James and Ola Jordan, who both appeared as professionals on Strictly Come Dancing, called time on their marriage “some time ago” after more than 20 years together
James and OIa Jordan have split up after more than 20 years of marriage (Image: REX/Shutterstock)
Former Strictly Come Dancing stars James and Ola Jordan have split up after 22 years of marriage.
The TV stars, who both served as professionals on the BBC Saturday night favourite, tied the knot in 2003 and went on to have six-year-old Ella together, but it was confirmed on Friday night that they had called time on their marriage a little while ago.
Vickie White, their manager and friend, said in a statement to The Sun: “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 couple started dating in 1999 and married in October 2003 but now friends have claimed that things “came to a head” and they have been left shocked by the news .
A source said: “It’s been a huge shock to their friends and family because they always seemed like such a solid couple. But they know in the long run it is the right decision.”
Speaking to The Sun, insiders added: “They have been together for almost 30 years and while they love and care for each other, things have changed. James hasn’t been in a good place for quite a while now and things came to a head recently.
“They’ve had some open and honest discussions about their future over the past few months and have now decided that the best option is for them to separate. Ola has taken her wedding ring off, as well as the engagement ring James gave her in 2001.”
James, 48, and dance partner Ola, 43, turned professional in 2000 and joined Strictly Come Dancing six years later, with James going on to compete with celebrities like presenters Gabby Logan and Alex Jones, before reaching the final with actress Denise van Outen in 2012. He left the following year.
During her own time on the programme, Ola won the show with journalist Chris Hollins in 2009 before she competed with late magician Paul Daniels, EastEnders star Sid Owen, and bowed out in 2015 after dancing alongside Olympian Iwan Thomas.
News of their split might come as a shock to their fans, especially as both of them marked their most recent wedding anniversary. In October last year, Ola took to Instagram to share a sweet tribute for her husband as she showed off a series of pictures of the two throughout the years.
She penned: “22 years married!!! I deserve a medal, a parade and possibly a statue. Happy anniversary to my darling husband James – currently off living his best life on tour with the Dance Legends while I hold down the fort… and the recycling bin and trying to remember where we keep the screwdriver and at least three light bulbs I’m refusing to change on principle!!!
“Can’t wait for you to get home… mainly because I’ve got a looooong list of blue jobs I need you to do. Love you.”
At the same time, James released his own post to mark the occasion. He wrote: “22 years!!! Happy Anniversary to my partner in crime and beautiful wife @olajordan. Can’t wait to get home to spend time with my two girls – love you.”
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