Former Strictly Come Dancing professionals James and Ola Jordan have confirmed they are separating after 26 years as a couple and almost 23 years of marriage.
The pair, who began their relationship in 1999 and wed in 2003, released a joint statement over the weekend revealing that James had already left the family home.
“After 26 years together, this is something we never imagined we would be sharing,” they wrote.
“Following recent reports in the press about our relationship and after receiving messages asking if everything is okay, we feel it’s important to speak directly rather than let speculation or hearsay tell our story.”
Their manager, Vickie White, had initially confirmed the split “with great sadness,” noting the couple “began a trial separation some time ago.”
The announcement comes just two months ahead of what would have been their 23rd wedding anniversary in October.
James acknowledged in the statement that his mental health had been deteriorating for a considerable period.
“I’ve been struggling more than I’ve let people see, and I’m taking the time I need to focus on getting myself into a healthier place, both for myself and for Ella,” he wrote.
The pair said their five-year-old daughter Ella remains their ‘absolute priority’
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The 48-year-old dancer conceded that neither he nor Ola, 43, is coping well at present, describing the situation as one of the most challenging periods of their lives.
Their five-year-old daughter Ella remains their “absolute priority,” with both parents pledging to provide her with the love, care and stability she needs through co-parenting.
The couple said they were uncertain about what lies ahead but were “taking things one day at a time,” appealing to the public for “kindness, empathy, and a little privacy.”
The Jordans became household names when they joined Strictly as newlyweds in 2006.
James and Ola Jordan have been together for 26 years
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Polish-born Ola claimed the Glitterball trophy in 2009 alongside BBC presenter Chris Hollins, while James reached the final on two occasions — first with psychologist Pamela Stephenson and later with Denise Van Outen.
James departed the programme in 2013, with Ola remaining for a further two series before leaving in 2015.
The couple had long been regarded as one of the show’s most enduring partnerships, having avoided the infamous “Strictly curse.”
Following their time on the dance show, both pursued separate television careers.
BBC Strictly: Ola Jordan (left) starred in BBC Strictly from 2006 to 2015, while James Jordan (right) featured from 2006 to 2013
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GETTYJames triumphed on Dancing On Ice in 2019, whilst Ola appeared on I’m a Celebrity in 2016 and the pair featured together on programmes including Celebrity Coach Trip and Through The Keyhole.
James has already been spotted without his wedding ring in promotional material for his forthcoming project, Manopause — a show he is co-presenting with fellow former Strictly professional Brendan Cole that aims to address men’s health topics.
A video released last month showed him ringless whilst recording podcast interviews with guests including Wynne Evans and former Apprentice winner Lee McQueen.
The separation follows years of candid public discussion about the pressures of married life. Speaking to Hello! magazine in 2024, James likened marriage to “a job,” whilst Ola described it as occasionally “stressful” but insisted they “love each other dearly.”
The couple were also open about their gruelling three-year fertility journey, which included a miscarriage. Their daughter Ella was ultimately conceived through IVF and born in 2020.
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