James Jordan Praises “Strictly” Star Ellie Goldstein, Admitting He Initially Had Concerns About Her Joining the Show

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan has heaped praise on 2025 contestant Ellie Goldstein, while candidly admitting that he initially had reservations about her joining the BBC’s beloved dance competition.

In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Daily, the 47-year-old dancer—who appeared on Strictly from 2006 to 2013—shared that, despite his early doubts, he’s been deeply moved by Ellie’s progress and believes she and her partner Vito Coppola could go all the way to the final.

“Vito and Ellie, they are my daughter’s favourite,” James revealed, speaking on behalf of Freebets. “My daughter Ella is five. She absolutely loves watching them.”

Ellie, a model and activist who made Strictly history as the first contestant with Down syndrome to compete in a full season, has become a fan favourite and a symbol of inclusion and representation in mainstream entertainment. Her graceful performances and heartfelt enthusiasm have earned glowing feedback from the judges and the public alike (BBC News).

James Jordan’s Early Concerns

Despite his admiration now, James admitted he was initially apprehensive about whether the competition’s demanding schedule might overwhelm Ellie.

“I was a bit worried at the beginning thinking, ‘Oh, is it going to be too much for her mentally?’” he said. “I’ve done the show myself for eight years, and I know it can be tough. It’s quite gruelling and emotionally draining as well.”

His comments echo concerns often raised about the intensity of Strictly’s training regimen, which typically involves over 30 hours of rehearsals per week leading up to the live shows (The Guardian). However, James went on to commend Vito’s mentorship and the strong bond between the pair.

“Vito’s doing such a fantastic job. I love their partnership. And if they got to the final, I would not be surprised because I think they’re going to have a lot of support,” he added warmly.

Defending Ellie and Vito Against Criticism

James, who also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, didn’t hold back in addressing criticism from some online commentators who suggested that Ellie’s success might be due to sympathy votes rather than dance ability.

“For me, as a professional dancer, I don’t want to just watch good dancing—I want to watch someone who moves me,” he said. “People online say, ‘Oh, they shouldn’t be getting further in the competition because this one’s better or that one’s better.’ Maybe technically they are, but when I watch Ellie and Vito, I really love watching them.”

The former pro argued that Strictly is not purely a technical dance contest but an entertainment show that celebrates storytelling, growth, and connection.

“It’s not a proper dance competition,” he said, before taking a subtle jab at the judging panel. “Otherwise, you’d have proper judges on the show, wouldn’t you?”

Looking Ahead for Ellie and Vito

Jordan, who himself reached the Strictly finals in 2009, said his only lingering concern is how Ellie will handle the transition from upbeat routines to more dramatic or emotional numbers as the competition progresses.

“The only thing I worry about is that they’ve done a lot of fun dances so far,” he explained. “When it gets to the more serious ones, is she going to be able to sell that as well? I don’t know. I hope so because I love them.”

Ellie’s performances have already been hailed as a “landmark moment for inclusive television,” with disability rights advocates praising Strictly and the BBC for showcasing genuine representation in prime-time entertainment (The Independent).

As the season continues, Ellie and Vito remain one of the most talked-about partnerships—combining charm, artistry, and inspiration in equal measure. Whether or not they reach the final, their journey is already being described as “transformative for the show’s legacy” (The Guardian).