Ex Strictly Come Dancing champ James Jordan has cheekily suggested he might have been a bigger ladies' man than Giovanni Pernice if he had been single during his time on the hit BBC show.
James, who wowed fans on the dance floor from 2006 to 2013, is smitten with wife Ola Jordan, also a former Strictly pro. But that doesn't stop him from joking that he could've outdone the loveable lothario Giovanni if his single status had coincided with his time on television, reports the Express.
Speaking about the infamous "Strictly curse", 46 year old James couldn't resist a playful tease. He suggested that perhaps his romantic escapades on Strictly could've rivalled those of fan favourite Giovanni, who's been romantically linked with former dance partners Georgia May Foote and Ashley Roberts.
During an interview with the Sun, James downplayed the notion of the "Strictly curse", likening the interactions on the show to any other workplace dynamics. However, he acknowledged the intimate nature of dance could spark off-screen connections, as seen in Giovanni's romances with Georgia and Ashley.
He admitted: "You're very close, aren't you? Day one, you come in and you're literally rubbing up on each other, groin to groin.
He added humorously, "You just met them and you're rubbing your crown jewels up against them.
"It's normal in our world but not for everyone else and you're so close to each other, dancing sexy, and there's nice music and you're training with each other for eight hours a day, so if there is a little bit of chemistry, something's going to happen."
"If they're single, I say crack on, I'm all for it," the star cheekily added. "If I wasn't with Ola, I'd have been worse than Giovanni!"
James' remarks come amid reports that Gio has quit the dancing show. In recent months, the 33 year old has been plagued with allegations over his tough training methods from previous celebrity partners, including actress Amanda, 52.
On Friday, May 16, reports emerged that the Italian dancer has quit BBC's Strictly, telling friends he is now instead seeking a fresh start on other TV shows.
Giovanni's decision to step back comes on the heels of a strained partnership with Sherlock actress Amanda, during last year's show. She bowed out in October after a string of heated exchanges with Giovanni, which reportedly left her in tears due to his intense approach to rehearsals.
"Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start," a source said about Gio's alleged decision. "He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he's achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times."
