James Jordan has confessed he is "still cringing" after describing himself as the "Brad Pitt of the dancing world" during his time on Celebrity Big Brother.
The 48-year-old former Strictly Come Dancing professional entered the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2014, finishing in third place. He featured alongside Emmerdale actress Claire King, Benefits Street's Dee Kelly, heavyweight boxer Audley Harrison, and actor Gary Busey, who won the series.
Regret over self-comparison
Speaking in a previous interview, James recounted an incident from the house that he regretted. He told Betway Inside: "I still cringe when I think about the time I described myself as 'the Brad Pitt of the dancing world'. What you probably didn't see on the show is Gary (Busey) really winding us up.
"He kept going on about how much more famous he was than all of us. How he was Hollywood and we couldn't compare. He's a funny character and I liked him but the conversation went on for a while before I eventually turned to him and said 'You do realise that everyone is in here on their own merit?' and he just dismissed that and insisted his fame was next level."
James added: "So I said: 'Let me put this in perspective. I am the Brad Pitt of the dance world'. I was saying it in a joking way but when I realised how it may come across, I was horrified. I still cringe now."
Separation from Ola Jordan
James has made headlines following his announcement of separating from wife Ola Jordan after nearly 23 years of marriage. The former Strictly professionals, who are parents to six-year-old daughter Ella, addressed the public after reports of their separation surfaced last week.
Writing on social media, James published a statement, which read: "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."
Discussing their daughter, he continued: "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."
James also spoke candidly about his own mental wellbeing, confessing he had been having a difficult time. "Speaking personally (James) 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," he added.
"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."
The couple began their relationship in 1999 after crossing paths through the competitive dancing circuit, with both turning professional the following year. They subsequently tied the knot in October 2003, three years prior to joining Strictly Come Dancing together in 2006. James remained on the programme until 2013, while Ola departed two years later in 2015.
