Former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer James Jordan has revealed he is going through a midlife crisis following his split from wife Ola after 22 years of marriage.
The 48-year-old dancer confessed he is struggling with life, feeling a lack of purpose, and coping with the emotional toll of living alone after moving out of the couple's home in Kent.
James and Ola, 43, were the longest-standing professional couple on the flagship BBC dance contest Strictly Come Dancing, having spent 26 years together. The couple first started dating in 1999, married in 2003, and share a six-year-old daughter named Ella.
Life in isolation after moving out
The breakdown of their relationship followed a trial separation that began some time ago. James confirmed he has moved out of their five-bedroom family residence in Kent and removed his wedding band.
Speaking earlier this week on the ITV daytime show This Morning, James opened up to hosts Angela Scanlon and Craig Doyle about his new routine, describing how he spends his evenings sitting alone in a one-bedroom flat watching television.
"It's been a tough few years. I moved out a few months ago," James told the hosts, adding that he found the situation difficult to discuss publicly. "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 acknowledged reports regarding his decision to leave the marital home, explaining his need for personal space. "I just feel I need that time to find myself again. People can say 'it's really selfish of you'," he said.
James revealed that his close friend and fellow former Strictly professional dancer Brendan Cole has provided vital support during the transition, checking in on him every single day.
"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?'" James shared on the show.
Launch of men's mental health podcast
In response to his personal struggles, James has teamed up with Brendan Cole to launch a new podcast titled Manopause, which focuses on middle-aged men's mental health.
In a trailer for the new audio project, James spoke candidly about his mental state. "I’m going through a midlife crisis. The last few years, for me, have been really tough. I’m not afraid to admit it. I put my hands up and say I’m struggling with life at the minute," he said.
He explained that the podcast aims to serve as a supportive tool for listeners while helping him navigate his own path forward. "So many different things, with career choices, waking up and not having purpose, things like that. Manopause is for the middle-aged man that’s struggling a little bit and hopefully we’re going to be able to help ourselves and help you at the same time," he added.
James also highlighted that the podcast offers valuable insight for women trying to understand the challenges faced by their partners. "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.
Joint statement on relationship split
The news of the separation was formally announced earlier this month when James and Ola released a joint statement following press reports and messages from concerned fans inquiring about their marriage.
"After 26 years together, this is something we never imagined we would be sharing," the statement read. "Following recent reports in the press about our relationship and after receiving messages asking if everything is okay, we feel it’s important to speak directly rather than let speculation or hearsay tell our story."
The pair explained that they had been trying to remain open with their supporters. "We have always tried to be open and honest with the people who have supported us over the years and we feel it’s only right that this update comes from us," they stated.
Detailing their ongoing situation, the statement continued: "At the moment we’re taking some time apart as we work through very difficult personal challenges. (James) moved out of the family home some time ago. This has been an incredibly painful and emotional journey for us both and it certainly wasn’t an easy decision."
Focus on co-parenting and mental wellbeing
Despite the end of their marriage, the former couple emphasized that their primary focus remains the wellbeing of their daughter. "Our absolute priority, now and always, is our beautiful daughter Ella. She’s at the centre of everything we do. We are committed to co-parenting her with all the love, care and stability she deserves," they affirmed.
James added a personal message within the shared statement regarding his mental health struggles. "Speaking personally (James) my mental health hasn’t been in a good place for quite some time. I’ve been struggling more than I’ve let people see and I’m taking the time I need to focus on getting myself into a healthier place, both for myself and for Ella."
The joint statement concluded with a request for privacy and understanding from the public as they take their next steps. "Neither of us is in a good place right now. We’re both doing our best to navigate one of the hardest chapters of our lives and we ask that people remember there are real people and real emotions behind every headline, every comment and every post."
"We don’t know exactly what the future holds. For now, we’re taking things one day at a time, doing what we both believe is best for ourselves, our family and most importantly….. Ella. We’re incredibly grateful for the love, kindness and concern so many of you have shown us over the years," the couple stated.
