews, expect to see the likes of Arlene Phillips and Craig Revel Horwood watching on at some point. James said: "I will actually reach out to Arlene because I'm quite close to her. I'm sure she would love to see the show. 6 Shirley Ballas called the show one of the funniest she's ever seen Credit: PA 6 Craig Revel Horwood could be on the guestlist this time around Credit: BBC "Ian is very close to Craig and I'm sure this year because we didn't know what the reaction was going to be, we felt like we had a great show, but you don't want to invite everyone just in case it's a bit s**t, right? So you don't reach out to everyone. "But I think now we know that the reaction was so good I think we're going to reach out to more people like that. "Please come and watch us and see what we're still able to do so many years after we left the show." FAN FAVOURITES Strictly's current crop of professional dancers have been making the most of their popularity in recent years, with more and more of the cast embarking on lucrative solo jaunts in between series'. What separates the legends' show from the pack is that fans are effectively getting five for the price of one. The shackles that bound those under the employment of the BBC are also off, and they can tell stories and jokes that current pros simply couldn't get away with. Explaining the popularity of the first tour, James said: "I think it's part of the nostalgia of the original pros. We're all big personalities in our own right. "Vincent, really known for the Argentine tango; Brendan, the original that's been on there for so many years; Pasha, the sexy Russian; Ian, the flamboyant, beautiful, elegant dancer; and me, the gobby one. So I think there's something for everyone in the show. "We didn't know how successful it would be. We kind of thought we were onto something. Great idea, great concept. "Every night I did that jive I thought 'is tonight the night that I'm going to die?'" James Jordan "But, I mean, Bromley sold out in two days. And we never really expected that ourselves. So, there was a lot of hype around it. "And I feel that all of us backed it up with an amazing show. I mean, the feedback that we got from it was amazing. I mean, even Shirley Butler said it's one of the funniest shows she's ever seen, which is a massive compliment to all of us. "I think that's testament to the fact that we all get on genuinely so well. And we're quite happy ripping the p*ss out of each other on stage every night and telling our stories and things that happened to us in the past on Strictly." There were close to the wire jokes about chaperones last time out after Strictly famously introduced them to training rooms following the Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima scandals. Both dancers departed the show amid claims of inappropriate behaviour from their respective celeb partners. "They enjoy the fact that we're so open and honest," said James. "Because we don't work for the BBC anymore. We're not part of Strictly. We love the show, respect the show. But we're very honest and brutal. "Shirley doesn't have to say great things about our show. She just doesn't. And I think when she came to the show, she said to me afterwards, 'it was such a surprise. I couldn't believe how much fun it was and how engaged I was in the whole thing'. "We have so much variety in our show, the comedy, the amazing solo dances." LAST HURRAH? What better way would there be to show off their choreography than with a return to Strictly this autumn. After all, the tour coincides with the next series and guest performances on the Sunday night show are part and parcel of the programme. Ian said: "It would go down so well, so if the producers listen to the audience you never know, we might be on there." Revealing what they would perform, James said: "We have one number in particular that I know with the production value that Strictly has now... there's a number that opens the second act and it's like a cowboy number, and if we went and did that show on Strictly it would go down a storm. "We're not trying to get back on the show, we've been there, had our time, but it would be nice to go back and have a little nod to say these old boys that were kind of the originals on the show are still doing their thing and this is what they can do." Tickets are available from all venues and via 6 James and wife Ola pictured in 2011 Credit: Getty 6 The new tour kicks off in Cambridge on September 5 Credit: Terry Blackburn
The Irish Sun
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Strictly icon James Jordan says ‘I thought I was going to die on stage every night' as he reveals fight to beat injuries
STRICTLY Come Dancing's James Jordan admitted he thought he was going to die on stage each night of last year's sold-out Legends of the Dance Floor tour. Former BBC pros James, Ian Waite, Pasha Kovalev, Brendan Cole and Vincent Simone turned back time and wowed fans around the country with fast footwork and hilarious tales. 6 James Jordan felt the physical strain on the Legends dance tour last year Credit: The TCB Group 6 James, Ian Waite, Brandan Cole, Pasha Kovalev and Vincent Simone are returning to the stage Credit: The TCB Group But having been away from the live circuit for so long, James found the gruelling nature of life on stage particularly tough and, when it came to a fast-paced jive, was worried he might kick the bucket in front of thousands of fans. In an exclusive interview with The Sun, he said: "Every night I did that jive I thought 'is tonight the night that I'm going to die?'" Laughing, he continued: "Pasha, you're the one every night that used to say 'if he dies he dies'." Fortunately, James, 46, is still with us and is raring to go for another theatre run this September for The Return of the Legends. READ MORE ON STRICTLY And the lads are definitely giving it their all in the build up. Ian and James just returned from an elite fitness week abroad with other ex-athletes like Olympic swimmer Despite being the elder statesman of the group, Ian gleefully showcased his ripped eight pack, which is no mean feat for anyone - especially at 54 years of age. He might not be as shredded as his close pal, but health setbacks, including surgery on his shoulder and hernias, which needed his inguinal canal reconstructed. Most read in News TV Being back on the road has given him renewed purpose and he has vowed to be 100 per cent, and then some, for the upcoming run. James said: "Ian is just an anomaly, he's a freak of nature. I've just been for a week with him on holiday actually a fitness week; he's 54 years old and he's as fit as anyone 20 years younger than him. Lose six pounds in six weeks with The Sun's exclusive Strictly Six diet plan "I'm trying to keep up but unfortunately, genetically, don't have the same joints and bones that Ian does. I've had shoulder surgery, I need shoulder surgery on this one, I've just had a hernia operation where they had to totally reconstruct my inguinal canal. "I've got bad knees, I suffer with my back, I've got tennis elbow, however, I'm one of these people, as Ian knows, I've got to get over myself and try and get through it and this year will be no different. "I feel like I'm in a slightly better place than I was last year when I started the tour; these boys are ridiculous. Their fitness levels are still insane and I'm going to be up with them this year 100 per cent every night." The five dancers got a glowing endorsement from Strictly's head judge, Shirley Ballas, when they embarked on last year's tour. They had been hesitant to send out invites to other famous names from their past for one reason: what if it was just a bit s**t? That proved not to be the case with Shirley calling it "one of the funniest shows that I've ever seen in my life", while fans around the country were left applauding on their feet. Following favourable reviews, expect to see the likes of Arlene Phillips and Craig Revel Horwood watching on at some point. James said: "I will actually reach out to Arlene because I'm quite close to her. I'm sure she would love to see the show. 6 Shirley Ballas called the show one of the funniest she's ever seen Credit: PA 6 Craig Revel Horwood could be on the guestlist this time around Credit: BBC "Ian is very close to Craig and I'm sure this year because we didn't know what the reaction was going to be, we felt like we had a great show, but you don't want to invite everyone just in case it's a bit s**t, right? So you don't reach out to everyone. "But I think now we know that the reaction was so good I think we're going to reach out to more people like that. "Please come and watch us and see what we're still able to do so many years after we left the show." FAN FAVOURITES Strictly's current crop of professional dancers have been making the most of their popularity in recent years, with more and more of the cast embarking on lucrative solo jaunts in between series'. What separates the legends' show from the pack is that fans are effectively getting five for the price of one. The shackles that bound those under the employment of the BBC are also off, and they can tell stories and jokes that current pros simply couldn't get away with. Explaining the popularity of the first tour, James said: "I think it's part of the nostalgia of the original pros. We're all big personalities in our own right. "Vincent, really known for the Argentine tango; Brendan, the original that's been on there for so many years; Pasha, the sexy Russian; Ian, the flamboyant, beautiful, elegant dancer; and me, the gobby one. So I think there's something for everyone in the show. "We didn't know how successful it would be. We kind of thought we were onto something. Great idea, great concept. "Every night I did that jive I thought 'is tonight the night that I'm going to die?'" James Jordan "But, I mean, Bromley sold out in two days. And we never really expected that ourselves. So, there was a lot of hype around it. "And I feel that all of us backed it up with an amazing show. I mean, the feedback that we got from it was amazing. I mean, even Shirley Butler said it's one of the funniest shows she's ever seen, which is a massive compliment to all of us. "I think that's testament to the fact that we all get on genuinely so well. And we're quite happy ripping the p*ss out of each other on stage every night and telling our stories and things that happened to us in the past on Strictly." There were close to the wire jokes about chaperones last time out after Strictly famously introduced them to training rooms following the Both dancers departed the show amid claims of inappropriate behaviour from their respective celeb partners. "They enjoy the fact that we're so open and honest," said James. "Because we don't work for the BBC anymore. We're not part of Strictly. We love the show, respect the show. But we're very honest and brutal. "Shirley doesn't have to say great things about our show. She just doesn't. And I think when she came to the show, she said to me afterwards, 'it was such a surprise. I couldn't believe how much fun it was and how engaged I was in the whole thing'. "We have so much variety in our show, the comedy , the amazing solo dances." LAST HURRAH? What better way would there be to show off their choreography than with a return to Strictly this autumn . After all, the tour coincides with the next series and guest performances on the Sunday night show are part and parcel of the programme. Ian said: "It would go down so well, so if the producers listen to the audience you never know, we might be on there." Revealing what they would perform, James said: "We have one number in particular that I know with the production value that Strictly has now... there's a number that opens the second act and it's like a cowboy number, and if we went and did that show on Strictly it would go down a storm. "We're not trying to get back on the show, we've been there, had our time, but it would be nice to go back and have a little nod to say these old boys that were kind of the originals on the show are still doing their thing and this is what they can do." Tickets are available from all venues and via . 6 James and wife Ola pictured in 2011 Credit: Getty 6 The new tour kicks off in Cambridge on September 5 Credit: Terry Blackburn
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
All 20 acts confirmed for Watford Colosseum after reopening
Jools Holland and Simon Reeve are among the latest acts to be added as Watford Colosseum's early line-up takes shape. With the Rickmansworth Road venue, which has been vacant since 2020, set to reopen later this year, 02 Arena managers AEG Presents have been arranging more events to fill out its calendar. At the end of 2024, the list of acts signed on to perform once refurbishment is finished towards the end of this year stood at just nine, but it has since more than doubled to 20. Watford Colosseum. (Image: Watford Borough Council) Thursday, October 2 - Whitney Houston tribute: Saving All My Love for You Saturday, October 4 – Strictly Come Dancing favourites dance show: The Return of the Legends Thursday, October 16 – Live band disco night: Lost in Music Saturday, October 18 – Jazz-funk band: Level 42 Thursday, October 30 – Circus: Cirque, The Greatest Show Reimagined Saturday, November 1 – Tina Turner tribute: What's Love Got To Do With It? Monday, November 3 – Tenor performances: Russell Watson The Evolution Tour Thursday, November 6 – Orchestra: Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra MORE SEATS RELEASED for Jools Holland's Rhythm & Blues Orchestra (@JoolsBand) on 6 November with Imelda May Tickets are selling quick, so get yours now 🔗 🎺 — Watford Colosseum (@WfordColosseum) February 3, 2025 Tuesday, November 11 – New wave chart topper: Adam Ant Tuesday, November 18 – Tony Blackburn hosted show: Sounds of the 60s Live Friday, November 21 – Elvis Presley tribute: The King's Voice Thursday, December 4 – George Michael tribute: Rob Lamberti Presents Perfectly George Sunday, December 7 – Taylor Swift tribute: Taylormania Thursday, December 11 – ABBA night: ABBA-Merry Xmas Monday, December 22 – Christmas show: Step Into Christmas 🚨Tickets on-sale now🚨 Radio 2's legendary DJ Tony Blackburn OBE is bringing Sounds Of The 60s Live to Watford next November! An evening of 60s classics performed by an All Star Band & Singers. Get your tickets here 🔗 — Watford Colosseum (@WfordColosseum) December 12, 2024Friday, February 13 – Michael Jackson tribute: Man in the Mirror Friday, February 20 – Country classics night: Country Roads Thursday, March 5 – Beatles tribute: The Magic of the Beatles Thursday, March 19 – Motown night: The Magic of Motown Wednesday, May 13 – World travel stories: Simon Reeve, To The Ends of the Earth
