Strictly couple James and Ola Jordan split after 22 years of marriage

James has released a statement

Ola and James Jordan

Author: Alex RossPublished 9 hours ago
Last updated 9 hours ago

Former Strictly Come Dancing professionals James and Ola Jordan have announced they are separating after 22 years of marriage, and 26 years together.

The couple, who are proud parents to their six-year-old daughter Ella, announced the news in a social media statement, after reports in the press suggested things were over.

Sharing on behalf of the couple, James wrote on Instagram: '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. At the moment we’re taking some time apart as we work through very difficult personal challenges. (James) moved out of the family home some time ago. This has been an incredibly painful and emotional journey for us both and it certainly wasn’t an easy decision.

'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.' (sic)

James went on to reveal his mental health isn't in a good place, admitting he's taking time on getting himself in a healthier place.

He added: 'Speaking personally (James) my mental health hasn’t been in a good place for quite some time. I’ve been struggling more than I’ve let people see and I’m taking the time I need to focus on getting myself into a healthier place, both for myself and for Ella.

'Neither of us is in a good place right now. We’re both doing our best to navigate one of the hardest chapters of our lives and we ask that people remember there are real people and real emotions behind every headline, every comment and every post. We don’t know exactly what the future holds. For now, we’re taking things one day at a time, doing what we both believe is best for ourselves, our family and most importantly….. Ella.

'We’re incredibly grateful for the love, kindness and concern so many of you have shown us over the years. You’ve been part of our journey for a long time and wanted to honour that with an honest update. Right now, more than anything we ask for kindness, empathy and a little privacy as we work through this as a family. Thank you for understanding.' (sic)

Fans and friends of the pair were quick to comment, with many sending their love.

Greatest Hits Radio presenter Zoe Ball wrote: 'huge love to you both. stay strong and hope calmer days ahead for you all. ❤️❤️❤️', with Jake Quickenden added: 'Sending love and strength to you both'. (sic)

Actress Dani Harmer then commented: 'So much love to you and Ola! And of course Ella 🫶🏻', with Ali Bastian adding: 'Massive hugs you guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️'. (sic)

In an additional statement, James and Ola's manager also confirmed the sad news, writing: 'It is with great sadness that I can confirm that James and Ola began a trial separation some time ago.

‘Their shared priority remains co-parenting their daughter, Ella, and they are committed to putting her well-being first.

‘They would greatly appreciate your understanding as they navigate this difficult time.’

Check out all of the celebs that found love on Strictly:

Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole

On the first ever series of Strictly back in 2001, news reader Natasha Kaplinsky and professional dancer Brendan Cole were paired together.

Despite both being in other relationships at the time, both Natasha and Brendan called off their romances and started dating after the series finished.

Their relationship didn't last long though, and they are now both happily married to other people.

Ali Bastian and Brian Fortuna

It was love at first sight for former Hollyoaks actress Ali Bastian and her Strictly partner Brian Fortuna in 2009.

With the pair both single at the time, Ali and Brian started a relationship, only for it to end the following year.

Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff

When boxer Joe Calzaghe appeared on the show in 2009, he announced to the press that his relationship with his partner Jo-Emma Larvin had come to an end, just one week into his Strictly journey.

Joe's professional dance partner Kristina Rihanoff was more than a shoulder to cry on, with the pair starting a romance. They went on to date for four years after show, before announcing their split.

Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff

After her relationship with Joe Calzaghe fell apart, Kristina later met another Strictly contestant, England rugby ace Ben Cohen.

Both Ben and Kristina have denied rumours that Ben was still with his ex-wife Abby Blayney at the time they started dating, with the pair claiming they didn't get together until a year later.

However, after 12 years together and a daughter called Milena, rumours were rife in March 2025 that the pair had split.

Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev

After her split from Joe Swash, actress Kara Tointon appeared on the 2010 series of Strictly and mended her broken heart with a little help from professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev.

Despite this, things didn't work out for the couple.

Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev

When Countdown presenter Rachel Riley appeared on Strictly in 2013 she was married to her ex-husband Jamie Gilbert. However, after just 16 months of marriage, the pair announced they were set for divorce in November 2013.

Fast-forward to 2016 and Rachel revealed she was in a relationship with her 2013 Strictly partner Pasha Kovalev... And the pair welcomed a baby in 2019, with another arriving in 2021.

Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice

Georgia May Foote was dating her Coronation Street co-star Sean Ward when she joined the show in 2015. But when rumours circulated that the couple's relationship wasn't going well, they split in December 2015.

Georgia was then spotted getting very cosy with her Strictly partner Giovanni, with the pair enjoying a holiday to Disneyland Paris for New Year.

Despite this, the couple ended their relationship in August 2016.

Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg

After weeks of rumours, Joe Sugg confirmed his relationship with Strictly Come Dancing partner Dianne Buswell with a photo on Instagram, following the 2018 final. He wrote: 'I may not have won the glitter ball, but I've won something a million times more special.'

The pair have been smitten ever since, moving in together and making hilarious social media content together. In September 2025, the couple announced they are expecting their first child in 2026, a baby boy!

Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez

Radio presenter Gemma Atkinson and professional dancer Gorka Marquez were first linked in the 2017 series, and got together whilst on the 2018 annual tour together. They moved in together in December 2018 and welcomed their daughter Mia in summer 2019. The couple then announced their engagement at the start of 2021.

In 2023, Gemma and Gorka then welcomed their second child, a baby boy called Thiago!

Giovanni Pernice and Ashley Roberts

Professional dancer Giovanni Pernice and Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts were forced to deny they were dating during the 2018 series, but Giovanni confirmed the relationship in January 2019.

However, just one year later in January 2020, Giovanni confirmed the pair had split.

Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton

Despite taking a long time to confirm their romance, Stacey and Kevin now seem very happy together, with Kevin announcing back in March 2021 that he'd quit the show.

Despite the couple keeping their relationship more or less private, the couple did confirm in August 2022 that they are expecting their first child together, with Stacey giving birth to baby Minnie in January 2023.

Max George and Maisie Smith

Despite both taking part in the 2020 series of Strictly, The Wanted singer Max George and former EastEnders actress Maisie Smith didn't actually start dating until mid-2022.

After weeks of rumours about a romance, the pair went Instagram official in September 2022, sharing gushy posts about each other. They've since been smitten, with Maisie caring for Max during his health issues in 2025.

Tyler West and Molly Rainford

Strictly 2022 contestants Tyler West and Molly Rainford confirmed they were dating in March 2023, after growing close during the live tour. The pair confirmed they were dating during a TikTok video, leaving fans buzzing! They've not looked back, going on to get engaged in August 2025, when Tyler popped the question during a trip to Mykonos.