James Jordan slams Strictly for controversial Melvin Odoom elimination

Denise Van Outen looks delighted to be paired with James Jordan in the new series of Strictly

Former Strictly dancer James Jordan has criticised the show for eliminating Melvin Odoom despite Anastacia not competing in the dance off

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan has aired his views on the new controversy in the BBC One show.

Melvin Odoom was eliminated in Sunday night’s episode, following news that the dance off was cancelled.

Melvin and his professional dance partner Janette Manrara were due to face singer Anastacia and her pro partner Brendan Cole after the first public vote was combined with the judges’ scores.

But unfortunately Anastacia was unable to dance due to injury (she had ripped the scar tissue around where she had a mastectomy following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2013).

This meant the couple with the fewest viewer votes were eliminated, instead of the usual dance off.

*James Jordan and Denise Van Outen (Guy Levy/BBC)*

James faced a backlash after his initial comment on Twitter after he wrote: “SO!!! Whoever ends up in the dance off COULD fake an injury and go through to the next week on public vote without dancing.”

He then clarified his stance, but stood firm by his original thoughts that it was ‘wrong’ that Melvin was eliminated.

He was not happy with the decision when it screened on television.

Earlier, he was rooting for Melvin:

James last competed in Strictly in 2013, when he partnered Vanessa Feltz.

After exiting the show, Melvin tweeted to thank everyone for their support:

He will be giving his first interview on BBC Two’s It Takes Two on Monday evening.