James Jordan Addresses Painful Split from Ola After 23 Years, Prioritizing Co-Parenting Their Daughter Ella
Ola and James Jordan have announced their separation after nearly 23 years of marriage. The couple, known for their appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their six-year-old daughter, Ella, during this challenging time.
Announcement of Separation
James Jordan shared a heartfelt statement on social media, expressing the unexpected nature of their split. He noted, “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.”
He further explained that they are currently taking time apart to navigate personal challenges, confirming that he had 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,” he added.
Focus on Co-Parenting
In his statement, James highlighted their shared priority: “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 also opened up about his struggles with mental health, stating, “Speaking personally, 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.”
He acknowledged that both he and Ola are facing difficulties, urging the public to remember the real emotions behind their situation. “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,” he said.
Background of Their Relationship
James and Ola Jordan first met in the competitive dancing world in 1999, and they became a couple shortly thereafter. They married in October 2003, three years before joining Strictly Come Dancing in 2006. Their relationship has been one of the longest-standing romances associated with the show.
The couple welcomed their daughter Ella in February 2020 after undergoing IVF, a journey they have openly discussed with their fans. They frequently shared glimpses of their family life on social media.
Recent Developments
The news of their separation comes as a surprise to many, especially since both James and Ola celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary just last October. Ola had shared a playful tribute to James during his tour, expressing her love and appreciation for him.
However, their manager, Vickie White, confirmed that the couple had begun a trial separation some time ago, stating, “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 wellbeing first.”
As reported by www.mirror.co.uk, the couple has previously discussed the pressures they faced after becoming parents and the lifestyle changes they made together.
James and Ola’s journey has been marked by both personal and professional challenges, and they have built a business around their fitness transformation after publicly addressing their weight gain post-Strictly.
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Published on 2026-08-08 23:14:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk