Strictly Come Dancing stars James and Ola Jordan have broken their silence on their separation, confirming that neither of them is 'in a good place' as they navigate what they describe as 'one of the hardest chapters of our lives.' The couple, who have been together for 26 years and married for nearly 23, announced their split just two months before their wedding anniversary.
Couple's Personal Statement
In a joint social media post, the dancers, who began dating in 1999, addressed their followers directly: 'After 26 years together, this is something we never imagined we would be sharing. 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.'
They revealed that James, 48, had moved out of the family home 'some time ago' and that they are currently undergoing a 'trial' separation. The couple, who share five-year-old daughter Ella, born in 2020 via IVF, emphasized that their 'absolute priority, now and always' is their daughter, who is 'at the centre of everything [they] do.'
James's Mental Health Struggles
In a personal note within the post, James, a former Dancing on Ice winner, confessed: '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 added, 'Neither of us is in a good place right now. We're both doing our best to navigate one of the hardest chapters of our lives and we ask that people remember there are real people and real emotions behind every headline, every comment and every post.'
The couple, who have been open about the ups and downs of marriage in the past, describing it as 'like a job' that you 'got to work at,' also acknowledged their uncertainty about the future: 'We don't exactly know what the future holds. For now, we're taking things one day at a time, doing what we both believe is best for ourselves, our family and most importantly….. Ella.'
Support from Fans and Fellow Stars
Following the announcement, the couple received an outpouring of support, with Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas liking the post and singer Jake Quickenden commenting: 'Sending love and strength to you both.'
James and Ola became household names after joining Strictly in 2006, with Ola lifting the Glitter Ball trophy in 2009 alongside her celebrity partner, Chris Hollins. Both left the show in 2015 and went on to appear in various TV projects together, including All Star Mr & Mrs, Through The Keyhole, Celebrity Coach Trip, and Dancing On Wheels.
The couple's three-year fertility struggle was also widely documented, leading to the birth of their daughter Ella in 2020. Their manager had previously issued a statement confirming the trial separation and their commitment to co-parenting.
In their concluding remarks, the couple requested 'kindness, empathy, and a little privacy' as they work through this period as a family, expressing gratitude for the support they've received over the years.
