James Jordan, a former professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, recently revealed that a contestant in this year’s series has a distinct advantage due to past dance training. Jordan shared his insights on how some contestants’ experience sets them apart in the competition.
Secret Dance Training in Strictly Come Dancing
In a candid discussion, Jordan identified three contestants who he believes possess hidden dance backgrounds, raising questions among viewers. The three competitors include:
- Alex Kingston
- Lewis Cope
- Amber Davies
Alex Kingston’s Performance
Jordan expressed that it is particularly evident that actress Alex Kingston has had prior dance training. After her recent rumba performance, which received full marks and praise from judge Shirley Ballas, Jordan stated, “It’s clear to me that Alex has had formal dance training.” He emphasized that her skills appear too advanced for a beginner.
Lewis Cope’s Background
Lewis Cope also caught viewers’ attention due to his previous dancing experience. Cope performed on the West End in the musical Billy Elliot, which adds to the discussion about contestants who might downplay their dance history.
The Unfair Advantage Debate
Jordan further elaborated on how past dance experience can create an imbalance in the competition. He noted that contestants with professional training inherently possess a significant edge over those without. As he put it, “There are aspects of dance that non-trained individuals simply cannot execute.” This raises the stakes for those without such backgrounds, who rely heavily on public support to stay in the competition.
The Role of Judges and Public Voting
Judges play a crucial role in shaping the competition outcomes. Jordan mentioned that contestants who consistently rank at the top are unlikely to face elimination. He pointed out, “While judges influence decisions, the public vote is critical, particularly for those at the bottom of the leaderboard.” This dynamic reinforces the advantage that trained dancers hold.
Conclusion
While Jordan acknowledged that professionals are welcome on Strictly, he suggested that the presence of contestants with dance training could lead to backlash from viewers. As the current series unfolds, audiences will continue to scrutinize the performances and backgrounds of the contestants, particularly those like Alex Kingston, Lewis Cope, and Amber Davies, who may have a “secret dance advantage.” The ongoing debate highlights the challenges and complexities of fair competition in reality television.
