Ola Jordan has opened up about the heartbreak of her separation from husband James Jordan, admitting she has endured some of her "darkest days" since they went their separate ways.
The former Strictly Come Dancing professional, 43, spoke candidly about the difficult summer she has faced after she and James, 48, confirmed they were taking time apart, following 26 years together.
While James has already discussed his struggles following the separation, Ola has now shared her own emotional account of the past few months, revealing their six-year-old daughter Ella has been her biggest source of comfort.
Ola's emotional Instagram post
Posting on Instagram, she wrote: "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."
The dancer went on to explain how spending the school holidays with Ella had helped her through the upheaval. She continued: "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. 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."
She added: "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."
The couple's history and announcement
Ola and James first began dating in 1999 before marrying four years later in 2003. The pair became familiar faces to millions during their years as professional dancers on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
Earlier this month, they confirmed they had been living apart after James moved out of the family home some time ago.
In a joint statement, the exes announced: "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."
They explained they were taking time apart while dealing with "very difficult personal challenges", describing the decision as "an incredibly painful and emotional journey".
The couple made clear that Ella remained their main focus, adding: "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's public comments and new podcast
James has since spoken publicly about how he has been coping, admitting his mental health has suffered and that he has found the past few years difficult.
Appearing on This Morning, he revealed he had moved out several months earlier but was reluctant to discuss the circumstances of the separation without Ola present.
He said: "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 when she's not here as well."
The former Strictly star also gave an insight into his new life away from the family home, saying: "Knowing that people are out there you can talk to... otherwise I'm sitting in a one bedroom apartment on my own at night watching TV going 'what is going on?'."
James has also launched a podcast, Manopause, with fellow former Strictly professional Brendan Cole, which focuses on the challenges faced by middle-aged men.
Speaking in a trailer for the podcast, James admitted: "I'm going through a midlife crisis. The last few years, for me, have been really tough. I'm not afraid to admit it. I put my hands up and say I'm struggling with life at the minute."
"So many different things, with career choices, waking up and not having purpose, things like that."
