Ola Jordan has revealed that her "heart has felt heavier than I ever imagined it could" as she reflected on a challenging summer following her split from husband James Jordan. The couple, who were known as Strictly's longest-standing partnership, ended their 26-year relationship earlier this month.
In a candid message posted to Instagram on Friday, Jordan, 43, shared that "life has changed in ways I never expected, and some days have been incredibly tough." She found solace and constancy in her six-year-old daughter, Ella, describing her as a "little ray of sunshine through some of my darkest days." Jordan emphasized focusing on her daughter and the memories they are creating together.
She also expressed gratitude for the messages, kindness, and support she has received from family, friends, and fans, stating, "Your love and support have meant more to me than you will ever know."
The split followed a trial separation, after which James Jordan moved out of their family home. James Jordan, 48, has also spoken publicly about the separation, describing it as a "midlife crisis" and admitting he has found the past few years "really tough" and is "struggling with life at the minute." He discussed these challenges on his podcast, "Manopause," which focuses on men's mental health in middle age.
During an appearance on the television program "This Morning," James Jordan described his current living situation as "sitting alone in a one-bed flat watching TV" and finding it difficult to talk about the split when Ola Jordan was not present. He stated his need for time "to find myself again."
In a joint statement released last weekend, the couple explained that they were taking time apart to work through "very difficult personal challenges." They underscored that their "absolute priority" is their daughter Ella, to whom they are committed to co-parenting with "all the love, care and stability she deserves." The statement also noted that neither of them was in a good place emotionally and asked for consideration of the real people and emotions behind public commentary.