Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan has denied claims that he cheated on his ex-wife, Ola Jordan, and hinted at a new relationship during an appearance on The Jeremy Vine Show.
The dancer, who appeared on Strictly between 2006 and 2013, addressed the breakdown of his marriage on the Channel 5 programme on Friday, 13th November. The couple, who married in 2003 and share a daughter, Ella, announced their split earlier this year after more than two decades together.
Denial of affair allegations
When asked about the separation, James said: "Yes, I moved out, which was obviously in the press. I haven't really spoken about it much because I always said I wouldn't speak about it because I don't feel it's fair to speak about it unless Ola would be here as well."
Addressing reports of an affair and claims that a woman's ex-husband had rung Ola, James replied: "Apparently so, I don't know if that's true or not." His fellow Strictly star Brendan Cole added: "It's hard to have an affair if you've moved out."
Hint of a new romance
Pushing back against "incorrect" press stories, James stated: "There was no affair. I have grown closer to someone since... I moved out back in June, so yeah."
He explained his reluctance to speak publicly, saying: "The problem is if I say nothing, it makes me look guilty. If I say something, it looks like I'm being defensive. So for me it's kind of a lose-lose." He added that he planned to "put a statement out on my social media to try and clarify what's been going on."
Background to the split
Earlier this year, the couple revealed they were "taking some time apart" due to "difficult personal challenges" in a joint statement. They confirmed James had left the family home "some time ago", describing the "incredibly painful and emotional" separation as not a straightforward decision, with daughter Ella remaining their priority.
James previously described the separation as "tough" during an appearance on This Morning. Ola, who celebrated her 44th birthday in September, told Hello! Magazine: "I'm finding it very hard to move forward. I'm still very raw. I'm trying to stay strong and keep things calm for Ella. I can't believe I spent my 44th birthday this way. It's not what I wanted for my life."
The Jeremy Vine Show airs weekdays from 9.15am on Channel 5.
