Strictly’s James Jordan received backlash for competing on Dancing On Ice because of his professional dance experience, but now he’s had his say about the criticism.
After receiving the highest scores for his routine last night, James was met with complaints from some viewers who claimed he had an “advantage”.
But he made his feelings clear by revealing that he wasn’t “too good” when he began training for the ITV show three months ago and that he believes he “deserved” the generous marks he got.
The 40-year-old retweeted a message from a fan, which read: “He trained at our local rink in between practices with his partner and he has worked incredibly hard. He really wasn’t too good when he started. He deserved the marks he got. Well done @The_JamesJordan”.
He trained at our local rink in between practices with his partner and he has worked incredibly hard. He really wasn’t too good when he started. He deserved the marks he got. Well done @The_JamesJordan
— Karen Martin (@tamaritwirler) January 6, 2019
His wife, and former Strictly star, Ola Jordan also defended him by retweeting the message.
The 36-year-old also voiced how “proud” she was of her hubby, posting: “Thank you guys for all your lovely comments. You can only imagine how proud I’m of my boy.@The_JamesJordan and @AlexandraLukasz
Thank you everyone for voting.
Big Love 💕💕💕💕💕”.
Thank you guys for all your lovely comments. You can only imagine how proud I’m of my boy.@The_JamesJordan and @AlexandraLukasz
Thank you everyone for voting.
Big Love 💕💕💕💕💕— Ola Jordan (@The_OlaJordan) January 6, 2019
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James also ‘liked’ numerous supportive tweets from fans after some criticised him, including one tweet where a viewer told the haters to “get a grip”.
Hubby and I watched this totally open mouthed – amazing performance by @The_JamesJordan To all the #haters saying he has an advantage, get a grip skating is completely different! Didn’t watch the last series but loving the celebs for 2019. #sundaynighttv https://t.co/OpEBl8mZig
— Mandy Morris (@mandydawn5) January 6, 2019
@The_JamesJordan loved your first skate, ballroom dancing doesn’t translate to the ice so be very proud of how hard you worked.
I’d love to see @DanielWhiston on strictly next year.— Mrs A (@Gillian09724767) January 6, 2019
To those criticising @The_JamesJordan for being a “pro” ala Ashley Roberts on Strictly – he’s on ice FFS! Like assuming Usain Bolt would be a natural speed-skater #DancingOnIce
— India Willoughby (@IndiaWilloughby) January 6, 2019
In another tweet, James thanked Strictly’s It Takes Two host Zoe Ball for her support.
Thank you babe, miss you 😘
— James Jordan (@The_JamesJordan) January 7, 2019
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Ola previously revealed how “nervous” James had been ahead of his first dance on the ice last night (6 January).
Today is the day that my boy @The_JamesJordan is dancing on @dancingonice with @AlexandraLukasz
He has come a long way from the first day on the ice. And I’m already so proud.
All I can tell you is that he is so nervous and it makes me so anxious for him.
Good Luck to them both💕— Ola Jordan (@The_OlaJordan) January 6, 2019
You’ve certainly set the bar high for next week, James!
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