Strictly stars James and Ola Jordan separate after 23 years of marriage

Former Strictly Come Dancing professionals James and Ola Jordan have announced their separation after 23 years of marriage. The couple, who met in 1999 and share a daughter Ella, began a trial separation earlier and have emphasised their commitment to co-parenting while navigating personal and emotional challenges.

Quick Facts

Announced separation after 23 years of marriage
Began trial separation some time before public announcement
James moved out of family home
Ola removed wedding and engagement rings
Couple committed to co-parenting daughter Ella

Former Strictly Come Dancing professionals James and Ola Jordan have announced their separation after 23 years of marriage. The couple, who met at a dance competition in Blackpool in 1999 and married in October 2003, confirmed the split through their manager Vickie White and a joint statement. James, 48, and Ola, 43, share a six-year-old daughter, Ella, and began a trial separation some time before publicly announcing the news in August 2026.

In their joint statement, the couple described the separation as "an incredibly painful and emotional journey" and stated they were "taking some time apart as we work through very difficult personal challenges." James has moved out of the family home, and both parents have emphasised their commitment to co-parenting Ella and prioritising her wellbeing. They requested "kindness, empathy and a little privacy" as they navigate the split.

According to sources close to the couple, James "hasn't been in a good place for quite a while" and the relationship "came to a head" recently after almost 30 years together. The couple had "open and honest discussions about their future over the past few months" before deciding to separate. Ola has removed her wedding and engagement rings, which James gave her in 2001. Friends noted the split was "fresh" and the couple remained uncertain about their future arrangements.

James joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2006 and left in 2013, turning down a lesser role that would have excluded him from having a celebrity partner. Ola remained on the show until 2015, and notably won the Glitterball trophy in 2009 with TV presenter Chris Hollins. The couple had previously been open about the challenges of maintaining their relationship, with James stating that "marriage can be like a job sometimes, you've got to work at it," and Ola noting that "no one's got a perfect marriage." In 2023, they downsized from a £2.5 million Kent mansion to a five-bedroom home in the area.

Topics

Entertainment World

#trial separation #James Jordan #separation #marriage #BBC #Strictly Come Dancing #co-parenting #Ola Jordan #professional dancers

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Why This Matters

The separation of James and Ola Jordan affects their professional and personal visibility in UK entertainment media and dance competition circles. Measurable impacts include changes to their public appearances, potential shifts in joint business ventures or endorsements, custody and co-parenting arrangements affecting family privacy, and ongoing media coverage of celebrity separation proceedings. The couple's statement emphasizes co-parenting commitment, which will shape public perception of how they manage shared responsibilities, particularly regarding their daughter's upbringing and any future professional collaborations in the dance industry.

Timeline & Sources

Jan 1, 1999

Wire

James and Ola meet at dance competition in Blackpool

Jan 1, 2006

Wire

Both join Strictly Come Dancing as professional dancers

Jan 1, 2023

Wire

Couple downsize from £2.5 million mansion to five-bedroom home in Kent

Aug 7, 2026

Wire

Separation publicly announced