Strictly Come Dancing Couple James And Ola Jordan Split After 23 Years Of Marriage

Former Strictly Come Dancing stars James and Ola Jordan have announced that they have split up after more than 25 years together.

In a statement, their representatives confirmed (as reported by The Independent): “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.”

James and Ola were already both competitive dancers when they met at an industry contest in 1999, before marrying four years later.

They were both then cast as Strictly professionals in 2006, with James remaining part of the BBC dance show until he left under something of a cloud in 2013, following numerous controversies during his stint.

Ola – who won the show in 2009, when she was paired with sports presenter Chris Hollins – lasted slightly longer, parting ways with Strictly after the 2015 season.

In 2020, the couple welcomed a baby, a daughter named Ella.

Following their respective departures from Strictly, the pair continued to make appearances on reality TV, both as a pair and as individuals.

James twice competed on Celebrity Big Brother, making it to the final during his first stint.

He later finished in second place on the 2019 season of ITV’s now-defunct celebrity skating show Dancing On Ice.

Ola, meanwhile, had been booked to compete on the infamous winter sports contest The Jump in 2014, but was one of several stars who had to withdraw due to injury.

Following her Strictly exit, she was cast on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!, and served as a judge for two seasons of the Polish version of Strictly Come Dancing.

As a couple, James and Ola were judges on the BBC dance series Dancing On Wheels in 2010 (which was won by the Caroline Flack and her partner) and also appeared on Celebrity Coach Trip, Celebrity Through The Keyhole and Let’s Sing And Dance For Comic Relief.