Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan has publicly challenged the "false narrative" presented to viewers about this year's winner, footballer Karen Carney, insisting she is not the complete novice she was portrayed as.
The 'False Narrative' of a Novice Dancer
Jordan, who danced on the BBC show from 2006 to 2013, appeared on Good Morning Britain on Monday 22nd December 2025 to set the record straight. He argued that the programme's storyline led the public to believe the 38-year-old Lioness had no prior dance experience, which he claims is incorrect.
"Well she had danced from the age of three to 16 in street dance and she also used to compete in it," Jordan stated. "But the narrative we were led to believe was that she was a non-dancer."
He pointed to Carney's impressive week one performance, which featured a complex aerial double-spin, as evidence of her underlying skill. "None of us can do that. So I'm just putting it out there that the narrative was that she wasn't [trained]," he added.
A Call for Fairness and a 'Handicap System'
Jordan clarified that his issue is not with Carney personally, whom he praised, but with the perceived imbalance on the show. He contrasted her background with that of fellow finalist, West End star Amber Davies, who faced significant online trolling for her extensive professional dance training.
"I just think there needs to be a level because how can you be a non-dancer on the show competing against someone who is professional, or very, very trained?" Jordan questioned. "Strictly is supposed to be about taking someone who is not a dancer and watching them go through the journey."
He revealed he had been backing the other finalist, YouTuber George Clarke, to win precisely because he had "no dance experience whatsoever." To address this recurring issue, Jordan suggested the show might need to implement a new structure.
"Maybe there needs to be a handicap system to help the people who aren't trained dancers," he proposed, while acknowledging the need for entertainment. "We don't wanna watch 15 Ann Widdecombes either... But you want them in the show!"
Defending the Trained Dancers
Jordan also used the interview to defend Amber Davies from the harsh criticism she received online. He reiterated that while he believes having fully-trained dancers "defeats the object of the show," it is not the contestant's fault if they are asked to participate.
"Don't troll her. Don't be horrible to the poor girl," he urged the public. "She's doing the best she can, and she's producing amazing dancing week on week."
Karen Carney and her professional partner Carlos Gu triumphed in the grand final on Saturday 20th December, beating Davies and Clarke to lift the Glitterball Trophy. The debate ignited by Jordan highlights the ongoing tension in the show between pure entertainment and a level playing field, a discussion that is sure to continue long after the glitter has settled.
