Ola Jordan set to return to Strictly spin-off after she criticised the new hosts for having a ‘lack of chemistry’ and said the show was ‘manipulated’ following departure 11 years ago

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By CONNIE RUSK, ASSOCIATE SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR 16:44 09 Oct 2026, updated 17:09 09 Oct 2026

Ola Jordan will make her Strictly return on Friday night as she is set to appear on the spin-off show, It Takes Two, after quitting 11 years ago.

The professional dancer, 44, who appeared on the show from 2006 to 2015, was part of the guest line-up, alongside Strictly alumni Sarah Hadland and Dr Ranj.

The television appearance will mark a milestone moment for Ola, who announced the end of her marriage to fellow Strictly pro James Jordan earlier this year.

Since her departure, Ola has not been shy of voicing her opinion on the primetime show and recently criticised the new hosts for having a ‘lack of chemistry’.

Ever since Strictly returned, Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe have been heavily scrutinised after taking on the roles from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, with ratings falling.

The BBC also failed to pull in as many viewers as they perhaps would have wanted, as 4.8million tuned in – down substantially on last year’s 6.2million for the first live show.

Why Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's fightback is gathering pace4.9K viewing nowHow to tweak your diet to slash your risk of liver disease1.8K viewing now Ola Jordan made her Strictly return on Friday night as she appeared on the spin-off show, It Takes Two, after quitting 11 years ago The television appearance will mark a milestone moment for Ola, who announced the end of her marriage to fellow Strictly pro James Jordan earlier this year (pictured in 2012) Giving her take on the new line-up, Ola said when the show returned: ‘It’s just so fresh at the moment. I think Emma is amazing and I would like her to talk more. I would like her to take over more. The other two, obviously, I think they’re still finding their feet.

‘It was a bit messy at times, with the links with Johannes Radebe for example. I think they just need to clean it all up and make it a bit cleaner for next time.

‘I think maybe Josh Widdicombe is really nervous still, so I think we’re not getting that comedy as we would like to. I think he needs to maybe warm up a bit more and maybe he’s just really nervous.’

Ola left in 2015 after a reported fallout over the sacking of her husband James the year before.

At the time, the Strictly star accused the judges of over and under-marking routines in order to keep certain couples in the competition. The BBC denied her claims.

Ola’s appearance will no doubt delight It Takes Two viewers.

The dancer and her husband James, 48, shocked fans when they released a joint statement in August, revealing that they were ending their relationship after 26 years together.

While James has addressed the split during an appearance on This Morning and his podcast Manopause, Ola recently broke her silence.

Taking to Instagram with a candid message, she wrote: ‘There have been moments this summer when my heart has felt heavier than I ever imagined it could.

‘Life has changed in ways I never expected, and some days have been incredibly tough.’

Praising the pair’s six-year-old daughter for helping her get through she continued: ‘But through all of the uncertainty, one thing has remained constant, my beautiful girl Ella.

‘Spending these summer holidays with my baby girl, making memories, having cuddles, laughing until our tummies hurt and simply enjoying every precious moment together has been my greatest comfort.

‘She may not realise it now, but she has been my little ray of sunshine through some of my darkest days.

‘This summer hasn’t been the one I imagined, but I’m choosing to focus on what truly matters – her, our memories, and all the love between us.’

Thanking her family, friends and fans she added: ‘And to everyone who has sent me messages, checked in on me, shown me kindness or simply reminded me that I’m not alone.

‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your love and support have meant more to me than you will ever know.’

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