Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan has denied claims that he cheated on his ex-wife, Ola Jordan, following their separation earlier this year.
Appearing on The Jeremy Vine Show on Friday, November 13, James addressed the breakdown of his marriage to Ola, who he married in 2003. The couple, who share a daughter named Ella, were both professional dancers on Strictly at the same time, with Ola leaving the show in 2015. James starred on Strictly between 2006 and 2013 before appearing on shows such as Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing on Ice.
Addressing the separation
Earlier this year, the couple announced they were “taking some time apart” due to “difficult personal challenges” in a joint statement. They confirmed that James had moved out of their family home “some time ago” and said the “incredibly painful and emotional” separation was not an easy decision, but their priority was their daughter, Ella.
“I’ve been struggling more than I’ve let people see and I’m taking the time I need to focus on getting myself to a healthier place, both for myself and for Ella,” James added, saying that neither he nor Ola were “in a good place right now”.
Denying affair rumours
On the Channel 5 show, James shut down rumours that he had cheated on Ola, dismissing reports that emerged after their separation announcement. When Jeremy Vine brought up the couple's breakup, 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.”
He added: “There have been things in the press recently…” as Jeremy addressed allegations of an affair and claims that a woman’s ex-husband had rung Ola. “Apparently so, I don’t know if that’s true or not,” James replied.
Setting the record straight
His co-star Brendan Cole interjected to say: “It’s hard to have an affair if you’ve moved out.” Hitting out at “incorrect” narratives in the press and hinting at a new relationship, James continued: “There was no affair. I have grown closer to someone since… I moved out back in June, so yeah.”
He added to Jeremy: “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. So I will at some point put a statement out on my social media to try and clarify what’s been going on. I don’t feel your show’s long enough to explain the whole thing.”
Meanwhile, Ola, who turned 44 in September, spoke about the relationship ending to Hello! Magazine, saying: "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.
