Ola Jordan has admitted she regrets leaving Strictly Come Dancing, describing her exit from the BBC show as a sad period in her life. The 44-year-old professional dancer, who quit in 2015 after nearly a decade on the series, spoke about her feelings following a recent return to the Strictly universe.
Her departure came two years after her husband James Jordan was dropped from the show, with reports at the time suggesting there had been friction surrounding his exit. Ola recently appeared on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, which she said triggered a wave of memories.
Return Brings Back Happy Memories
Speaking to HELLO! Magazine, Ola reflected on her stint on It Takes Two, saying: "It brought back so many happy memories. It's been a long time since I've done anything for the BBC and it felt good to be back with the team."
She added: "Moving on from the show was a sad part of my life and perhaps something I now regret. But you can't look back. I have to move forward."
Ola also revealed that former colleagues had reached out following her separation from James, with several familiar faces getting in touch. "Even some of my old friends from Strictly have reached out, which was unexpected but really nice. Some of my former dance partners have checked in on me, and a few of the female pros have been in touch," she said.
Future on the Show and Dancing Career
The dancer has not ruled out another comeback, although she admitted returning as a professional seems unlikely. However, she would be open to a judging role should the opportunity arise.
For now, Ola continues to teach dance classes and perform, though she acknowledged that finding a new partner could be difficult after years of dancing with James. "I'm giving dance lessons and I continue to dance myself, but obviously I'll need to start looking for a new dance partner, which will be hard, having only danced with James professionally since I was just 17," she explained.
Her It Takes Two appearance last month brought her back together with former Strictly stars Sarah Hadland and Dr Ranj on the famous sofa. Posting on Instagram, Ola said being back felt like returning home. "What a feeling to be back on @bbcstrictly after all these years!" she wrote. "Stepping back into the Strictly world has honestly felt so surreal. So many incredible memories, so many special people and such a huge part of my life was created here."
Personal Separation and Family Life
Ola and James first met in Blackpool, becoming professional dance partners before their relationship turned romantic. They married in 2003 and made their Strictly debut as professional dancers in 2006, with James leaving the show in 2013.
In August, the couple confirmed they had decided to spend time apart after 26 years together, having initially revealed they were trialling a separation in June. They are parents to six-year-old daughter Ella, born in February 2020 following a three-year struggle with fertility.
In a joint statement, the pair described the decision as an incredibly painful and emotional journey, adding that their priority was doing what was best for their family and their daughter. James also spoke publicly about his mental health struggles, saying he needed space to focus on becoming healthier for himself and Ella. The former couple acknowledged they had no idea what lay ahead and were taking things one day at a time.
