Ola Jordan’s true feelings for each other ‘exposed’ weeks before split
James and Ola Jordan recently announced that they have split after 22 years of marriage (Image: BBC)
James and Ola Jordan were often regarded as one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most enduring couples. The pair, who recently announced that they have split after 22 years of marriage, met in 1999 before tying the knot in 2003. They both joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2006 and continued their relationship throughout their time on the show, with James leaving in 2013 and Ola following two years later.
Despite the so-called “Strictly curse”, their relationship remained strong throughout their time on the show, withstanding the pressures that came with being part of Strictly. But the couple have now confirmed that they are separating, describing the process as “an incredibly painful and emotional journey”. Just weeks before their split announcement, the pair looked loved-up as they took to the dancefloor on their friend’s wedding day.
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Body language expert Judi James has now analysed James and Ola’s behaviour in the video, believing they could have been hiding their true feelings to avoid spoiling what was meant to be a happy and joyous occasion.
Judi said: “There are two important factors that add context to the body language in this clip that shows Ola and James in their last sighting before their split: firstly, they are at a friend’s wedding, which means all negative emotions would be masked to avoid spoiling what should be a blissfully happy day.
“More importantly, though, James and Orla are in professional dance mode here as they show off their moves to the entire room. Professional ballroom dancers are not wired like the rest of us when it comes to body language.
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“They can smile when their feet are bleeding, and they can depict love, passion and romance with partners they hate. I’m sure James and Orla don’t have a shred of hatred for each other, but they will both be adept at masking their body language.
“It’s bred into the pro dancers when they are around five years old.”
Judi continued: “This ability to mask and produce industrial-strength body language performances while they are on the dance floor is one reason why fans love Strictly so much. People believe in all the passion and sensuality shown during the dances and believe it leaks over into real life.
“But for the performers, those smiles, smouldering glances and pouting mimed kisses are as much a part of the routine and the steps and the arm placements.”
She expressed hope that James and Ola’s comfortable display on the dance floor could be a sign that they will remain amicable following their split.
Judi added: “We shouldn’t be confused by the ‘happy’ and even ‘hot’ dance routine here between the couple. The fact that they even did the dance should tell us, hopefully and thankfully, that they are going to remain ‘friends’.
“It could also be a suggestion that they might continue touring as a pro dance couple together. But any suggestion of residual romance is probably just them doing what they are good at professionally.”