Former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer James Jordan has admitted facing a tough few years after splitting from his partner Ola Jordan, revealing he spends his evenings sitting alone in a one-bed flat watching TV.
Speaking on ITV's This Morning on Wednesday, the 48-year-old opened up about his marriage breakdown while promoting his new podcast, Manopause, alongside fellow dancer Brendan Cole. Hosts Angela Scanlon and Craig Doyle asked James about moving out of his five-bedroom family home in Kent and removing his wedding ring.
"It's been a tough few years. I moved out a few months ago," James told the presenters. "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."
James explained that sitting alone in a one-bedroom apartment at night watching TV leaves him asking "what is going on?", but said he needed time to find himself again despite knowing people might call his decision selfish.
Brendan Cole disclosed that he has been checking in with his close friend every day, which James described as a vital lifeline in recent months. James added that his new podcast focuses on men's mental health to help him talk and inspire others, explaining that women can listen to understand the struggles their partners face.
The television appearance follows a joint statement released by the couple earlier this month, after press reports and messages asking if everything was okay prompted them to address their relationship directly rather than let speculation tell their story.
Joint statement on marriage breakdown
In their statement, James and 43-year-old Ola said that after 26 years together, ending their relationship was something they never imagined sharing. They confirmed taking time apart following a trial separation some time ago, calling the decision an incredibly painful and emotional journey.
The couple emphasized that their absolute priority remains their six-year-old daughter Ella, whom they are committed to co-parenting with love, care, and stability. "Our absolute priority, now and always, is our beautiful daughter Ella. She's at the centre of everything we do," they said.
James added in his personal note within the statement that his mental health has not 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," he said.
The statement concluded by noting that neither of them is in a good place right now as they navigate one of the hardest chapters of their lives, asking the public to remember there are real emotions behind every headline and post while they take things one day at a time.
Strictly Come Dancing and relationship history
James and Polish-born Ola were Strictly Come Dancing's longest-standing couple. They first met at a dance competition in Blackpool in 1999, starting as dance partners before developing a romantic relationship later that year and marrying in 2003.
The pair rose to fame after joining BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing as professional dancers in series four in 2006. James left the series after season 11 in 2013, while Ola departed at the end of series 13 in 2015.
The couple welcomed their daughter Ella in February 2020 via IVF following a three-year fertility battle.
Father's death and mental health battle
James has previously spoken about battling crippling anxiety following the death of his father Allan in 2021. He recalled waking up panicked thinking someone had broken into his house, explaining that grief left him feeling extremely weak.
At the time, James described his daughter as a Godsend and credited his family, specifically his wife Ola, with pulling him out of that dark emotional period. Following their split announcement, fans left supportive comments online wishing them well, with messages including "Take care & look after yourself & I hope you both can find each other again" and "Sending love".
Anyone struggling with mental health can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or email [email protected].
