James Jordan ‘helped Strictly partner through marriage
James and Ola had been together for 22 years (Image: ITV)
Strictly Come Dancing icons James and Ola Jordan sent shockwaves across social media last week, after announcing they were parting ways after 22 years of marriage. In the joint statement, the former couple, who first met at a dance competition in 1999, told fans their split is something they “never imagined they’d be sharing.” They continued: “We’re taking some time apart as we work through difficult personal challenges. James moved out of the family home some time ago. This has been an incredibly painful and emotional journey for both of us, and it certainly wasn’t an easy decision.”
After tying the knot in 2003, James and Ola joined the BBC contest three years later, with James eventually leaving in 2013 and Ola staying an extra two years. Throughout their time on Strictly, the duo made it to the coveted finale, as the Polish native won in 2009 with presenter Chris Hollins, while her former husband became a finalist with Pamela Stephenson and again with Denise Van Outen, with whom he remains close friends.
Article continues below
Start earning through referralsAre you active in trading or affiliate marketing? Join Deriv Partners and grow with an award-winning trading broker.Deriv Partners |
Sponsored
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time.
James and Ola joined Strictly together in 2009 (Image: BBC)
The former pro previously joked that he and Denise were the least popular couple during their series, but they became each other’s biggest supporters after bonding in training and surviving a tough time with the public voting at home.
Denise, who struggled to win over the public early on because of her previous dance experience, reflected: “We are the most unpopular we have been in the bottom two the last two weeks. We know what it is like to almost be walking home, so I have already pre-booked my cab.”
After dancing through to the final, the Strictly partners stayed in touch, with James revealing how he comforted Denise as her marriage sadly fell apart.
Article continues below
Following her 2013 split with Lee Mead, the choreographer shared: “It’s been tough for her. I have been checking on Denise and it is a very hard time.”
Article continues below
You May Like
Start earning as a Deriv PartnerEarn as a Deriv Partner! Join a global broker and get access to exclusive tools and 24/7 support to grow your network.Deriv Partners |
Sponsored
James and Denise remained close friends (Image: BBC)
“I haven’t seen her for quite a while, but we keep in touch via text and things like that. She said she is definitely coming to watch the show, which will be really good. We did become like best friends.
James added: “It’s sad when you go your separate ways because you spend eight hours a day with someone and then you don’t see them any more. It’s very strange.”
Throughout their relationship, Ola and James frequently opened up about their struggles, including their heartbreaking fertility issues and suffering a miscarriage in 2023 while trying for a second baby.
The estranged couple welcomed their daughter, Ella, via their first round of IVF in 2020 after three years of trying to conceive naturally.