EXCLUSIVE: The professional dancer delivered their verdict.

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan has criticised celebrities with significant dance experience taking part in the BBC show. The dad of one, 47, explained he doesn’t have a problem if people have some dance experience but he feels it is now being taken too far. His remarks come as West End star Amber Davies has made the final amidst huge criticism due to her professional experience.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk he said: “I personally think that there’s nothing wrong with having people have had a bit of dance training, but as soon as you get people that do it for a living, and…they’ve had lots and lots of dance training to the point where I watch them do some things, and I know the professional dancers on the show can’t do that…it’s like, wow, they’re doing things that even the pros on Strictly can’t do. So that level, you kind of go… maybe no, because the show would still be great anyway (without them).”

Speaking on behalf of Freebets.com he continued: “If you want to see amazing dancing get the professional dancers doing more solo’s so people get to see the great dancing, because that’s what they’re on the show for.

“So for me personally, I think it would become a bit more authentic (with non dancers). I think it’s lost its authenticity.

“The show is supposed to be about taking someone that hasn’t danced, watching their journey, and that’s what I’ve always loved about the show.

“So when you get people come on and they’re amazing in week one they do have a massive advantage,” he opined.

Former Strictly pro James Jordan has commented on the casting of this year’s show (Image: Getty)

“Obviously, it’s been proved that the public don’t necessarily get behind them in the same way, but it’s still great to watch.

“And on the flip side you don’t want want to watch 15 Anne Widdecombe’s either – that would be pretty s*** TV,” he said referring to the former politician’s memorable stint on the show in 2010 when she was paired with Anton Du Beke, who is now a judge on the show.

“It is great to see one. It’s great. I love it brilliant. I find it so entertaining, but I don’t want to watch 15 of them.

“Don’t misunderstand me, I love Anne Widdecombe. I thought she was brilliant for the show, and she was what the show is about. But you don’t want to see 15 of them. You need to have some people on there with some dance ability and somewhere where they can go, but not fully trained dancers,” he insisted.