Ex-Strictly star Ola Jordan sparks outrage by accusing show of ‘pushing’ underdog Karen to the final in explosive interview – as viewers cry ‘fix’ over her history-making semi-final triumph and demand Glitterball justice.

In a jaw-dropping twist that has sent the Strictly Come Dancing fandom into meltdown just 24 hours before the glittering grand final, former professional dancer Ola Jordan has unleashed a blistering attack on the BBC juggernaut, questioning if the entire series has been ‘set up’ to crown Lioness legend Karen Carney as the ultimate underdog winner.

The 43-year-old Polish stunner, who sashayed her way through eight series of the hit show from 2006 to 2015, didn’t hold back in an exclusive chat with MailOnline, claiming producers are ‘manipulating’ the audience to propel the 38-year-old ex-England footballer – partnered with hunky newbie pro Carlos Gu – straight to Glitterball glory.

‘Is it all set up for Karen to win? I think so,’ Ola fumed, her words landing like a cha-cha-cha kick to the guts of Strictly loyalists. ‘She’s talented, yes, but she’s not the best dancer left. The judges are overscoring her softer routines, the VT packages are all about her “journey” from pitch to ballroom, and suddenly she’s topping the leaderboard in the semis? Come on – the audience is being pushed towards her. It’s blatant manipulation!’

Ola’s bombshell comes hot on the heels of Karen’s history-making semi-final performance on Saturday night, where she and Carlos, 31, stormed to a joint-top score of 78 out of 80 for their emotional Waltz to Whitney Houston’s ‘One Moment in Time’ and a fiery Salsa to ‘Turn the Beat Around’. Judge Anton Du Beke was left in tears, gushing: ‘I never thought you could do that softness – it’s sensitivity personified!’

But as Karen – the first footballer EVER to reach a Strictly final – burst into sobs alongside her beaming partner, confirmed for the showdown alongside Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, plus George Clarke and Alexis Warr, whispers of a ‘fix’ began swirling faster than a Viennese Whirl.

Fans flooded social media with fury, echoing Ola’s sentiments. One raged: ‘Karen Carney is lovely but this is a SET UP! Overscored every week, sob-story VTs, and now final-bound? #StrictlyFix.’ Another fumed: ‘Ola Jordan spilling the tea! BBC manipulating us to vote for the Lioness. Amber’s been robbed!’

The controversy has erupted at the worst possible time for BBC bosses, already battered by last year’s bullying scandals that saw pros Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima axed amid gross misconduct claims. Sources tell MailOnline that executives are ‘in crisis meetings’ to quash the rumours before tonight’s live final at Elstree Studios, where the three couples will battle it out with three dances each – including a judges’ choice, favourite repeat, and showdance spectacular.

‘This is the last thing Strictly needs,’ a show insider whispered. ‘Karen’s run has been inspirational – from football pundit battling online abuse to ballroom queen – but Ola’s comments have lit a fire. Viewers vote, but if they smell a rat…’

Karen, who has been a revelation this series, kicked off with a leaderboard-topping Jive in week one – the first footballer to do so in 18 years – and has since wowed with an Argentine Tango in a flat cap homage to her Birmingham roots, scoring a near-perfect 39. Her Couple’s Choice routine, addressing the ‘crushing’ trolling that left her with zero self-belief, reduced the nation to tears.

‘I sometimes lack confidence, but Strictly has rebuilt me,’ the OBE-honoured star, who has 144 England caps, told us earlier this month. Partner Carlos, in his debut series, added: ‘We’ve made history – first footballer in the final!’

Yet Ola, speaking on behalf of Mecca Bingo, insists the praise is overblown. ‘Karen’s great in Latin – all that power from the pitch – but ballroom? She’s stiff as a board sometimes. Yet the judges fawn: “Emotional! Sensitive!” It’s pushy. Amber’s been in dance-offs five times but dances circles around her technically. George too. Feels engineered for Karen’s fairy-tale.’

Ola’s hubby, fellow ex-pro James Jordan, piled on via X (formerly Twitter): ‘Wife’s right – modern Strictly is more production than dance. Pros have no say anymore.’

The claims have reignited age-old ‘fix’ debates that have plagued Strictly for years. Remember 2018’s ‘Paso-gate’ with Ashley Roberts? Or 2023’s laydee Ellie Leach ‘favouritism’? But this hits different – targeting Karen, whose journey from World Cup warrior to waltzing wonder has captivated 10 million viewers weekly.

Flashback to Karen’s Strictly announcement in August: ‘A dream come true!’ the pundit, who co-hosts podcast Long Story Short with pal Jill Scott, beamed. Little did she know she’d become the breakout star, banishing footballer flops like Peter Crouch (out week 4) or Alex Scott (mid-table).

Her semi-final Waltz was pure magic: Gliding in a flowing gown, Karen channeled grace Anton dubbed ‘unrecognisable’. Craig Revel Horwood, usually savage, awarded a 10: ‘Darling, you’ve blossomed!’ Shirley Ballas teared up: ‘From attacker to artist.’ Motsi Mabuse: ‘Perfection!’

But detractors point to ‘inconsistencies’. ‘Why 39 for her Tango but 38 for Amber’s flawless Quickstep?’ one fan sniped. Bookies have Karen at 11/10 favourite, overtaking early tip George (5/6).

Ola, who won with Chris Hollins in 2009, isn’t the first ex-pro to cry foul. Ian Waite recently slammed three-way ties as ‘deliberate ploys’. Kristina Rihanoff defended old-school vetting amid abuse rows.

BBC insiders hit back: ‘Votes are 100% public. Judges score independently. Karen’s earned her spot through blood, sweat, and sequins.’

As the clock ticks to final night, Karen’s camp remains defiant. ‘She’s focused on dancing her heart out,’ a pal said. Carlos posted an Instagram snap of them rehearsing: ‘History makers! 💃🕺 #TeamCarGu.’

Fans are divided. Pro-Karen brigade: ‘She’s overcome abuse, made history – deserves the trophy!’ Anti: ‘Ola’s spot on – set up for sympathy votes.’

Whatever happens under those disco lights, one thing’s clear: Karen Carney’s Strictly saga has gone from pitch-perfect to full-on drama. Will the Lioness roar to victory, or will manipulation claims steal her sparkle?

The nation votes tonight. But with Ola’s words ringing out – ‘Is it all set up?’ – the Glitterball has never felt so slippery.

STRICTLY FINAL LINE-UP: WHO’S LEFT IN THE RACE?

• Karen Carney & Carlos Gu: The history-makers. Odds: 11/10. Strengths: Power Latin, emotional ballroom. Weakness: Early stiffness.
• Amber Davies & Nikita Kuzmin: Dance-off survivors (five times!). Odds: 2/1. Strengths: Technical flair. Weakness: Public vote volatility.
• George Clarke & Alexis Warr: YouTube charmers. Odds: 5/6. Strengths: Entertainment value. Weakness: Inconsistent scores.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID ABOUT KAREN’S SEMI-FINAL WALTZ:

Anton: ‘Emotional… I never thought you capable of such sensitivity!’

Craig: ‘A revelation, darling – 10!’

Shirley: ‘You’ve transformed!’

Motsi: ‘Pure poetry in motion.’

OLA JORDAN’S FULL RANT:

‘Karen’s not the standout. Judges overscore her “journey”. VTs manipulate tears. Audience pushed to vote sympathy. Set up for final win? Absolutely.’

FAN REACTIONS ON X:

@StrictlyFanatic: ‘Ola calling out the fix! Karen’s sweet but not winner material. #StrictlyRigged’

@LionessForever: ‘Leave Karen alone! She’s earned it. Ola bitter much?’

@DanceOffDrama: ‘Manipulation erupts? This is why I love Strictly chaos!’

BEHIND THE SCENES WHISPERS:

Sources say producers amped Karen’s VTs post her abuse confession: ‘To build empathy.’ Chaperones now mandatory after scandals – but ‘vote rigging? Never.’

KAREN’S JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS:

Week 1: Jive – 31 (top!)

Halloween: 38

Blackpool: Argentine Tango – 39

Semi: 78 joint-top.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Final airs 7pm BBC One. Three dances each. Public vote decides all.

As Ola warns: ‘Viewers, dance to your own beat – don’t let them lead!’