Former Strictly Come Dancing professionals James and Ola Jordan have broken their silence after their separation was announced over the weekend. The couple, who have been together for 26 years, have asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult chapter.
Couple's History
James and Ola first met in 1999 at a dance competition in Blackpool, before officially dating in 2000. They tied the knot in 2003 and welcomed their daughter Ella in 2020 through IVF after a three-year fertility struggle.
The pair became household names with BBC audiences when they joined Strictly together in 2006. James featured on the hit show until 2013, partnering with stars such as Vanessa Feltz, Alex Jones, Denise Van Outen, and Pamela Stephenson. Ola competed until 2015, dancing with celebrities including DJ Spoony, Sid Owen, Robbie Savage, Steve Backshall, and Iwan Thomas. The Polish dancer also won the coveted Glitterball trophy in 2009 alongside TV personality Chris Hollins.
Statement and Emotional Plea
It has now been confirmed that the couple have gone their separate ways after 22 years of marriage, with their separation being "trialed" some time ago. After a statement was released by their manager, James and Ola took to Instagram to issue their own comment, adding that they are working through "very difficult personal challenges", and James moved out of the family home some time ago.
They wrote: "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. At the moment we’re taking some time apart as we work through very difficult personal challenges. (James) moved out of the family home some time ago. This has been an incredibly painful and emotional journey for us both and it certainly wasn’t an easy decision."
"Our absolute priority, now and always, is our beautiful daughter Ella. She’s at the centre of everything we do. We are committed to co-parenting her with all the love, care and stability she deserves."
Speaking personally, James said: "My mental health hasn’t been in a good place for quite some time. 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."
They continued: "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. We don’t know exactly 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."
"We’re incredibly grateful for the love, kindness and concern so many of you have shown us over the years. You’ve been part of our journey for a long time and wanted to honour that with an honest update. Right now, more than anything we ask for kindness, empathy and a little privacy as we work through this as a family. Thank you for understanding."
