Ola Jordan has admitted she regrets walking away from Strictly Come Dancing, describing her departure as a sad part of her life. The 44-year-old professional dancer left the BBC show in 2015 after almost a decade, and has since reflected on the decision during an appearance on spin-off programme It Takes Two.
Return to the BBC show
Speaking to HELLO! Magazine, Ola said her recent appearance on It Takes Two brought back a flood of happy memories. "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 said.
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."
Support from former co-stars
Ola also revealed that former colleagues have been in touch following the breakdown of her marriage to James Jordan. "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.
Her departure came two years after her husband James was axed from the programme, with reports at the time suggesting there had been tensions surrounding his exit.
Future plans and judging role
Ola has not ruled out another return to the programme, although she suggested resuming her position as a professional might be unlikely. Instead, she would consider taking on a judging role if the opportunity arose.
For now, she is continuing to give dance lessons and perform, although finding somebody new to partner with presents a challenge after so many years alongside 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.
Reunion and personal life
Her appearance on It Takes Two last month saw her reunite with former Strictly contestants Sarah Hadland and Dr Ranj on the sofa. Sharing photographs from the appearance on Instagram, Ola described the experience as feeling like coming 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."
Ola and James, who met in Blackpool and became professional dance partners before their relationship turned romantic, married in 2003. They first appeared as professionals on Strictly in 2006, with James leaving in 2013. The couple confirmed in August that they were taking time apart after 26 years together, having initially announced a trial separation in June. They share six-year-old daughter Ella, whom they welcomed in February 2020 following a three-year fertility battle.
In their joint statement, they 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 struggles, revealing his mental health had not been in a good place for some time and that he needed time to focus on getting healthier for himself and Ella. The former couple said they did not know what the future would hold and were taking things one day at a time.
