The GMB presenters comments come after some claims made by her ex-dance partner Steve Backshall resurfaced. Back in 2014, the former Strictly star – who quit the show in 2015 – was paired with Steve Backshall.

The ex-dance pro faced accusations of being a frosty, snappy and difficult partner during their training sessions by the Deadly 60 host. While discussing the drama on Tuesday’s GMB, Richard Madeley appeared to be puzzled about whether Ola was still strutting her stuff on the dance floor.

Madeley suggested the latter, noting that professional dancers themselves often admit how intense the schedule can be. Hours upon hours of practice are required to transform someone with little or no dance background into a performer capable of impressing a panel of judges. Mistakes are inevitable, exhaustion is guaranteed, and tempers can fray. But as he reminded viewers, those flashes of tension don’t negate the hard work, dedication, and progress being made behind the scenes. In fact, many would argue that overcoming those moments is part of the transformative Strictly journey.

The support from Madeley will no doubt be welcome news to the Strictly contestant, who has remained relatively quiet in the face of the allegations. While some fans on social media have been quick to criticise, others have echoed Madeley’s perspective, pointing out that the audience only sees a carefully edited version of rehearsals in the show’s weekly video packages. A clipped remark or frustrated sigh could easily be taken out of context, fuelling speculation without reflecting the overall dynamic between celebrity and professional dancer.

For the BBC, balancing these narratives is crucial. Strictly’s continued success depends on its image as a feel-good family show, yet producers are well aware that a little controversy often boosts ratings. The headlines about behind-the-scenes tensions, while potentially awkward for those involved, can spark curiosity and ensure even more viewers tune in to see whether the supposed friction spills onto the dance floor. In this sense, stories of “rude” behaviour may actually serve to heighten the drama of the competition, even if they risk unfairly portraying certain contestants.

He chimed in: “She left ages ago, didn’t she? I thought she was great! Loved her.” Jumping on the bandwagon, showbiz guru Richard Arnold agreed: “Terrific, yeah. Fond memories of our time with all the pros.”, reports the Mirror.

Richard discussed his former dance partner Ola Jordan(Image: ITV)

The telly veteran then added his two pence, saying: “There are worse things than being a bit rude and a bit cold, aren’t there? If that’s true.” After a brief awkward silence in the studio, Richard Arnold piped up: “Yes, indeed”.

He swiftly moved the chat along to other Strictly gossip about Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima. After a recent allegation, Giovanni got the boot from the next series amid claims he allegedly gave Zara McDermott a tough time during practice.

Ola was a professional on the show until she decided to leave in 2015(Image: Getty Images)

Following his sudden exit, Graziano released a statement expressing his remorse: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.”

The drama unfolds following claims about Giovanni Pernice from his previous dance partner, Amanda Abbington. Amanda dropped out of the series midway and later revealed she was battling mild PTSD post-Strictly.

Chatting with the Sun on Sunday, Amanda didn’t mince her words, describing Giovanni’s approach as “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean”. Giovanni has robustly refuted any allegations of abusive conduct.

Richard Madeley has never been one to shy away from sharing his views, and once again the outspoken broadcaster has found himself at the centre of a lively debate. The Good Morning Britain presenter has come to the defence of a Strictly Come Dancing contestant who has faced a wave of criticism in recent weeks over claims of “rude” and “difficult” behaviour in the rehearsal room. The allegations, which emerged from behind the scenes of the hugely popular BBC show, have caused a stir among fans and sparked speculation about the pressures faced by celebrity contestants thrown into the glittering but gruelling world of ballroom dancing.

According to reports, whispers from the Strictly set suggested that the star in question had clashed with their professional partner during practice, with insiders alleging that tempers sometimes flared and comments came across as curt or abrasive. For a show that thrives on camaraderie, team spirit, and the promise of transformation—from dance novice to sparkling performer—such claims inevitably set tongues wagging. The narrative of a “tricky” celebrity can quickly overshadow the magic of the Saturday night spectacle, and viewers often expect every pairing to exude joy and light-hearted fun.

Madeley, however, wasn’t prepared to let these allegations go unchallenged. Speaking with his trademark candour on Good Morning Britain, he pointed out that the realities of a high-pressure competition are often very different from the glittering performances audiences see on television. He reminded viewers that contestants are learning complex routines in just a few short days, often balancing rehearsals with demanding work schedules, family commitments, and the ever-present pressure of performing live in front of millions. In such a setting, he argued, occasional frustrations or sharp words are not only understandable but practically inevitable.

In defending the Strictly contestant, Madeley framed the discussion as a matter of fairness. He questioned whether viewers and media outlets were too quick to leap on rumours, especially when those rumours risked tarnishing someone’s reputation. “You have to put yourself in their shoes,” he said. “Imagine being thrown into a dance studio when you’ve never done ballroom before, you’re exhausted, your feet hurt, and there’s a camera capturing every stumble. Who wouldn’t have a moment where they snap or sound short-tempered?” His words resonated with many who felt the criticism had been blown out of proportion.

Part of the intrigue surrounding this controversy lies in Strictly’s unique place in the nation’s cultural life. The show is not just a dance contest; it’s a beloved tradition, steeped in glamour and good cheer, and millions tune in every weekend expecting smiles, sequins, and seamless routines. When a shadow of discord emerges—whether through reports of difficult behaviour, clashes in rehearsal, or behind-the-scenes drama—it jars against the public image the show has carefully cultivated over the years. But perhaps that makes the occasional controversy all the more irresistible to audiences hungry for gossip.

It’s important to note that this is not the first time Strictly has faced stories of “difficult” celebrities. Over the years, several stars have been accused of diva-like behaviour or of struggling to get along with their professional partners. Sometimes those reports fade away, dismissed as exaggerated, while in other cases tensions have been visible enough to spark comment from judges and fellow contestants. The question is whether such stories say more about the individuals involved or about the immense pressure cooker environment Strictly creates.

What’s clear is that Richard Madeley’s intervention has reignited the conversation about how much weight we should give to anonymous claims and rumours in the entertainment industry. His passionate defence reminds us that public figures are often judged on the slimmest of evidence, with little consideration of the pressures they’re under. Whether one agrees with his stance or not, he has highlighted the need for compassion in a media landscape that too often thrives on scandal.

Behind all the glitz, Strictly remains a demanding challenge. Contestants push themselves physically and emotionally, often confronting insecurities or anxieties along the way. For some, the pressure cooker environment brings out their best, while for others it can lead to occasional flashes of frustration. Madeley’s argument is that these human moments should be understood, not vilified, and that the public should appreciate the courage it takes simply to step onto the dance floor each week.

As the competition continues, the focus will inevitably shift back to the performances themselves. Fans will want to see whether the contestant in question can rise above the chatter and deliver routines that captivate the judges and viewers alike. If history is any guide, resilience and determination often win out, and stories of behind-the-scenes friction can quickly be forgotten once a couple produces a truly memorable dance.

In the end, Richard Madeley’s comments serve as a reminder of the bigger picture. Beyond the sequins and smiles, Strictly is about transformation, effort, and human connection. It is natural that not every moment will be smooth or conflict-free. By speaking out, Madeley has given voice to the idea that we should celebrate the journey rather than fixate on fleeting moments of discord. Whether audiences agree with him or not, his words have added a thoughtful dimension to the ongoing conversation about what really goes on behind the scenes of one of Britain’s most cherished shows.

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