James and Ola Jordan Separation: Why Did the Strictly Come Dancing Couple Split After 22 Years of Marriage?

Former Strictly Come Dancing professionals James and Ola Jordan have confirmed they are taking time apart after 22 years of marriage, with James revealing that his mental health has “not been in a good place” and that he moved out of the family home some time ago.

The couple, who have been together for 26 years and share six-year-old daughter Ella, addressed their separation publicly on Saturday, August 8, after reports of a trial separation emerged the previous day.

They said they are dealing with “very difficult personal challenges” and asked for privacy as they navigate what they described as one of the hardest periods of their lives.

Why Did James And Ola Jordan Split?

The Jordans have not disclosed a single specific reason for the breakdown of their marriage.

Instead, their joint statement points to a combination of personal difficulties and James’ struggles with his mental health.

“My mental health hasn’t been in a good place for quite some time,” James said in the statement, adding that he had been struggling more than he had allowed people to see and was taking time to work toward a healthier place for himself and Ella.

The couple also made it clear that the separation was not a sudden decision.

Their manager and friend, Vickie White, said James and Ola had begun a trial separation some time ago, while the couple said they had been working through the situation privately.

“This has been an incredibly painful and emotional journey for us both,” they said, stressing that it had not been an easy decision.

Importantly, there is no confirmed evidence that a third party or infidelity caused the split, and neither James nor Ola has made such an allegation.

Speculation beyond what the couple themselves have disclosed should therefore be treated cautiously.

James Jordan Has Moved Out Of The Family Home

One of the clearest updates in the couple’s statement is that James has already left the family home.

“(James) moved out of the family home some time ago,” they said, indicating that the separation had been underway before it became public this week.

Ola has also described the separation as deeply painful, while both have emphasized that they are trying to manage the change privately rather than publicly assigning blame.

The couple said they do not know what their future holds and are taking things “one day at a time.”

Their Daughter Ella Is Their Main Priority

James and Ola’s six-year-old daughter, Ella, is at the center of their plans following the separation.

“Our absolute priority, now and always, is our beautiful daughter Ella,” the couple said, adding that they remain committed to co-parenting her with the love, care and stability she deserves.

Ella was born in 2020 after the couple underwent IVF and experienced fertility difficulties.

The family had previously spoken publicly about their journey to becoming parents.

That makes the co-parenting element particularly significant; although the couple’s romantic relationship is now on hold, they have explicitly said they intend to continue working together as parents.

James And Ola Jordan’s 26-Year Relationship

James and Ola first met through the competitive dance world and began dating in 1999.

They married in October 2003, meaning their 23rd wedding anniversary would have been approaching in October 2026.

Their professional partnership became familiar to British television audiences when both joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2006.

Ola remained with the BBC show until 2015, while James left in 2013.

Ola won the 2009 series with celebrity partner Chris Hollins, while James reached the final with Pamela Stephenson in 2010.

Their careers subsequently continued across television and entertainment, with James later winning Dancing on Ice in 2019.