Strictly professional Ola Jordan axed from live tour with husband James

Adios, Ola! Strictly professional Jordan axed from live tour with husband James as pair are told they 'won't be needed'

By Sarah Bull

Last updated at 11:25 AM on 14th December 2011


Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers Ola and James Jordan have been axed from the live tour after producers told them they 'wouldn't be needed'.

James took to his Twitter page yesterday to tell fans he had received an email from tour bosses breaking the news.

He wrote: 'Myself and Ola will definitely NOT be doing the Strictly Tour! Just received an E-MAIL to say we are not needed!!'

Adios Ola: Strictly Come Dancing professional Jordan and her husband James have been axed from the upcoming tour by producers

Time to say goodbye: It is believed that fiery James's attitude is the reason for their departure. Here, he is seen dancing with partner Alex Jones

During this series of Strictly, Ola, 29, had been partnering Robbie Savage while James was voted off with dance partner Alex Jones last weekend.

Show insiders revealed that 33-year-old James's bust-ups with show judge and tour director Craig Revel Horwood were the real reason the husband and wife team were left out.

Sparkles: Ola had been partnering Robbie Savage on the show

A source said: 'James's behaviour this year has been getting worse and worse. He has been throwing strops on live television and his behaviour has really annoyed show chiefs.

'This decision certainly came as a surprise to the Jordans - but bosses have thought James in particular needed a reality check for a long time.'

And Ola's partner Savage tweeted his disappointment that he would not be dancing with her on the tour.

He wrote: 'Ola was the best partner ever tweeps but she is not doing the tour I don't decide who I partner no one is bigger than the show!'

A spokesperson for the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour said: 'Unfortunately, with 14 celebrities and 14 professional dancers in the Strictly Come Dancing television show it is simply not possible to take everyone on tour.

'The celebrity line up for the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour is not confirmed until quite late, largely due to the busy schedules of the celebrities and their existing commitments.

'Once the celebrity line up is confirmed, the tour is able to confirm the professional dancers accompanying them on the tour.

'Since the first tour in 2008 there have been changes to the line up of professional dancers and, on this occasion, Ola and James are not in the professional line up.'

The decision has led fans to speculate that the Ola, who won the show in 2009 with partner Chris Hollins, and James may be axed by producers from the next series of the show.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2073971/Strictly-Come-Dancing-professionals-Ola-James-Jordan-axed-live-tour.html#ixzz1gW22Pqki

Backlash over the Strictly screamers: Viewers complain over 'stage managed' cheering and screaming

Bloggers note: I have been lucky enough to go to two Strictlys over the years and can definately say that the cheers and whoops are not stage managed. We are all just very excited Strictly fans let loose in the Studio :-)

 

Backlash over the Strictly screamers: Viewers complain over 'stage managed' cheering and screaming

By Paul Revoir

Last updated at 7:37 AM on 7th December 2011


While the studio audience sound as though they are enjoying themselves, it seems the viewers at home are not.

Strictly Come Dancing has been attacked by fans over the ‘cheering’ and ‘screaming’ from spectators during its broadcasts, which critics claim seem ‘stage-managed’.

The BBC has received complaints that the ‘dizzy teenager’ behaviour of the audience is making the programme more like its ITV rival, the X Factor.

Strictly necessary? The audience cheers on Audley Harrison and Natalie Lowe

Viewers have said that they cannot hear Strictly’s guest singers as the music is drowned out by the noise of clapping and cheering.

They also claimed that repeated standing ovations from the audience look false and are becoming boring.

Becoming like its rival: Some think Strictly is becoming like X Factor (judge Kelly Rowland pictured)

After fans vented their frustrations on the BBC’s online discussion pages, the Corporation admitted it had received more than 30 complaints about the issue.

However, it defended the practice, saying the majority of viewers enjoyed the lively studio atmosphere.

One critic, writing on the BBC’s website, said: ‘Why do the audience insist
on clapping and cheering the dancers when a guest performer is singing?

‘The week Susan Boyle was on she couldn’t be heard above the noise
coming from the audience.’

Another said: ‘Why must we suffer all the audience stage-managed reactions during the dancing?

The continual cheering and screaming isn’t necessary and is not spontaneous as it should be.

‘Just because a dancer has executed a turn or a fleckle does not make them a superstar.

‘If I wanted to hear people behaving like a load of dizzy teenagers I’d be
watching X Factor not Strictly. Everyone I have spoken to agrees that it’s
now gone too far.’

Another wrote: ‘Have the BBC imported a crowd from X Factor?’

But a BBC spokesman said: ‘There have only been a total of 31 complaints since the series began three months ago, which is a very small amount given the show has been achieving peak audiences of more than 11million each week.’

Complaints: Strictly viewers are not happy about the 'cheering' and 'screaming' from fans (Robbie Savage and Ola Jordan on the show)

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2070848/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2011-BBC-viewers-complain-stage-managed-cheering.html#ixzz1fs0p10GS

Footballer Robbie Savage Quicksteps off Strictly Come Dancing

By Emily Sheridan

Last updated at 8:06 PM on 4th December 2011

He's been one of the most entertaining celebrities on this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

But footballer Robbie Savage and his partner Ola Jordan were voted off after ending up bottom of the leaderboard the previous night.

The former Welsh midfielder, 37, ended up in the bottom two with Australian singer/actor Jason Donovan.

The dancing dream is over: Robbie Savage hugs his partner Ola Jordan after they are voted off Strictly Come Dancing

His exit came after his Quickstep to Little Green Bag from the Reservoir Dogs soundtrack received a score of 30.

Head judge Len Goodman told him on Saturday's live show: 'You've given me a lot of pleasure and you didn't disappoint. You've got enthusiasm. It was a bit rough around the edges for me, but you made the best of what you've got. It wasn't top notch.'

Bruno Tonioli added: 'The way you were strutting your stuff, somewhere between Kate Moss and Russell Brand. You were trying very hard. Your ballroom is better.'

Head to head: Savage ended up in the bottom two with Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff

But Craig Revel-Horwood wasn't so positive: 'Your knee pulses were completely out of time, your head position needs to go a lot more left, it lacked swing or sway which made the top part a little stiff, you could drive the dance a little more. It was little bit like a rabbit doing a trot...

'But I did love the concept and your performance of it.'

Savage said he hoped the show changed his reputations after being renowned for being a bad boy on the football pitch thanks to his numerous yellow cards.

Waiting game: Robbie and Ola left the show after ending up at the bottom of the leaderboard

He said: 'People didn't know who I was before I came to this show, I wasn't a nice person on the football pitch and hopefully I've changed people's perceptions of me.

'I am just a normal, decent guy.'

Donovan's position in the bottom two came as a surprise after he and partner Kristina Rihanoff ended up third on the leaderboard with their stunning Foxtrot to Singin' In The Rain.

The remaining couples Chelsee Healey and Pasha Kovalev, Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani, Holly Valance and Artem Chigvintsev and Alex Jones and James Jordan will compete in next week's Semi-final.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2069913/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2011-Robbie-Savage-Quicksteps-off.html#ixzz1fbRNBxgo

Chelsee Healey and 'Shrek' top the Strictly leaderboard with their Jive

Pasha's looking a bit off colour... Chelsee Healey and 'Shrek' top the Strictly leaderboard with their Jive

By Emily Sheridan

Last updated at 10:49 PM on 3rd December 2011

It was Hollywood glamour as the stars of Strictly Come Dancing recreated iconic scenes for the Movie Week quarter-final.

However, when it came to Chelsee Healey's professional partner Pasha Kovalev, he looked a rather funny shade of green.

The Serbian dancer, 31, looked unrecognisable covered in green make-up with big ears just like the character in the hit animation franchise.

Let's Jive: Chelsee Healey and Pasha Kovalev wowed the judges and the audience with their Jive to I'm A Believer from Shrek

You were kicking and flicking like no-one's business: The couple kept up the pace with their high-energy routine

The couple ended up topping the leaderboard, receiving a 39 with their Jive to I'm A Believer.

Alesha Dixon said: 'Chelsee and Shrek, you look amazing Pasha. It was cute, it was fun, you were kicking and flicking like no-one's business .You found your dance.'

Craig Revel-Horwood added: 'I loved the routine, you need to pick your knees up a little bit more... But it was incredible.'

Winning streak: It's the fourth time Chelsee and Pasha have topped the leaderboard

Robbie Savage and Ola Jordan kicked off the show with a Quickstep to Little Green Bag from the Reservoir Dogs soundtrack.

The footballer and his Polish partner certainly looked the part in their black suits and sunglasses as they received a score of 30.

Head judge Len Goodman said: 'You've given me a lot of pleasure and you didn't disappoint. You've got enthusiasm. It was a bit rough around the edges for me, but you made the best of what you've got. It wasn't top notch.'

Kicking things off: Robbie Savage and Ola Jordan started show with a Quickstep to Little Green Bag from the Reservoir Dogs soundtrack

Too cool: Ola and Robbie certainly looked the part in their black suits

Dixon was more positive: 'You are a smooth operator. This week you're back in business. Good posture, light footed, it was clean, it was a light quickstep.'

Bruno Tonioli added: 'The way you were strutting your stuff, somewhere between Kate Moss and Russell Brand. You were trying very hard. Your ballroom is better.'

But Revel-Horwood wasn't so positive: 'Your knee pulses were completely out of time, your head position needs to go a lot more left, it lacked swing or sway which made the top part a little stiff, you could drive the dance a little more. It was little bit like a rabbit doing a trot...

'But I did love the concept and your performance of it.'

Latin dance to an English tale: Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani performed the Rumba to (Everything I Do) I Do It for You - the theme from Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves

Bringing the audience to their feet were Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani, who performed the Rumba to (Everything I Do) I Do It for You - the theme from Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.

The dance was so slick it even won over the notoriously hard to please Revel-Horwood.

He said: 'It was hard not to notice that you've been working on your hip action because of the tightness of those trousers. I did love it, it was simple, it was clean it was basic.'

'The best Rumba I've seen from a male celebrity': The couple's passionate Latin dance certainly impressed

Dixon was equally impressed: 'That's the best Rumba I've seen from a male celebrity in a long time. you had good hip action and you had good control. It was by no means awkward.'

After a shaky week previously, Alex Jones and James Jordan were hoping their American Smooth to Pretty Woman would win over the judges.

Despite a little hiccup with her red dress, the judges all agreed the routine was 'beautiful'.

Back with a bang: Alex Jones and James Jordan impressed with their American Smooth to Pretty Woman

Finally put the 'sex' into dance: Alex was praised by Craig for finally finding her sexy side

Tonioli told her: 'Pretty woman is an understatement, you were gorgeous. There were great turns, it was fluid. It was absolutely lovely.'

Dixon said: 'It was a beautiful song and gorgeous routine. You danced with elegant and class. You've been consistently improving in this competition and you deserve credit for that.'

Fourth to dance was Holly Valance and Artem Chigvintsev, performing the Paso Doble to Zorro's Theme from the Zorro soundtrack.

High drama: Holly Valance and Artem Chigvintsev put on a strong Paso Doble to Zorro's Theme from the Zorro soundtrack

Stop looking at the floor: The judges' only criticism was that Valance focuses on the floor too much

Revel-Horwood only had one criticism - that the Australian singer/actress kept looking at the floor.

He said: 'That must be your personal best. You do look at the floor always, if you just bring your eye-line up, it would be perfect.'

Dixon told her: 'I was routing for you. your arms and your hands were superb. You were working it and in character. You stepped it up.'

Back in favour: Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff performed the American Smooth to Singin' In The Rain

Mr Slick: The Australian singer/actor started off with a solo routine in the steps

After struggling last week, Jason Donovan really stepped it up with his and partner Kristina Rihanoff's American Smooth to Singin' In The Rain.

Tonioli said: 'Jason goes to Hollywood - you took a huge risk with this, but you made it your own. It was a cleaver tribute, the foxtrot was expertly executed.'

Even Revel-Horwood was impressed: 'I really loved this, Full of charisma, was really fantastic, really.'

The competition is heating up: Only six couples are left in the quarter-final

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2069610/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2011-Chelsee-Healey-Shrek-Strictly-leaderboard-Jive.html#ixzz1fW5aa4ZJ

Cheeky Robbie Savage drops his trousers on Strictly to reveal a pair of football shorts

It's not a striptease! Cheeky Robbie Savage drops his trousers on Strictly to reveal a pair of football shorts

By Jo Abeyie

Last updated at 12:13 AM on 27th November 2011

Robbie Savage tapped into his inner burlesque dancer, by shedding his layers on Strictly Come Dancing.

The reality contesant stripped off on the dancefloor, peeling off his trousers to reveal a pair of football shorts.

Performing the Samba with partner Ola Jordan, Savage flashed his trademark grin as he removed his black formal wear to expose the blue sports kit with the number eight on.

Cringe! Robbie Savage pulled off his trousers at the end of the dance routine to reveal his football shorts

But despite the comical shenanigans, Len Goodman was quick to criticise.

Goodman said: 'It was a shamba! You got possessed and it turned into Match Of The Day.'

Smooth operator: Robbie started the routine in typical formal attire

Awkward! Bruce Forsyth didn't know where to look when Robbie was in his shorts

And it was double trouble for the seven remaining couples, who had to battle two dances this week including a compulsory Swing-a-thon alongside a regular Ballroom or Latin number.

Each couple were marked out of 40 as usual for their first dance, but their that score was then combined their efforts in the second performance.

Winning moves: Holly and Artem are among the top scorers tonight thanks to successful Foxtrot

The Swing-a-thon rating was then rewarded in order of who got asked to leave the floor one by one, with the first evictee scoring one and the last receiving seven points.

Savage picked up just 25 in the Samba, and was first to be axed second, meaning he has a grand total of 26.

Surprised: Harry and Aliona are shocked at getting the highest score of the season

Swing-a-thon: Harry and Aliona prove they have stamina tonight after scoring the highest in the group dance off

Yet it seemed nothing could pop Savage's bubble, as he gloated about his Wembley Arena performance last week, saying: 'I felt like Robbie Williams.'
Harry Judd dominated the leaderboard with his double victory.
The McFly star scored top mark for his energetic Swing-a-thon, and secured three tens for his Quickstep and a result of 39 - meaning a combined score of 46.

Helping hand: Anita Dobson dances with Brendan Cole after partner Robin Windsor suffered a foot infection

Chelsee Healy and Pasha Kovalev came second, with an original score of 35 and then a Swing score of six, resulting in a total of 41.

Dressed in a sparkly, slashed red dress, Holly Valance stole the show in the beauty stakes with her electrifying performance with partner Artem Chigvintsev.

The Australian beauty, 28, has been under constant pressure from judges to 'let go' in her performances and it seems she finally has, with Alesha Dixon saying: 'You totally owned it tonight.'

Hats off to them: Alex Jones and James Jordan juggled dancing and props

Sealed with a kiss: James plants a smacker on Alex's cheek

However, they crept in at fourth position with a total of 37, behind Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff in third with 40.

The One show presenter Alex Jones and her partner James Jordan came up against criticism from the judges, scoring fifth of the night.

Their first dance achieved a lowly 29, but they boosted it with a total of 34.

Anita Dobson and Brendan Cole were second from bottom with 32.

Sensual: Chelsee Healy showed off her curves in purple dress

Not bad considering they have not danced together before though.

Cole stepped in after Dobson's original partner Robin Windsor pulled out with a foot infection.

The fall from grace came after stealing the show at last week's Wembley Arena performance.

But the couple were slammed by judge Craig, who branded their dance 'mediocre'.

Alesha was a little more encouraging, adding: 'I thought it was quirky, funny and sweet. You've developed a great partnership.'

Battling for survival: Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff are hoping for a place in the final

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2066647/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2011-Robbie-Savage-drops-trousers.html#ixzz1ernyFr00

Chelsee Healey puts wardrobe malfunction behind her as she tops the leaderboard with the Charleston

'Fabulous flapper' Chelsee Healey puts wardrobe malfunction behind her as she tops the leaderboard with the Charleston

By Emily Sheridan

Last updated at 4:36 PM on 6th November 2011

Last week she was left in tears when her outfit started falling off during her Halloween tango.

But Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey bounced back this week as she topped the leaderboard after her bouncy Charleston.

The 23-year-old and her partner Pasha Kovalev received a 36 for their routine to Ray Henderson's Has Anybody Seen My Gal? - the second time they have topped the leaderboard this series.

Back on form: Chelsee Healey and Pasha Kovalev topped the leaderboard with 36 on Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing

Fast-paced: The couple's energetic Charleston drew praises from all the judges

Guest judge Jennifer Grey, who won the U.S. version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars last year, made a comment related to her famous role in Dirty Dancing.

Grey enthused: 'You're the baby of the competition. But from one Baby to another, you keep dancing like that and nobody's gonna put you in the corner.'

Tonioli added: 'Chelsee the fabulous flapper. It was pleasing and teasing. You were driving the Charleston to the limit.'

The fabulous flapper: Chelsee was praised for being 'pleasing and teasing'

Last week, Healey broke down when her dress started slipping down during her tango, despite being assured by host Tess Daly nobody saw anything.

Singer Lulu opened the show performing the tango to Prince's Kiss with her professional partner Brendan Cole, which received a total of 27.

The dance appeared to go down extremely well with guest judge Grey: 'How gorgeous are you? That was phenomenal. I don't know what they're putting in your porridge but I want some. Obviously we have little slip-ups but I couldn't help but love everything about you.'

Wowing the judges: Craig Revel-Horwood, Jennifer Grey, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli all gave the couple 9s

Great response: Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Jennifer Grey, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli

Bruno Tonioli gave Lulu a mixed response: 'You drive me crazy. You started so well. The frame went. He was dragging you around at the end.'

Craig Revel-Horwood also said Lulu drove him 'mad': 'The head placement was very very poor. You were looking down a lot. Your shoulders were very loose. You keep miming which drives me mad. You need to stop that and tell the story... I really loved the routine.'

Boxer Audley Harrison and partner Natalie Lowe stepped things up after ending up in the bottom two last week.

First to dance: Lulu and Brendan Cole opened Saturday's live show with a tango to Prince's Kiss

Mixed response: Both Bruno and Craig told Lulu she drove them 'crazy' and 'wild' with her miming

They received a total of 27 for their Viennese Waltz to Avril Lavigne's I'm With You.

Alesha Dixon said: 'I much prefer you in ballroom dancing. You had such nice control. I just want you to push it a bit more. You're so charming and endearing.'

Tonioli added: 'I had no idea you could be so delicate, so charming. I could see the connection. You have to be careful on the drive. Sometimes it looked like you were walking.'

Charming and endearing: Audley Harrison and Natalie Lowe hoped their Viennese Waltz would save them from the bottom two again

Slowing things down: The couple received 27 for their performance

McFly's Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani's sizzling samba to Stevie Wonder's I Wish set temperatures rising on the judges panel, receiving a 33.

An over-excited Tonioli said: 'That was samba full of pecs appeal. There were intriguing glimpses of what your hips can do.

'Your bounces were pushed rather than let it happen. You're a very good dancer but this one was slightly forced. It's got to be natural.'

Sizzling: McFly's Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani heated things up with their samba to Stevie Wonder's I Wish

Distracting: Judd's revealing shirt and toned pecs caught the attention of the judging panel

And Revel-Horwood was also taken by Judd's open shirt: 'The shirt was a slight distraction... I did notice your bounce action was a little non-existent. You mastered everything else.'

Next to dance as former EastEnders actress Anita Dobson and Robin Windsor, doing the Charleston to George Gershwin's I've Got Rhythm.

All the judges agreed there were some timing issues, but she had captured the spirit of the Twenties dance, giving her a total score of 31.

Capturing the spirit of the Twenties: Anita Dobson and Robin Windsor's Charleston also impressed the judges

Cheers! The pair ended their dance by pouring a Martini for the former Queen Vic landlady

Dixon said: 'It was light, cute ,fun, you captured the spirit of the dance. You're transforming into a dancer.'

Revel-Horwood added: 'You lost a bit of swivel and you were a little bit behind but you really brought the dance to life.'

Receiving some of his worst comments from the judges was singer Jason Donovan and his partner Kristina Rihanoff.

Boring? Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff's Rumba to Killing Me Softly didn't go down well the judges

Lacking chemistry: The couple were criticised for not having enough of a connection

Their rumba to Killing Me Softly received 28, with Dixon admitting she was a 'little bored' watching.

She said: 'It felt contrived. You're doing all the steps and I wanted to feel that genuine romance and spark.'

Tonioli was also disappointed: 'I didn't feel anything tonight. It wasn't there. The whole thing didn't gel compared to your usual standards.'

Grey said: 'You killed me softly with the that rumba. I think you need to dig deeper and connect more to your sexy power. I wanna feel more lust.'

Have they got that swing? Alex Jones and James Jordan were next to perform with their quickstep to Duke Ellington's It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing).

Oops: Bruce Forsyth helps up Alex after she and James fall over at the end of their dance

The One Show's Alex Jones and James Jordan were next to perform with their quickstep to Duke Ellington's It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing).

They received a good score of 31, despite falling over at the end of the dance.

Revel-Horwood said: 'There were some small timing issues but that was your heel caught in the dress and I think you coped with that amazingly well. It was full of personality.'

Grey remarked: 'It was like a fine champagne it was bubbly, effervescent and made me feel giddy.'

Controlled and poised: Robbie Savage showed his serious side with Ola Jordan during their waltz

Looking a lot less confident this week was footballer Robbie Savage, who received a 29 for his waltz with Ola Jordan to Take That's Love Ain't Here Anymore.

Tonioli said: 'It was very controlled, very poised. Your most correct performance to date. You need to put a lot more sweep into the waltz.'

Revel-Horwood added: 'You had a fantastic rise and fall. But it was devoid of any emotion. You were tense and angry on the pivots.'

High camp: Russell Grant and Flavia Cacace performed the Paso Doble to Georges Bizet's Carmen

Astonishing: Grant was praised by Bruno for doing Benny Hill's version of the Paso

Ending up at the bottom of the leader board was astrologer Russell Grant and Flavia Cacace's paso doble to Carmen by George Bizet, which received 24.

However, Tonioli did praise him: 'Once you started it was a proper paso. It was Benny Hill's version of the pabo. Fermented and fabulous at the same time.'

Revel-Horwood was lost for words and could only manage 'astonishing'.

Finally some energy: Holly Valance and Artem Chigvintsev's Jive impressed the judges

Ending the show was Australian singer/actress Holly Valance and Artem Chigvintsev with a jive to Bruno Mars' Runaway Baby, which brought them in second place on the leaderboard with 34.

Dixon told Valance: 'You looked exhausted. It was full of energy. It was a cool and sophisticated give.'

Revel-Horwood said: 'I absolutely loved that concept. Finally Holly some energy from you.'

WEEK 6 LEADERBOARD

Chelsee Healy and Pasha Kovalev: 36
Holly Valance and Artem Chigvintsev: 34
Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani: 33
Anita Dobson and Robin Windsor: 31
Alex Jones and James Jordan: 31
Robbie Savage and Ola Jordan: 29
Jason Donovan and Kristina Rihanoff: 28
Lulu and Brendan Cole: 27
Audley Harrison and Natalie Lowe: 27
Russell Grant and Flavia Cacace: 24