Former Strictly Come Dancing stars James and Ola Jordan have announced they are separating after 26 years of marriage. The couple, who met as professional dancers on the show, released a joint statement confirming their break-up.
Joint statement reveals difficult challenges
The statement read: “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.”
It said James’s mental health “hasn’t been in a good place for quite some time”. He added: “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. 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.”
Impact of father's death
The professional dancers, who share daughter Ella, are reportedly living apart. According to reports, the relationship changed following the death of James's father, Allan Jordan, who died on March 13, 2021, aged 67, after battling a stage-four brain tumour.
A source told The Sun: “James was never the same again following the loss of his dad. It affected his life more than he or anyone ever expected and it really took its toll on their relationship.” They added: "He is still very much dealing with his grief."
Strictly history
James and Ola both joined Strictly in 2006. James quit in 2013, with Ola leaving two years later, after winning the trophy in 2009 with Chris Hollins.
