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Ola Jordan appears on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, 11 years after leaving the show

Former Strictly professional Ola Jordan appeared on the BBC spin-off It Takes Two on Friday 9 October, 11 years after she left. She had earlier criticised the show's new hosts and its judging.

2 outlets · 0L · 0C · 2R First reported Account updated
Image: Daily Mail
Image: Daily Express

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The story, neutrally told

Right · 2Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Ola Jordan appeared as a guest on the BBC spin-off It Takes Two on Friday 9 October 2026, about 11 years after leaving the main show. Right · 1She was part of a guest line-up that also included Strictly alumni Sarah Hadland and Dr Ranj, according to the Daily Mail. Right · 1On the programme she gave her views on this year's contestants, saying she felt for Shaun Wright-Phillips after a weak first week, was glad he improved in the second, and hoped he would stay in, while noting his Quickstep would be hard.

Right · 1Afterwards she posted photos on Instagram, writing that it felt like "coming home" and thanking Strictly for having her back; the Daily Express said fans replied asking for her to appear more often, or even present or dance again. Right · 2Jordan danced on Strictly from 2006 to 2015 and won in 2009 with sports reporter Chris Hollins. Right · 1She left in 2015 after a reported fallout over the sacking of her husband James the year before. At the time she accused the judges of over- and under-marking routines to keep certain couples in; the BBC denied this.

Right · 1Since leaving she has commented on the show. This year she said new hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe were still finding their feet. She called Willis "amazing", said the links with Radebe were "a bit messy" and thought Widdicombe seemed nervous. Right · 1The Daily Mail reported that the new presenting line-up, which replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, has been heavily scrutinised and that the first live show drew 4.8 million viewers, down from 6.2 million the year before. Right · 1The Mail also noted that the appearance comes after Jordan and James Jordan announced in a joint statement in August that they were ending their relationship after 26 years. She wrote on Instagram of a hard summer and of drawing comfort from their six-year-old daughter.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split. The number is how many outlets it cites.

Left0 outlets

No left outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.

Centre0 outlets

No centre outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.

Right2 outlets

Framing
Both outlets treat the appearance as a notable comeback. The Mail sets it against her past criticism of the show and hosts, falling ratings and her divorce. The Express focuses on warm fan reaction.
Emphasis
The Mail stresses her past criticism, the ratings drop and her personal life; the Express stresses fan delight and her Instagram message.
Leaves out or plays down
Neither outlet includes a BBC comment on her return or on her earlier criticism beyond the 2015 denial. The Mail gives two different ages for her (44 and 43). The Express does not mention her past criticism or the split.
Charged language
“lack of chemistry”“manipulated”“heavily scrutinised”“welcome return”
For example
“Ola's appearance will no doubt delight It Takes Two viewers.” — Daily Mail
“BBC fans were swift to embrace the former professional dancer's return to Strictly Come Dancing” — Daily Express