Former Strictly Come Dancing star Ola Jordan has said she has been left feeling "lost" following her separation from husband James Jordan. The former Strictly professionals revealed in August that they were splitting up after 22 years of marriage.
A Relationship Spanning Decades
The couple, who both starred on the hit BBC One dance show, first met in 1999 at a dance competition in Blackpool, before officially starting to date in 2000. They tied the knot in 2003, before welcoming their daughter Ella, whom they conceived through IVF in 2020 after a three-year fertility struggle.
A statement addressing the news of their split was first shared by their manager, before James and Ola took to Instagram to issue their own comment, in which they said they were working through "very difficult personal challenges", and that James moved out of the family home some time ago.
Ola Opens Up About the Split
Now, Ola has opened up about what her life looks like. Speaking to HELLO!, the 44-year-old dancer said: "I've not just lost my husband - I've lost my best friend and my business partner all in one go."
"It's difficult for me to describe what happened between us because this wasn't my decision. It came as a shock to me. These things often build up over a period of time and are not straightforward."
Speaking about all of this is hard for me because it's still very raw. I never want to speak on behalf of James, as that's not my place. But that said, we have always shared our personal journeys through our Strictly careers, IVF and family. So I thought it might be best to say things in my own words rather than have anyone speak for me.
Ola continued: "I have no clue what the future holds and that's a scary place, but I'm trying to navigate it one day at a time. Some days I feel OK and like I need to move on with my life, and other days I'm broken and just don't know how to move forward, like I'm in limbo. I guess I'm just a bit lost."
Focus on Daughter Ella
It was back in August that Ola shared her first update since the statement which confirmed her and James' split. She took to Instagram with a photo of herself and daughter Ella, now six, and wrote to her followers: "There have been moments this summer when my heart has felt heavier than I ever imagined it could. Life has changed in ways I never expected, and some days have been incredibly tough."
"But through all of the uncertainty, one thing has remained constant, my beautiful girl Ella. Spending these summer holidays with my baby girl, making memories, having cuddles, laughing until our tummies hurt and simply enjoying every precious moment together has been my greatest comfort. She may not realise it now, but she has been my little ray of sunshine through some of my darkest days."
The mum-of-one added: "This summer hasn't been the one I imagined, but I'm choosing to focus on what truly matters - her, our memories, and all the love between us. And to everyone who has sent me messages, checked in on me, shown me kindness or simply reminded me that I'm not alone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your love and support have meant more to me than you will ever know."
