Strictly Come Dancing stars James Jordan and Shirley Ballas have clashed online, after the former pro dancer accused some of the show's Russian pros of failing to acknowledge the conflict in Ukraine.
As the Russian invasion of its Eastern European neighbour continued to dominate headlines over the weekend, James took to Twitter to post: "I don’t see many of the Russian dancers I know and have even shared the Strictly dance floor with them openly speaking out about the war against Ukraine.
But are still promoting themselves on social media - very disappointed. They know who they are - not 1 post about it."
READ MORE: Dancing on Ice changed to allow for tribute to Ukraine
Strictly 's current head judge Shirley was quick to defend the dancers on the BBC show, replying: "dear James. Not sure who you follow and who follows you but many dancers I know have retweeted in support of the Ukraine and have felt shame at their own government, lots of help for their fellow dancers Lots have spoken out and retweeted."
Not backing down from his original point, James told Shirley: "We clearly are talking about different dancers then," with her adding: "its heartbreaking but in our Russian Ukraine dance community the support has been overwhelming. Sadness , tears , massive help and support. I don’t know any one who has not reached out from the very top dancer to the beginners."
However, James wasn't done there as he then posted a screen shot of a post Shirley made on Instagram, urging dancers not to keep promoting themselves when there was such extreme conflict going on.
The post read: "Dancers please, just for a few days, show some sensitivity towards the suffering in Ukraine.
"You don't need to promote yourselves, your shows, your competitions every single day.
"Your colleagues, students, competitors and families are in the middle o a shocking war and need your support.
"YOUR business can wait. Show some respect we are one family."
Posting it in in his Twitter thread, James wrote: "Why post this yesterday then? A similar sentiment to me"
A fan reacted: "Literally just read yesterdays post from Shirley, so I’m slightly baffled by todays comments," with a second replying: "You’re quite right James Shirley is contradicting her post from yesterday, baffled?"
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