James Jordan, a long-standing professional from "Strictly Come Dancing," has been seen in public for the first time since reports of his split from wife Ola Jordan emerged. The dancer was photographed heading to the shops, notably without his wedding ring, and smoking a cigarette after having quit the habit four years prior.
News of the split between Jordan, 48, and Ola, 43, was announced on Friday. The couple, who began dating in 1999 and married in 2003, share a six-year-old daughter, Ella. A joint statement indicated they are currently taking time apart to work through personal challenges, with James having moved out of their family home some time ago.
Jordan's decision to quit smoking was reportedly influenced by his late father, Allan, who died in March 2021. His father had urged him to stop so he could be present to see his granddaughter grow up. Prior to quitting, Jordan was a smoker for nearly three decades, consuming at least 20 cigarettes a day.
In the joint statement, James Jordan also spoke about his mental health, stating it had not been in a good place for some time. He expressed a need to focus on his well-being for himself and his daughter. The statement emphasized that their daughter Ella remains their absolute priority, and they are committed to co-parenting her with love and stability.
The Jordans first met at a dance competition in 1999 and tied the knot in 2003. They welcomed Ella in February 2020 after a three-year fertility battle. Both James and Ola were professional dancers on "Strictly Come Dancing," joining the show in its fourth series in 2006. James departed after the 2013 season, and Ola left in 2015.
