James and Ola Jordan, a pair of professional dancers known for their roles on "Strictly Come Dancing," have confirmed the end of their nearly 23-year marriage. A spokesperson for the couple announced that they began a trial separation some time ago, with their primary focus now being the co-parenting of their six-year-old daughter, Ella.
"Their shared priority remains co-parenting their daughter, Ella, and they are committed to putting her wellbeing first," the publicist stated on Friday. Friends of the couple reportedly described the separation as amicable and a "shock."
Reports suggest that the marriage had been experiencing difficulties for some time. In January 2013, Ola Jordan was observed sitting alone at a hotel bar in Birmingham while her husband, James Jordan, was seen socializing with his "Strictly" dance partner, Denise van Outen. Witnesses noted that the couple did not exchange words that evening, and the following morning, neither was wearing their wedding rings.
Speculation about the state of their marriage intensified during James Jordan's partnership with Denise van Outen on "Strictly Come Dancing" in 2012. They reached the show's final, and reports from the time described them as being deeply engrossed in conversation in the green room, while Ola was absent, having made trips to Poland to visit her unwell mother. Sources at the time suggested rumors circulated about Ola's unhappiness with James's close friendship with Van Outen.
Katie Hind, writing about the situation, recalled observing James Jordan's interactions with his dance partners, including an incident in 2006 where he was reportedly harsh with actress Georgina Bouzova. Hind also noted that some within their management team believed James was "jealous" of Ola's success on the show. James Jordan was reportedly axed from "Strictly" bosses in 2014, with perceived arrogance cited as a factor. Ola Jordan subsequently announced her departure from the show five months later, with the stated reason being a desire to start a family. However, some sources at the time speculated that her decision was influenced by James's exit.
Following their departures from "Strictly," the couple's public profile became less prominent. In 2023, they launched a fitness program called "Dance Shred," which focused on diet and exercise. The couple had previously lost a significant amount of weight, inspired by an unflattering photograph.
James Jordan is 48 years old, and Ola Jordan is 43 years old. They have been married for nearly 23 years.