EXCLUSIVE: Former Dancing On Ice star James Jordan has shared his thoughts on the 2025 series of the ITV show – and how the cast can’t “stand each other” off camera
Dancing On Ice is reportedly not all rainbow and butterflies off camera as some of the staff reportedly “can’t stand each other” – making it another blow for the show.
Former contestant and Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan spoke to Daily Star in a collaboration with Sky Vegas.com. When asked if the cast often get on as well as they appear to on camera, he warned viewers to not “believe everything they see” on air.
James explained: “Having done Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing on Ice for many years, I’ve genuinely seen incredible connections [between the celebrities and the professionals].
“You don’t always see that on camera – there’s also the opposite, where they can’t stand each other. On camera, everyone at home thinks they’re best friends and one big happy family, but that’s not always the case.
“A lot of it depends on that brief time during the live shows and how the VTs are edited. Don’t believe everything you see on camera, because some of those connections are genuinely lovely, while others can’t stand each other. It happens – you’re not going to get on with everyone in life.”
He continued: “It’s tough to tell sometimes, even for me, when I’m watching it. I’ve heard from friends who’ve been involved with the show or worked behind the scenes that some pairs couldn’t stand each other. I’d be shocked because I’d assume they were best buddies. As a viewer now, I also find it really hard to tell apart.”
When asked if he has any tips for the finalists to scoop the ITV trophy, he also shared his inside intel after winning the show in 2019. James explained: “[The secret to winning] is really about showing the public at home how much you’re enjoying it. You can usually tell who’s genuine because it’s hard to fake it for the entire series.
“People love a journey – and I know that word can be overused – but they enjoy seeing progress or witnessing someone become exceptional. We’ve seen that on Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing on Ice many times.
“Sometimes, the best performer from the start wins, but other times, someone who starts out average progresses and surprises everyone. The public loves that journey and votes for it. Some people vote for the partnership they fall in love with or the chemistry between them – so it’s not just about the dancing; it’s about popularity too, and that’s fine. These shows aren’t strict competitions; they’re entertainment shows, and you should vote for whoever moves you the most.”
He added: “For me, Anton [Ferdinand] really moved me. He’s probably been my least favourite on the show, but if that had been the final last night, I would’ve said he deserved to win.
“My opinion of him has completely changed. If he can continue to deliver at that level, he deserves to be in the final. He’s progressed more than anyone else. If you vote for him because of that, even if he’s not the best, that’s not wrong. That’s what the show is about. Personally, I don’t always want to see the best dancer or skater win every year.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
