Ola Jordan is set to appear on Strictly Come Dancing's spin-off show It Takes Two, more than 10 years after she left the BBC contest. The former professional dancer's comeback was revealed at the end of Thursday's episode.
The show's hosts announced: "On Friday's Week 3 It Takes Two: Graeme, Tabby and Delta. On the Friday Panel: former pro Ola Jordan, Strictly Alumni Sarah Hadland and Dr Ranj."
A Decade Away From the Ballroom
Ola, 44, ended her Strictly career in 2015 after 10 years of competing. Her standout moment came in 2009, when she lifted the Glitterball trophy alongside sports reporter Chris Hollins.
The return comes during an emotional period for the dancer. Her marriage to fellow professional James Jordan broke down after 22 years together; they had been a couple for 26 years.
Marriage Split and Personal Struggles
The news became public in August, with Ola said to have been left "heartbroken." The pair shared their decision in a joint statement on their Instagram accounts.
She revealed they were "taking some time apart as we work through very difficult personal challenges." They added that their "shared priority" remained co-parenting their daughter, Ella.
Ola quickly went abroad with their six-year-old daughter after the news broke. While rumours suggested the potential of a reconciliation, she has reportedly told friends that she "can't forgive him."
A source told The Sun at the time: "She is still in love with James but can't see a way of getting past this. Ola doesn't think she can forgive him."
James Jordan's Comments
The split came shortly after James admitted he was struggling. "I'm going through a midlife crisis," he said. "The last few years, for me, have been really tough. I'm not afraid to admit it. I put my hands up and say I'm struggling with life at the minute."
He went on: "So many different things, with career choices, waking up and not knowing [my] purpose, things like that. Manopause is for the middle-aged man that's struggling a little bit and hopefully we're going to be able to help ourselves and help you at the same time."
Speaking to Craig Doyle and Angela Scanlon, he gave an update: "I'm OK. 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. 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."
He added: "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 could say 'It's really selfish of you too...' but I just felt like I...yeah."
