James Jordan's Strictly Preview: Week Six/Reaction to Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly Departing Show

Updated: October 23, 2025 at 4:01 pm GMT+1

Strictly Come Dancing hall of famer, James Jordan, is back to preview Week Five, providing Free Bets with his expert insight, analysis and predictions throughout the series.

James has also reacted to the shock news that long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are leaving the BBC show — with Tess stepping down after an incredible 21 years at the helm.

Speaking shortly after the announcement broke, the former pro dancer called it “huge news” for the programme, praising both presenters as “the bricks and mortar of Strictly” and reflecting on their warmth, humour, and legacy during his eight years working alongside them.

Potential Claudia and Tess Replacements & Who's Next To Leave

Breaking news: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have stepped down. How big is this for Strictly?

Huge. I worked with them both for eight series, and they were brilliant to me and Ola: warm, funny, totally professional. Claudia is genuinely hilarious and so quick; Tess was always kind and steady. Together they’ve been the bricks and mortar of Strictly. Two decades is extraordinary service, and the show would not have become a juggernaut without them.

Both going at once is massive. Whoever steps in is inheriting a double act with real chemistry and ease. Big shoes to fill.

Why now? Do you think recent controversies played a part?

I don’t buy that. The show is bigger than any single news cycle, and none of that is about Tess and Claudia personally. Twenty-one years is a lifetime in TV. Maybe they decided together; maybe the BBC had thoughts—none of us know. What I do think is that after such long runs, shows sometimes benefit from a refresh.

Who should replace them?

It’s such a big call that I wouldn’t rush it. You need humour, warmth, and empathy—and two people who gel naturally. Names I like as presenters generally include Bradley Walsh and Vernon Kay. Are they right for Strictly? Possibly. I’ve heard Rylan and Stacey Dooley floated; they’re logical picks given their links to the show, but I’d still urge the BBC to think outside the box rather than default to the obvious.

Could I see myself upstairs in Claudia’s area? Absolutely. I know that space, I know what the pros and celebs are going through in those moments, and I’d have fun with them. Would I love to judge? Of course. But the key is: find two hosts with natural rapport. You can have two great individuals who simply don’t click. Pilot combinations, test chemistry, and prioritise lightness—Strictly needs that on a Saturday night.

Would you take the presenting role if the BBC called?

One hundred percent I’d consider it. I’d love to judge, too. I’d also love Claudia’s old perch—bantering with the couples, asking the right technical follow-ups, and bringing a bit of mischief. I’ve lived that room. I know how it feels when you’re giddy from adrenaline or gutted from a stumble.

If the format is refreshing, should the pro line-up change too?

Yes. If you’re making big changes at the top, shake up the pros as well. Fresh blood matters. There are some fantastic British dancers who deserve a shot, and I’d like to see a better balance between homegrown and overseas talent again. It’s not about nationality for me. I’m married to a Polish ex-pro from the show, it’s about ensuring the roster feels vibrant and competitive.

You’ve been outspoken about pros who don’t get partners. What’s broken?

The current contract model isn’t fair. Back in my day, if you signed, you knew you were getting a celebrity partner. Now you can sign and end up in the troupe with no say. That’s like hiring someone for a producer role and telling them after they’ve signed, they might actually be a runner. I’d love to see the pros stand together and insist on clarity: you’re a teaching pro this year or you’re in the troupe. Then people can choose accordingly.

Also, if a pro has never had a strong celeb, how can we judge their ceiling? Give someone like Neil a partner with real potential and let’s see what he can do across a full series.

Are the judges softer now—and is overmarking a thing?

I think both are true. I prefer honest critique over constant sugar-coating. You don’t have to be nasty, but you can be clear: “You need to fix X, Y and Z.” On scoring, we have more trained celebs now, so naturally numbers rise. Even so, I find myself under the panel most weeks on several dances. Sometimes the gap is minor; sometimes I’m miles lower. Overmarking happens.

Trained celebs vs. non-dancers—does the backlash ever go away?

No, and I understand why the debate lingers. Trained performers have a massive advantage with timing, coordination and musicality. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be cast. Strictly needs a mix, but if you come in with serious training, own it. What frustrates me is that the backlash skews towards women. People will hammer a trained female celeb and give a trained male a free pass because he’s charming or handsome. Call it what you want, that’s what I see.

The leaderboard matters here, if you’re trained and routinely at the top, it’s much harder to fall into a dance-off. If you do, the judges will usually save you on quality. That’s the dynamic non-dancers fight against all series.

Three-couple final or four?

Three. Gold-silver-bronze is clean, and in a four-couple final the fourth-place pair often don’t even get their show dance away properly. With Stefan’s exit, if they want to avoid a dead week, just skip the double elimination later and keep the single eliminations rolling. The jeopardy week-to-week is important.

Next up, your prediction last week was spot on AGAIN, but you tweeted the couple “shouldn’t have been in the bottom two.” What’s your take, and who’s in danger this week?

I stand by what I posted. Even though the prediction came in, I didn’t think they deserved to be in the bottom two on the night. Sometimes the public sentiment and the studio performance don’t line up, and that’s Strictly. It isn’t a pure dance contest.

Looking ahead, my instinct is that Balvinder will be down there again. With Stefan withdrawing, I expect the producers will drop the planned double elimination and keep it to a single this week. As for who joins Balvinder, it could be Harry & Karen, and I say that with a heavy heart because I really like him. A lot will depend on dances and themes, but when I look at the field, there are simply stronger dancers around him right now. It’ll test how popular he is with voters.

If I had to stick my neck out on who actually goes? Based on current form and momentum, Balvinder is most at risk.

PGKP77 Hosts Claudia Winkleman (left) and Tess Daly at the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2018 held at The Broadcasting House, London.

'Huge Shoes to Fill!'

Is Strictly still Strictly without Tess and Claudia?

Yes. The format is bulletproof. You could change a lot of pieces and the show would still work, provided you protect its core: big-band Saturday night entertainment with wit, warmth and a genuine contest feel. That’s why the upstairs host in particular needs to be quick, cheeky and empathetic. Keep the tone light without turning it into farce.

What qualities must the new hosts have?

A sense of fun, a little quirk, and the ability to listen and react. It’s not a teleprompter job; you’re catching people at their rawest. And the BBC must prioritise chemistry. Do screen tests. Mix unexpected pairings. Don’t just hand the job to two names because they’re “obvious.” Find a duo who make you smile the second they step on set.

Shirley Ballas was in attendance during your ‘Legends’ finale tour and she gave you a standing ovation. How nice was it catching up with you given your long-standing professional relationship?

I’ve known Shirley since I was young. She came to our Legends tour, stood for me before anyone else, posted about it, and it genuinely moved me. She didn’t have to do that. It meant a lot.

Personally, I’m in great nick. Coming back to the stage pushed me to train hard again, eat better, and take it seriously. But there’s also a realism that comes with age: you reach a point where you have to hang up the competition shoes. That’s why media and presenting feel like a natural evolution—I can still contribute, just in a different way.

Looking ahead, would you ever do I’m A Celebrity—or SAS: Who Dares Wins?

I’d consider the jungle, but I’m terrified of heights and creepy-crawlies, so I’d probably be TV gold for all the wrong reasons. SAS? I’m too competitive; I’d push beyond what’s sensible. Big Brother suited me because I’m outspoken and honest—done it twice—but I’m open to new challenges if they fit.

Final verdict: end of an era or a new chapter?

Both—and that’s okay. Tess and Claudia leaving together is a seismic TV moment. They deserve all the tributes they’ll get and more. But Strictly isn’t just a show; it’s a ritual. If the BBC chooses two hosts with genuine chemistry, protects the live-show spirit, and refreshes a few other parts of the ecosystem—especially the pro set-up—the series will be absolutely fine. In fact, it could feel newly alive next year. Tess and Claudia built something beautiful. Now it’s about honouring that by getting the next bit right.

For the best betting offers and odds on all things Strictly Come Dancing, head over to our betting sites page to take advantage of the latest welcome offers.

Joshua Kerr

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