Strictly Come Dancing's Ola Jordan has broken her silence amid allegations she 'bullied' her celebrity dance partner Steve Backshall. While many fans, former dancer partners and her husband James Jordan have leapt to her defence, Ola has chosen not to comment – until now. "I am absolutely overwhelmed with all the support and love you have given me on here," Ola, 32, posted on Twitter. "Thank you all for your kind words.
© Photo: Getty Images"
Thank you for the support to the man I couldn't imagine my life without. My best friend. My Rock. Love you @The_JamesJordan. "It was alleged in the Daily Mail last week that Steve had lodged a complaint with the BBC stating that Ola had shown a "rude and impatient" manner towards him in rehearsals and had dented his confidence on the show.It prompted her husband James, 36, to respond with a flurry of messages on his Twitter account.
"I will start by saying that @The_OlaJordan is very upset about the article. Even if it's not true, lots of people do believe what they read," James began. "The source said BBC are fed up with @The_OlaJordan's popularity and are trying to turn the public against her. NICE… And why????"He added, "I know I can be very outspoken but always say it as it is. @The_OlaJordan is the opposite to me. Not a bad bone in her body!!
"They are also trying to get @SteveBackshall to dance with someone else on the 'Strictly tour' so @The_OlaJordan can't do it. Shame." After encouraging fans to show their support by using the hashtag #Weloveolajordan, James then retweeted several messages. "Wish I could RT all of you tweeps," he said. "@The_OlaJordan will see how much support she has and I know it will lift her spirits. THANK YOU ALL."
So far, Steve has not commented on the bullying claims – although in one of his messages, James said, "Apparently @SteveBackshall has been advised not to tweet about it because it will draw more attention."
© Photo: Getty ImagesAmong the stars who have spoken out in support of Ola are her former dance partners, Ashley Taylor Dawson and Robbie Savage.
Hollyoaks actor Ashley, paired with Ola last year, wrote, "I did 18 hour days, had about 5 hours sleep a night for 4 months… Oh and a newborn baby!! @The_OlaJordan is not a bully. "Former footballer Robbie, meanwhile, told the Mirror, "I danced with Ola for a year and she was a great teacher and I got on really well with her. My wife and kids liked her, she was a great teacher and wonderful to work with."
