Strictly Come Dancing star fumes at show for 'taking away' iconic feature

During the latest broadcast of Strictly Come Dancing, fans were taken aback when JB Gill surprisingly faced Paul Merson in the dance-off.

Viewers expressed dismay as the show broke tradition by excluding the anticipated grand group number from the start of the results episode.

Instead, the programme commenced with a summary of the previous evening's performances, immediately followed by the announcement of the safe contestants. The anticipated professional dance was postponed to a slot further in the episode.

Ola Jordan, former dance professional on the series and collaborator with Mecca Bingo, weighed in on the alterations during her review of the episode, reports Birmingham Live.

Ola revealed another gripe when probed about the switch-up concerning the group dance not starting off the Sunday show, admitting: "I haven't noticed the change-up in the results show.

"It's not like you don't have the group number. The group number is still there, it's just a different position. Other things bother me more like when the couples come down the stairs in the main show, they don't come down to the strictly music anymore."

In conclusion, she remarked: "For me, that's all about coming down with Strictly music. That's like the iconic thing, but they took that away.

"Tess and Claudia don't come down to Strictly music, nor do the judges, it's all random music now, which is weird for me. I find that weirder than the pro numbers at the beginning of the results show, I think."

Following his elimination from the competition, Paul reflected on his experience, telling host Tess Daly: "It's been really good. For anybody I talk to, I would say you've got to go on this show.

"It's amazing - everybody. There's a Tottenham fan over there called Lincoln and even he's nice!"

He continued: "It's been amazing, honestly, amazing. I loved every minute of it, I've had a great teacher. She's been amazing, absolutely amazing and I couldn't wish for a better coach. I've loved every minute of it.

"I can dance now - I've won because I can dance, I couldn't dance before and I can half dance now. It's a bonus, absolute bonus."

Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday on BBC One from 6:25pm