James Jordan has spoken out on his split from partner of 26 years Ola.
Appearing on This Morning on Wednesday, James, 48, admitted he spends his evenings ‘sitting alone in a one-bed flat watching TV’ following a ‘tough few years’.
Strictly’s longest-standing couple, who started dating in 1999 and married in 2003, announced their split with a joint statement earlier this month.
Ola, 43, and James who share daughter Ella, six, decided to end their relationship for good after a trial separation ‘some time ago’, with James moving out of their Kent family home and removing his wedding band.
James appeared on the show to promote his new podcast Manopause with Brendan Cole and was asked about his marriage breakdown.
‘It’s been a tough few years. I moved out a few months ago,’ James told hosts Angela Scanlon and Craig Doyle.
‘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 Jordan said on This Morning on Wednesday that he spends his evenings sitting alone in a one-bed flat watching TV following his split from wife of 26 years Ola
Strictly’s longest-standing couple, who started dating in 1999 and married in 2003, announced their split with a joint statement earlier this month and James said it’s been a ‘tough few years’
Brendan said he has been ‘checking in’ with his close friend every day, which James said has been a lifeline in recent months.
‘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 also referenced reports that he told his wife he needed space and was moving out of their five bedroom family home, explaining: ‘I just feel I need that time to find myself again. People can say “it’s really selfish of you”‘.
The professional dancer added that his new venture, the podcast which focuses on men’s mental health, has been a great tool to help him talk and hopefully inspire others.
‘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.
In the shared statement released last weekend, James explained how his ‘mental health hasn’t been in a good place for quite some time’.
The joint statement began: ‘After 26 years together, this is something we never imagined we would be sharing. 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.’
‘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.’
Appearing on Wednesday’s episode of This Morning to promote his new podcast with Brendan Cole, James, who wasn’t wearing his wedding ring, was asked about his marriage breakdown
‘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.’
They went on to say their ‘absolute priority’ is their six-year-old daughter Ella.
They said: ‘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.
‘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.
‘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.’
James has previously spoken about how he battled with crippling anxiety following the death of his beloved father Allan in 2021.
He said at the time how his grief made him feel extremely weak, he woke up panicked thinking someone had broken into his house and he experienced severe anxiety.
Citing his daughter as a Godsend, James said his family, specifically his wife and dance partner Ola, had pulled him out of the emotional and dark time.
Fans wrote in the comments: ‘Take care & look after yourself & I hope you both can find each other again’ and ‘Sending love’.
‘I moved out a few months ago,’ James told hosts Angela Scanlon and Craig Doyle
James and Polish-born beauty Ola first met at a dance competition in Blackpool in 1999 and married four years later.
They were initially dance partners before their professional relationship developed into romance, James proposed two years later and the couple tied the knot in October 2003.
They welcomed their daughter Ella in February 2020 via IVF following a three-year fertility battle.
The pair shot to fame as professionals on BBC One celebrity competition Strictly Come Dancing, which they both joined in series four back in 2006.
James bowed out of the show after season 11 in 2013, while Ola left at the end of series 13 in 2015.
If you are struggling, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org.
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