The ‘Loose Women’ star came under attack from James when it was announced she would be taking part on the BBC ballroom show earlier this year, tweeting that he felt “sorry for the pro” that partnered her.
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Jamelia
Jamelia has now responded to James’ remarks in an interview with The Mirror, claiming that he only says things “for a reaction”.
After a media storm erupted, she appeared on ‘Good Morning Britain’ to explain herself, saying: “Knowing I offended people really upset me and knowing I made people question themselves and their choices. All I can do is apologise for that.
"But I do stand by what I said - I am a real women with real opinions. I’m not here to play some villain. It’s not that, I get paid to voice my opinion. Occasionally you offend people.”
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ continues on Saturday (14 November) on BBC One.
'Loose Women' Controversial Moments
Judy Finnigan's Comments On 'Non-Violent Rape'(01 of08)
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In her very first appearance on the 'Loose Women' panel, Judy caused outcry with her comments defending convicted rapist Ched Evans and his potential return to football, insisting he'd "served his time", adding: "The rape was not violent, he didn't cause any bodily harm to the person."Not exactly off to a flying start... (credit:Rex/Ken McKay/ITV)
'Is It Ever A Woman's Fault If She Is Raped?'(02 of08)
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This social media poll obviously landed the show in seriously hot water, with critics suggesting that a topic as serious as rape isn't really up for debate at all, but in particular on a lunchtime panel show.
Janet Street-Porter(03 of08)
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JSP is always a polarising figure, but when she saw a photo of Prince George on the show and called him a 'cross-dressing billionaire', she managed to raise even more eyebrows than usual. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Nadia Sawalha Says Being Transgender Is 'A Trend'(04 of08)
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Nadia was faced with a Twitter backlash when she suggested that the rise in children being diagnosed as transgender was 'the in thing' and compared it to 'self-harm', calling it a 'fashionable word that has been taken on'. (credit:ITV)
Coleen Nolan And Her Son(05 of08)
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Coleen Nolan caused a stir in 2005, when she suggested that if her 16-year-old son passed his exams, she would pay for him to take a trip to see the Red Light District in Amsterdam.Despite criticism, Coleen stood by her comments at the time, insisting she'd rather he went there than a trip to Ibiza where he would "probably have unprotected sex with lots of girls", insisting: "I'd rather he does it somewhere well-policed and where the girls have health checks than behind the wall of a club in Ibiza."Meanwhile, her ex-husband, Shane Richie, said he was "appalled" by Coleen's suggestion. (credit:Ken McKay/ITV)
Jamelia Talks Older Mums(06 of08)
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Plus-size fashion isn't the only hot topic that has landed Jamelia in hot water, though, after she was criticised for comments she made about women who choose to become mothers later in life.One such critic was Tina Malone, who had a baby via IVF at 50 years old, who said she was "furious" with Jamelia, tweeting that at her age: "I am fitter, look better, have more energy, can cook, work, clean, and go [all night]... and I have a 32-year-old!! And Jamelia, I am wiser!!!" (credit:Steve Meddle/Rex/ITV)
Jacqueline Jossa Hits Out At The Show(07 of08)
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The 'EastEnders' actress blasted the show in 2016, when she claimed that her interview contained a line of questioning related to her fiancé's past relationship, and allegations of abuse and threats, which she'd not been briefed about beforehand. (credit:Rex Shutterstock/ITV)
THAT Katie Hopkins Interview(08 of08)
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Shortly after her eviction from the 'CBB' house, 'Loose Women' invited Katie Hopkins onto the show to offer her side of the story.However, the interview came under fire not because of what Katie said, but because of the panel, who were labelled 'bullies' and 'unprofessional' by some critics over their - admittedly, pretty intense - grilling. (credit:Rex/Ken McKay/ITV)