James and Ola Jordan, the former professional dancers who became household names on a hit ballroom competition show, have confirmed they have separated after 23 years of marriage. The couple's manager, Vickie White, announced the news in a statement, saying the pair began a trial separation "some time ago" and remain focused on co-parenting their daughter, Ella.
In her statement, White said:
"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. They would greatly appreciate your understanding as they navigate this difficult time."
The split was first reported by a British tabloid before being confirmed through the couple's representative.
What has James Jordan said about the separation?
James has since spoken publicly, saying that he and Ola are "not in a good place" and are taking time apart while dealing with "very difficult personal challenges," according to Metro. He also revealed that he moved out of the family home some time ago as the couple works through the separation, the outlet reported. Separately, sources cited by The Sun said the pair told friends they "could no longer sustain their partnership."
How long had the couple been together?
Ola Jordan's dance partnership with James began in March 2000, shortly after she won the Open Polish Championship at the age of 17 in 1999, according to a report by Yahoo Entertainment. She relocated to England the following month, and the couple married in October 2003. James competed on the dance show from 2006 to 2013, while Ola remained a regular until 2015.
During their time on the programme, Ola was partnered with celebrities including wildlife presenter Steve Backshall and Welsh sprinter Iwan Thomas, while James danced with broadcaster and former international gymnast Gabby Logan, as well as television presenter Alex Jones.
According to the Mirror, the couple have publicly characterised the situation as a "trial separation" that had already been underway for some time before it became public. Metro also noted that the confirmation of the split came roughly two months before what would have been the couple's 23rd wedding anniversary.
What happens next for the family?
Both James and Ola have stated that their "absolute priority" going forward is ensuring stability for their daughter Ella as they navigate the separation, according to The Sun. No further details have been given about the couple's living arrangements or long-term plans, and their representative has asked for understanding as they work through this period privately.
The news comes amid a broader period of change behind the scenes of the dance show. Earlier this year, the programme confirmed that several professionals, including Karen Hauer, would be departing ahead of a new series, as detailed in our earlier coverage of the pro dancer line-up changes. Hauer's exit, after 14 years as the show's longest-serving female professional, was covered separately in our report on her departure.
Key Facts
- James and Ola Jordan married in October 2003 and separated after 23 years of marriage.
- Their partnership began in March 2000, shortly after Ola won the Open Polish Championship in 1999.
- James appeared on the dance show from 2006 to 2013; Ola until 2015.
- James says he moved out of the family home and described the pair as "not in a good place."
- Both have said co-parenting their daughter, Ella, remains their top priority.
