Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan has acknowledged that his decision to move out after separating from his wife Ola Jordan could be viewed as 'selfish' by some. The 48-year-old dancer made the admission during an appearance on ITV's This Morning on August 19, 2026, where he discussed the difficult living situation following the end of their more than two-decade marriage.
James Jordan opens up about 'tough' living situation after split
James, who was joined by fellow Strictly star Brendan Cole to promote their new podcast Manopause, told presenter Angela Scanlon that he finds it 'hard to talk about' the separation. The couple, who married in 2003 and have a daughter Ella, born in February 2020 via IVF after a three-year fertility struggle, announced their split earlier this month.
'I'm okay,' James said. 'It's been a tough few years and obviously myself and Ola, I've moved out a few months ago and it has been really tough.' He added: 'I find it hard to talk about and I'm not going to speak about it too much because I don't think it's fair on her. The fact that she's not here as well to speak about it.'
Brendan Cole checks on James amid new living arrangements
Brendan Cole, who has been checking in on James daily, asked about his friend's new living situation. James replied: 'I'm now sitting in a one-bedroom apartment on my own at night, watching TV, going, "What is going on?" But I just need that time to find myself again. People can say "it's really selfish of you."'
James and Ola had been living with their daughter in Maidstone and were due to celebrate their 23rd wedding anniversary this October. In recent months, the pair gradually disappeared from each other's Instagram feeds.
Joint statement confirms 'time apart' after 26 years together
In a joint statement posted on social media on August 8, the couple said they were 'taking some time apart as we work through very difficult personal challenges.' The statement read: '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. We have always tried to be open and honest with the people who have supported us over the years and we feel it's only right that this update comes from us.'
James and Ola first met in 2000 as dance partners before moving to England together the following year. They married in October 2003 and became familiar faces on Strictly Come Dancing. James joined the BBC show as a professional in 2006 and remained until 2013, while Ola continued dancing on Strictly until 2015.
James ditches wedding ring as he promotes men's health podcast
Last week, James was spotted without his wedding ring while promoting his new men's health podcast Manopause. In promo footage, James posed without the band after Ola had removed hers some time ago. This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1.
