James and Ola Jordan have broken their silence after news emerged that the couple have separated following almost 23 years of marriage. The former Strictly Come Dancing professionals, who share six-year-old daughter Ella, spoke out publicly for the first time after reports of their split surfaced on Friday.
Statement on social media
Posting on social media, James shared a statement that 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."
Focus on daughter Ella
Speaking about their daughter, he added: "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 opened up on his own mental health, admitting he was struggling. "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."
Trial separation confirmed
His comments come after the couple's manager and friend Vickie White confirmed they had begun a trial separation "some time ago."
Their separation brings to an end one of Strictly's longest-standing romances, with James, 48, and Ola, 43, first getting together years before either became a familiar face on the BBC ballroom.
The pair started dating in 1999 after meeting through the competitive dancing world and both turned professional the following year. They went on to marry in October 2003, three years before joining Strictly Come Dancing together in 2006.
James remained on the programme until 2013 and was partnered with a string of famous faces, including Gabby Logan, Alex Jones and Pamela Stephenson. He reached the final in 2012 alongside Denise Van Outen.
Ola enjoyed even greater success in the competition, lifting the Glitterball Trophy with BBC Breakfast presenter Chris Hollins in 2009.
During her nine years on Strictly, she was also paired with stars including Paul Daniels, Sid Owen, Ashley Taylor Dawson and Iwan Thomas before leaving the show in 2015.
IVF journey and daughter
Away from the ballroom, James and Ola were open about their desire to start a family and the difficulties they faced conceiving.
After undergoing IVF, they welcomed their daughter Ella in February 2020, with the couple frequently sharing glimpses of their family life with fans in the years that followed.
The news of their separation is likely to come as a surprise to followers after both stars publicly celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary just last October.
Ola marked the occasion with a playful tribute to her husband while he was away working on the Dance Legends tour.
She wrote: "22 years married!!! I deserve a medal, a parade and possibly a statue. Happy anniversary to my darling husband James – currently off living his best life on tour with the Dance Legends while I hold down the fort… and the recycling bin and trying to remember where we keep the screwdriver and at least three light bulbs I’m refusing to change on principle!!!
"Can’t wait for you to get home… mainly because I’ve got a looooong list of blue jobs I need you to do. Love you."
James shared his own affectionate message, writing: "22 years!!! Happy Anniversary to my partner in crime and beautiful wife @olajordan. Can’t wait to get home to spend time with my two girls – love you."
However, their manager and friend Vickie White confirmed on Friday the couple had had a trial separation and were making the split permanent. She said: "It is with great sadness that I can confirm that James and Ola began a trial separation some time ago. Their shared priority remains co-parenting their daughter, Ella, and they are committed to putting her wellbeing first. They would greatly appreciate your understanding as they navigate this difficult time."
The couple have previously spoken candidly about their relationship, including the pressures they faced after becoming parents and the major lifestyle overhaul they embarked on together.
They also built a business around their fitness transformation after both spoke publicly about gaining weight after leaving Strictly.
