Former Strictly professional James Jordan has stunned fans with a joke live on television about the latest scandal engulfing the show.
The BBC has engaged an external legal firm to examine allegations that two Strictly Come Dancing stars used cocaine whilst working on the programme.
The accusations emerged through a legal document submitted to the corporation several months ago by Russells solicitors, representing former contestant Wynne Evans.
The submission claims the alleged drug use was common knowledge amongst those working on the show. Neither the identities of the accused individuals nor their roles as professional dancers or celebrity participants have been revealed.
James Jordan appeared on This Morning on Monday
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Evans himself recently lost his BBC radio position after inappropriate remarks were filmed during the Strictly live tour. He confirmed on Instagram that the broadcaster had chosen not to extend his contract.
Former professional dancer Jordan sparked uncomfortable reactions during Monday's This Morning when discussing the allegations.
Asked by host Joel Dommett whether Strictly could weather another controversy, Jordan called the programme a "juggernaut".
He then added: "What you say about the show having changed is true, because, back in our day, long, long time ago, we only got Diet Coke, didn't we?"
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James Jordan (right) made the quip while speaking to Emma Willis and Joel Dommett
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The remark prompted nervous laughter from his fellow former professionals Brendan Cole, Pasha Kovalev and Ian Waite. Hosts Emma Willis and Dommett remained notably silent during the awkward moment.
Cole quickly intervened, saying "Moving the show along..." whilst Willis swiftly redirected the conversation to tour dates. Cole jokingly questioned whether Jordan would still participate, responding "5 September - not sure if James is going to be there."
Jordan's quip divided viewers on social media platforms. One user on X praised him as a "legend", whilst another criticised the timing, writing: "Not sure James Jordan making a joke about 'coke' is funny when it's actually a really serious situation."
Jordan had mocked the ongoing scandal on social media prior to his This Morning appearance too. "Just heard Strictly are considering adding line dancing into the show this year... That’s definitely an idea not to be sniffed at," he typed on X.
Meanwhile, Jordan's fellow former pro Cole expressed hope that the BBC would "deal with the situation in the correct way and look after the people on the show", acknowledging that controversy was inevitable given the programme's scale.
"We hold Strictly very dear to our hearts. It's the reason why we're on this sofa today," Cole stated. Jordan noted their personal connections made commenting difficult: "We do have lots of friends on the show and it's very difficult for us to comment when we don't really know what is true and what isn't, it's all just hearsay at the moment."
The corporation has maintained a formal stance on the matter. "We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us," a BBC spokesperson stated.
"We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further."
James Jordan (right) is currently touring with other former Strictly pros
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The broadcaster has appointed Pinsent Masons to lead the investigation, with the external legal team set to report findings to an internal BBC unit. Sources suggest the corporation is treating the allegations with considerable gravity.
Reports indicate that specialised professional support may be offered to the individuals involved, in line with BBC duty of care policies.
Amanda Abbington accused Giovanni Pernice of 'bullying' during their time on Strictly together in a separate scandal
| BBCSome sources suggest random drug testing could be introduced for future tours, depending on the investigation's outcomes.
These latest allegations compound existing difficulties for the BBC's flagship entertainment programme. Last year saw the departure of professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima following separate misconduct allegations from their celebrity partners.
Pernice faced accusations of "threatening and abusive behaviour" from actress Amanda Abbington, which he denied.
A BBC investigation ultimately upheld complaints of verbal bullying and harassment, though claims of physical aggression were not substantiated.
Di Prima expressed "deep regret" over circumstances leading to his exit. The controversies prompted the introduction of enhanced welfare measures on set.
Despite ongoing challenges, Strictly recently announced new professional dancers for its 2025 series, including American dancer Alexis Warr and Australian ballroom performer Julian Caillon, as the programme prepares for its 23rd season.