UK NEWS

SKIMPY? THE OTHER GIRLS ARE FAR WORSE

Ola with dance partner, TV presenter Chris Hollins

Sunday November 8,2009

By David Stephenson and Eugene Henderson

SLINKY Ola Jordan simply isn’t the show-off she used to be. She has told her fellow professionals on Strictly Come Dancing: “I don’t wear the skimpiest outfits any more.”

The Polish-born Latin specialist insists the other girls are now competing to see who can show off the most flesh in the celebrity dance contest.

Many fans have criticised the contestants, and especially Ola, for wearing outfits too daring for the show’s early evening slot.

Ola said: “I don’t think my costumes have got sexier and I certainly haven’t made them any skimpier.

“They’re no different to what I would wear in a professional competition. I am a Latin dancer, after all.

“People say ‘Ola’s outfits are getting smaller and smaller’ but I would say look at the others. They are more competitive on that side than I am.” Asked if she thought she could win this series, Ola, who is married to fellow professional dancer James Jordan, said: “I never want to think about winning. Anyone can go out at any time.”

Her partner on Strictly, BBC Breakfast sports presenter Chris Hollins, said: “She gives me a lot of tough love. I know I’m not a natural dancer and I’m a slow learner.

“You’ve got to keep going and you’ve got to believe you can compete with everybody.”

Ballroom dancing came home for last night’s show as Strictly quick-stepped its way into the world famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Leaving behind the familiar surroundings of BBC Television Centre in London, the contestants travelled 200 miles to show off their moves in the iconic ballroom, which many consider to be the spiritual home of ballroom dancing.

The illuminations may be bright in Britain’s favourite seaside resort but there was an even bigger buzz along the Golden Mile as the stars converged on the Tower.