An alleged complaint by TV presenter Steve Backshall about his professional partner in 2014 has resurfaced in light of the ongoing Strictly Come Dancing scandal.
The British explorer, 51, reportedly accused Jordan, 41, of "bullying" him during their time on the BBC series, leading to the pair being assigned a chaperone to oversee their rehearsals.
A source told MailOnline at the time: “Steve is a very bouncy personality, up for any challenge, but Ola’s harsh treatment has flattened him and made him lose confidence.
“She was very rude and impatient when he found it difficult to master the shapes.
"Her choreography and tuition was so tough, Steve resorted to asking other people to show him what he had to do," they went on. "Ola is a cold and very distant personality, who refuses to mix with Steve's family and friends."
The outlet reported that the complaint was lodged after their Halloween-themed Charleston dance.
In 2014, it was reported that the demanding rehearsal schedule, involving up to eight hours a day, five days a week, took a toll on Backshall and allegedly filed a complaint with the BBC seeking support.
At the time, the Mirror claimed that the BAFTA-winning wildlife presenter couldn’t wait to get back to his day job, alleging they didn’t get on behind-the-scenes.
An insider told the outlet: “Steve has been telling people he can’t wait to get back to the day job, he really isn’t enjoying himself and has been really troubled by the show process.
“He has spent years tackling wild animals but Ola is one tough cookie he cannot crack.
“In front of the camera and when they are out they act like friends but behind closed doors they still aren’t getting on. He can’t wait to get back to his adventures and do his own thing.”
The Standard has contacted Steve Backshall and Ola Jordan for comment.
Previously, former footballer Robbie Savage defended Jordan, who he was paired with in 2011, when Backshall’s claims came to light, saying she was “wonderful to work with”.
He said: “I danced with Ola for a year and she was a great teacher and I got on really well with her.
“My wife and kids liked her, she was a great teacher and wonderful to work with.”
The latest report comes after ex Strictly pro Janette Manrara responded to claims by former contestant Will Bayley that she made him redo a jump that led to a lifelong injury.
Meanwhile, Graziano Di Prima confessed to kicking his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, leading to his axing from the upcoming series.
This revelation emerged amid an investigation prompted by Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, who raised concerns about her treatment by Giovanni Pernice during rehearsals. Pernice has denied any wrongdoing but will also not return to the show when it resumes in September.
Reports have since emerged that a third pro who used to be on the show has been named as a ‘person of interest’.
Last week, the BBC announced that they are taking measures in order to introduce “practical steps” to support welfare. Dance rehearsals will now be monitored, and a production team member present during training room rehearsals at all times.
