Professional dancer Ola Jordan is making a much-anticipated return to the familiar territory of "It Takes Two," the companion show to "Strictly Come Dancing." Her comeback is noteworthy, arriving after an 11-year absence during which she openly shared her views on the main show's evolution. Jordan's recent critiques of the new hosting trio, citing a 'lack of chemistry,' coincided with a noticeable decline in "Strictly's" viewership figures. This television appearance also occurs at a significant juncture in her personal life, as she recently disclosed the dissolution of her marriage to fellow dancer James Jordan.
Ola Jordan Returns to "It Takes Two" Amidst "Strictly" Scrutiny and Personal Transition
London, UK – On a recent Friday evening, professional dancer Ola Jordan, aged 44, graced the set of "It Takes Two," the popular spin-off of "Strictly Come Dancing," marking her first appearance on the program in over a decade. Her return comes 11 years after her departure from the main competition, where she was a prominent figure from 2006 to 2015. Jordan joined a panel of esteemed "Strictly" alumni, including actress Sarah Hadland and medical professional Dr. Ranj, for a much-anticipated guest spot.
This television engagement holds particular significance for Jordan, as it follows her recent public announcement regarding the conclusion of her long-standing marriage to James Jordan, also a former "Strictly" professional. The couple, who had been together for 26 years, released a joint statement in August that surprised many of their fans.
Since her exit from "Strictly," Ola Jordan has been vocal about her opinions on the beloved dance competition. Notably, she recently voiced concerns about the new presenting lineup – Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe – citing a perceived 'lack of chemistry' among them. Her comments echoed a broader sentiment, as the latest season of "Strictly" has faced considerable scrutiny, with viewing figures for its inaugural live show dipping to 4.8 million, a notable decrease from the previous year's 6.2 million.
Reflecting on the new hosts, Jordan remarked, "It's just so fresh at the moment." She expressed admiration for Emma Willis, suggesting she would like to see her take a more prominent role. Regarding Radebe and Widdicombe, Jordan observed that they appeared to be "still finding their feet," noting moments of disorganization in their transitions. She specifically commented on Josh Widdicombe, suggesting his comedic timing might be hampered by nervousness, hoping he would 'warm up a bit more.'
Jordan's initial departure from "Strictly" in 2015 was reportedly linked to a dispute following her husband James's dismissal the year prior. At that time, she publicly accused the judging panel of manipulating scores to favor certain contestants, allegations that the BBC vehemently denied. Her return to the spin-off is expected to be a welcome sight for many viewers of "It Takes Two."
Addressing her recent marital separation, Ola Jordan shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, revealing the emotional challenges of her summer. She spoke of moments when her heart felt "heavier than I ever imagined," and acknowledged that "life has changed in ways I never expected." Throughout this period of uncertainty, she credited her six-year-old daughter, Ella, as her constant source of comfort and joy. Jordan concluded by extending her gratitude to her family, friends, and fans for their unwavering support, emphasizing its profound impact during her difficult times.
Ola Jordan's return to the "Strictly" family, even in a spin-off capacity, offers a fascinating lens through which to view the dynamics of long-running television shows and the personal journeys of those who contribute to them. Her candid assessments of the program's changes, coupled with her openness about significant personal transitions, invite viewers to consider the pressures and evolutions faced by both the show and its past stars. It highlights how public figures navigate their professional and private lives under scrutiny, offering a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour, there are real experiences of change, challenge, and resilience. Her story resonates as a testament to embracing new chapters while reflecting on past contributions.
