Ola Jordan has spoken publicly for the first time about the breakdown of her marriage to James Jordan, describing herself as "broken" and "utterly devastated" after the couple announced their separation in August.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star, 44, told HELLO! magazine that the end of the relationship came as a complete shock to her, and that she fought to save the marriage before James moved out of the family home in June.
'I've lost my best friend'
Speaking exclusively to HELLO!, the Polish-born ballroom dancer said the split has left her feeling lost and in limbo, and that she wants to move on with her life but is struggling with the emotional toll.
"I've not just lost my husband – I've lost my best friend and my business partner all in one go," Ola told the publication. "It's difficult for me to describe what happened between us because this wasn't my decision. It came as a shock to me."
Fighting to save the marriage
Ola revealed that the couple's relationship reached a critical point at the end of last year, when James told her he was thinking of moving out. She said she tried to stop him and save the marriage because she knew that if he went, they might never get back what they had.
James moved out of the family home two months before the couple released a joint statement confirming their breakup. Ola said his departure deepened their fractured relationship.
Co-parenting commitment
James has responded to Ola's claims, telling the publication: "Despite this difficult time for Ola and myself, we remain committed to co-parenting Ella and looking after her best interests at all times, and we will always work together to ensure her happiness."
The couple, who first partnered on the dance floor in 1999, married in 2003 and welcomed their daughter Ella, six, via IVF in 2020. They announced a trial separation in August.
The full exclusive interview and photoshoot appears in the latest issue of HELLO! magazine, on sale nationwide and available digitally from Monday 9th November.
