Former Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan has opened up about his separation from wife Ola after more than 20 years of marriage. The former professional dancers became familiar faces on the BBC show, appearing regularly across several series after making their debut in 2006. Earlier this month, the pair released a joint statement regarding their split.
James Jordan speaks on This Morning
On Wednesday, James, 48, appeared on ITV's This Morning alongside Strictly star Brendan Cole to promote their new podcast, Menipause. While discussing what fans should expect from their new audio-based programme, which encompasses the highs and lows of the male experience, This Morning presenters Craig Doyle and Angela Scanlon wanted to find out whether James was ok.
Angela said: "You have had a tough few years with the breakdown of your marriage and you speak openly about that too." Craig clarified that he does not talk about his break-up much on the podcast, but when Angela enquired about his wellbeing, James opened up.
James admits 'tough few years'
He admitted: "I'm OK. It's been a tough few years and obviously myself and Ola, I've moved out a few months ago and it has been really tough," adding, "I find it hard to talk about and I'm not going to speak about it too much because I don't think it's fair on her. The fact that she's not here as well to speak about it."
Brendan then added that he has been checking in on James daily. This led James to touch upon his current living arrangements. The father of one said: "I'm now sitting in a one-bedroom apartment on my own at night, watching TV, going 'What is going on?' But I just need that time to find myself again. People could say 'It's really selfish of you too...' but I just felt like I...yeah."
Couple's statement and history
The couple shared a statement regarding their split on their Instagram accounts, revealing they were "taking some time apart as we work through very difficult personal challenges." They added that their "shared priority" remained co-parenting their daughter, Ella.
Ola achieved a major milestone early in her dancing career when she won the Open Polish Championship in 1999, aged just 17. Not long afterwards, in March 2000, she became dance partners with James Jordan. The couple moved to England together the following month and their relationship continued to grow both on and off the dance floor. They married in October 2003, several years before becoming familiar faces on British television.
James joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2006 and remained a professional dancer on the BBC show until 2013. Ola continued her Strictly career for a further two years, appearing on the programme until 2015. This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1.
