Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan has denied rumours that he was unfaithful to his wife Ola following their separation, saying "there was no affair".
James appeared on Strictly between 2006 and 2013, before going on to feature in other television programmes including Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing on Ice.
Jeremy Vine Show appearance
On Friday, 13 November, the dancer appeared on The Jeremy Vine Show, where he was asked about the breakdown of his relationship with Ola. The couple, who married in 2003 and have a daughter together, were both professional dancers on Strictly simultaneously, with Ola departing the show in 2015.
Earlier this year, the pair announced in a joint statement that they were "taking some time apart" owing to "difficult personal challenges". They confirmed that James had vacated the family home "some time ago", stating that the "incredibly painful and emotional" split had not been an easy choice, but that their daughter, Ella, remained their top priority.
James addresses the rumours
After Jeremy raised the subject of the couple's separation on the Channel 5 programme, James explained: "Yes, I moved out, which was obviously in the press. I haven't really spoken about it much because I always said I wouldn't speak about it because I don't feel it's fair to speak about it unless Ola would be here as well."
He continued: "There have been things in the press recently..." as Jeremy referenced allegations of an affair and reports that a woman's ex-husband had contacted Ola. "Apparently so, I don't know if that's true or not," James responded.
"There was no affair"
His co-star Brendan Cole interrupted to point out: "It's hard to have an affair if you've moved out." Dismissing "incorrect" media narratives and suggesting a new relationship, James went on: "There was no affair. I have grown closer to someone since... I moved out back in June, so yeah."
He told Jeremy: "The problem is if I say nothing, it makes me look guilty. If I say something, it looks like I'm being defensive. So for me it's kind of a lose-lose. So I will at some point put a statement out on my social media to try and clarify what's been going on. I don't feel your show's long enough to explain the whole thing."
Meanwhile, Ola, who celebrated her 44th birthday in September, discussed the breakdown of their relationship with Hello! Magazine, revealing: "I'm finding it very hard to move forward. I'm still very raw. I'm trying to stay strong and keep things calm for Ella. I can't believe I spent my 44th birthday this way. It's not what I wanted for my life."
The Jeremy Vine Show airs weekdays from 9.15am on Channel 5.
