James Jordan has publicly discussed his separation from his wife of 26 years, Ola Jordan, describing the period as "a tough few years." Appearing on the morning television program "This Morning," Jordan admitted to spending his evenings alone in a one-bedroom flat watching television.
Jordan, 48, and Ola, 43, who share a six-year-old daughter named Ella, announced their split earlier this month. The couple, who began dating in 1999 and married in 2003, had reportedly been separated for some time before the announcement, with James having moved out of their family home.
During his appearance on "This Morning" to promote his new podcast "Manopause" with Brendan Cole, Jordan was asked about the breakdown of his marriage. He stated that he finds it difficult to discuss the situation, particularly in Ola's absence. "I find it hard to talk about and I'm not going to speak about it too much because I don't think it's fair when she's not here as well," he told hosts Angela Scanlon and Craig Doyle.
He explained that he had moved out of their five-bedroom home a few months prior, seeking time to "find myself again." He acknowledged that some might view this as selfish. "I just feel I need that time to find myself again. People can say 'it's really selfish of you,'" he said.
Jordan also referenced a joint statement released by the couple, which detailed that their "absolute priority" is their daughter Ella. The statement also noted that James's "mental health hasn’t been in a good place for quite some time" and that he has been struggling more than he has shown. The couple stated they are committed to co-parenting Ella with the love and stability she deserves and are taking things one day at a time.
Brendan Cole mentioned he has been in daily contact with Jordan, which has been a significant support. "Knowing that people are out there you can talk to... otherwise I'm sitting in a one bedroom apartment on my own at night watching TV going 'what is going on?'" Jordan shared.
The professional dancer highlighted his podcast as a tool to help him articulate his struggles and potentially assist other men. "Women can watch and listen and hear what struggles men are going through and they might relate to that with their husband or their other half," he explained.
This is not the first time Jordan has spoken openly about mental health challenges. He previously shared his battle with severe anxiety following the death of his father, Allan, in 2021. At that time, he credited his family, particularly Ola, with helping him through that dark period.
James and Ola Jordan first met at a dance competition in Blackpool in 1999. They became professional dance partners before their relationship turned romantic. James proposed two years later, and they married in October 2003. Their daughter Ella was born in February 2020, following a three-year fertility journey using IVF. Both James and Ola gained fame as professional dancers on the BBC's "Strictly Come Dancing," joining the show in 2006. James departed the show after its eleventh season in 2013, and Ola left in 2015 after series thirteen.