Former footballer David James entered the dance floor on Saturday with his Strictly Come Dancing partner Nadiya Bychkova for Week Four of the hit show. Last week saw the two enter the dance-off against Anneka Rice and Kevin Clifton, but in the end, David got to stay for another week. This week, however, David and Nadiya impressed the judges with their quickstep to Hugh Jackman’s From Now On from The Greatest Showman and raked up a whopping 28 points.
Before joining Strictly, David was one of football’s most famous faces.
The English goalkeeper has played for top clubs including Liverpool, Watford, Aston Villa, Manchester City and West Ham.
At the height of his career, David was earning £50,000-a-week while playing for then-bankrolled Portsmouth.
His success as a footballer spans over 26 years but in 2014, it all stopped.
READ MORE: David James wife: Is former England goalkeeper married?
“Too much disposable income, I suppose. Too easy just to bin stuff.
“Too easy to spend money like you’re going to be earning that kind of money for the rest of your life.”
Despite David’s bankruptcy, he remained a generous individual.
He established his own foundation to sponsor projects in Malawi and reportedly put a lot of his own wealth into the charity before he went bankrupt.
Reports also claim David donated his creditors’ agreement to members of staff from the club when Portsmouth went into administration, who were unpaid and at risk of losing their jobs.
Collymore spoke highly of his friend: “He can come across as the thickest, dumbest bloke on the planet, but you only need to listen to him speak in more rational moments to realise that he is a very bright bloke.”
How is David James doing on Strictly Come Dancing?
This weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing elimination betting is wide open after David impressed on the dance floor tonight.
Previously, the footballer was the favourite to leave, according to bookies Ladbrokes, but yesterday’s performance has helped his chances.
Following the judges’ high and low scoring on Saturday night, the bookies reckon this weekend’s elimination is wide open and any of the bottom six could leave.
Alex and Will edge favouritism at 5/4 apiece, with Dev at 2/1, Emma W at 2/1 and Chris, also at 2/1 just behind, leaving former favourite for the axe David as a 3/1 chance.
Ladbrokes spokeswoman Jessica O’Reilly said: “Scores on Saturday night were all over the shop from the judges, so it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if we see a shock exit.”
She added: “Alex and Will are the favourites to find themselves in the dance-off, but given their low marks a big name like Dev or Chris could well be axed next.”
