James Jordan and wife Ola Jordan have spoken out on their 'incredibly painful' split, revealing that neither of them is 'in a good place' as they navigate the next steps.
It was confirmed yesterday that the Strictly Come Dancing couple had parted ways, two months before their 23rd wedding anniversary. Their manager issued a statement, explaining that they had already begun a 'trial' separation but were committed to co-parenting their young daughter, Ella, born in 2020.
Personal message
Now, James, 48, and Ola, 43, have shared their own personal message on social media. The dancers, who started dating in 1999, began: '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 continued: '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.'
Difficult challenges
'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.'
James and Ola added that their 'absolute priority, now and always', is their daughter, who is 'at the centre of everything [they] do'. 'We are committed to co-parenting her with all the love, care and stability she deserves.'
James's mental health
Their post then included a note from James, who confessed that he has been struggling with his mental health '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,' the Dancing On Ice winner shared.
'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.'
Future uncertain
On what happens next following James leaving their shared five-bedroom home in Maidstone, they stated that they '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.'
The spouses concluded by requesting 'kindness, empathy, and a little privacy' while they 'work through this as a family'.
'We're incredibly grateful for the love, kindness and concern so many of you have shown us over the years,' they informed their fans. 'You've been part of our journey for a long time and wanted to honour that with an honest update.'
Support from fans
James and Ola were inundated with supportive comments after sharing the post, with Shirley Ballas liking it and Jake Quickenden commenting: 'Sending love and strength to you both'.
The professional dancers became known nationwide when they joined Strictly in 2006, with Ola lifting the Glitter Ball in 2009 with partner Chris Hollins. She left the show in 2015, and James left in 2015, with both going on to pursue numerous other TV projects.
These included joint appearances on shows such as All Star Mr & Mrs, Through The Keyhole, Celebrity Coach Trip, and Dancing On Wheels. Over the years, they've been public about the ups and downs of married life, referring to marriage as 'like a job' and something you have 'got to work at'.
Their three-year fertility struggles were also widely publicised, leading to them conceiving Ella via IVF.
