James Jordan defends Strictly 'favourite' Ed Balls as he backs him and Greg Rutherford

Jordan said the show should be about those who have had no prior dance training 
Dancing stars: James and Ola Jordan attend the Pride of Britain Awards
Ian West/PA
Emma Powell|Jennifer Ruby1 November 2016
The Weekender

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Former Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan has thrown his support behind Ed Balls and Greg Rutherford.

The professional dancer, 38, said the BBC ballroom show should be all about celebrities like Balls and Rutherford who have had no previous dance training.

Jordan – who quit the show in 2013 – defended Balls after some viewers fumed at how he has managed to avoid the dance-off this series.

Speaking to Standard Online at the Pride of Britain Awards Jordan said: “My favourite is Ed. I think he's brilliant. He's what the show is all about.

'Best dance': Ed Balls and Katya Jones
BBC

“Some people are saying that he shouldn't be there – but the others are trained dancers.

“It's supposed to be about people who can't dance and watching them improve and their journey, not about these people who have already been trained to dance.

“Ed and Greg are what the show's about for me.”

Balls and his partner Katya Jones scored 26 for their cha cha to Love Potion on Saturday night – which marked the first time they had avoided finishing at the bottom of the leader board.

Head judge Len Goodman hailed it his “best dance” saying: "Halloween is meant to be about the supernatural. That wasn't super or natural, but it was so much fun, strong pressure, kept on time, your best dance."

Resident Mr Nasty Craig Revel Horwood said Balls’ "bottom was moving spasmodically, like a bizarre washing machine” but couldn’t stop smiling following the performance.

Pride of Britain Awards 2016

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