Strictly fans horrified as they watch unearthed footage of ‘fiery tempered’ pro dancer calling his partner ‘fat’
AS allegations about the behaviour of different pro dancers on Strictly continue to come to light, fans of the show were horrified to see footage of James Jordan raging at a co-star in 2006.
In the clip the English ballroom dancer threw a chair across the studio as his partner failed to keep up with the routine.
During a piece to camera he warned that unless actress Georgina Bouzova broke a rib, he didn’t care how much pain she was in.
The Casualty star could be seen struggling to stand on one leg as James said he would “drag her across the floor and scream at her” if she forgot her moves.
At one point she walked out of the studio in tears with James following saying: “We’ve got no time for crying.”
The tired actress complained: “It’s just not the right way to work.”
James could also be heard referring to Georgina as a “lazy cow”.
At one point she shared that he thought of her as “a bit of a porker” and the pair laughed.
The pro dancer banned his co-star from eating chocolates and sweets during her stint on Strictly, and would supervise her grocery shopping to make sure she only bought ham and pineapple.
The footage that showcased his brutal training style was originally aired on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two in 2006.
Host Claudia Winkleman joked about the clip to audience members, calling James “an extraordinary human being”.
James and Georgina were paired up together for the pro dancer’s first stint on Strictly – and became the fourth couple to be eliminated.
The video recently resurfaced on TikTok in the aftermath of Graziano Di Prima being axed from Strictly.
This happened after claims from Zara McDermott that her dance partner hit her, kicked her and spit at her in the studio.
James responded to the Love Island star’s statement in shock, tweeting: “Just seen another pro dancer is not coming to Strictly – again for apparent abusive behaviour. What is going on?”
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.