James and Ola Jordan have announced they are separating after nearly 23 years of marriage. The former Strictly Come Dancing couple issued a joint statement on Instagram, penning: "We're taking some time apart as we work through difficult personal challenges. James moved out of the family home some time ago. This has been an incredibly painful and emotional journey for both of us, and it certainly wasn't an easy decision."
Strictly Journey
The pair appeared on the programme as newlyweds in 2006, with James departing in 2013 and Ola remaining an additional two years before leaving in 2015.
During their time on the show, James was partnered with Ola, winning the show with presenter Chris Hollis, and James reached the final with Pamela Stephenson and again with Denise Van Outen.
Close Bond with Denise
He and Denise became very close friends during their series, with James disclosing how he supported Denise as her marriage regrettably broke down.
James said at the time: "It's been tough for her. I have been checking on Denise and it is a very hard time," following her split from theatre star Lee Mead. "I haven't seen her for quite a while but we keep in touch via text and things like that."
He continued: "She said she is definitely coming to watch the show which will be really good. We did become like best friends. It's sad when you go your separate ways because you spend eight hours a day with someone and then you don't see them any more. It's very strange."
Reports of Tension
Reports suggest at the time Ola and James seemed at loggerheads during the live tour, with James staying up late with Denise and fellow professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev.
A source said: "[Denise and James] had become very good friends during their time together, which is, of course, totally normal. They both wanted to win but there were rumours that Ola was upset about it, like she had been cast out. Ola seemed broken at that time, while James was having a great time with Denise."
The following year, James was partnered with Vanessa Feltz, while Ola had Hollyoaks heartthrob Ashley Taylor Dawson.
James said: "Jealousy is healthy. It shows you love the person that you are with," he said at the time.
Meanwhile, Vanessa joked she "fell in love" with James, and even told Ola. She said: "For an insane 24 to 48 hours I fell passionately in love with him. I had a partner at the time and I was happy in my relationship, ish. But I fell passionately in love with him."
