James and Ola Jordan Announce Trial Separation After Two Decades of Marriage

James Jordan and Ola Jordan have announced a trial separation after more than two decades of marriage. Their representative confirmed the split, stating that the former professional dance partners share a joint priority in co-parenting their young daughter, Ella.

Behind the Split of Strictly Come Dancing’s Longest-Standing Couple

The pair, who met at a dance competition in Blackpool in 1999 and wed in 2003, were widely recognized as Strictly Come Dancing’s longest standing couple.

According to reports, the breakdown in their relationship came to a head recently following open discussions about their future over the past few months. A source close to the family noted that the decision, while difficult, is seen by the pair as the right path forward after nearly 30 years together.

“It is with great sadness that I can confirm that James and Ola began a trial separation some time ago. Their shared priority remains co-parenting their daughter, Ella, and they are committed to putting her wellbeing first. They would greatly appreciate your understanding as they navigate this difficult time.”

Vickie White, Manager and Representative

Decades on the Dancefloor and in the Public Eye

The professional dancers became household names across the United Kingdom after joining the BBC series in 2006. During their tenure on the program, both built distinguished records with their celebrity partners.

Ola Jordan achieved ultimate victory on the show in 2009 when she lifted the Glitterball Trophy alongside sports reporter Chris Hollins. Her other celebrity partners over the years included rugby player Kenny Logan, tennis player Andrew Castle, magician Paul Daniels, and broadcaster Stuart Hall, before her departure from the show in 2015.

James Jordan built an equally prominent run on the dance floor, partnering with figures such as broadcaster Gabby Logan, actor Zoe Lucker, and One Show host Alex Jones. He also reached the final with presenter Denise van Outen and psychologist Pamela Stephenson before leaving the competition in 2014.

Subtle Signs of Change Preceded the Announcement

Eagle-eyed fans had already begun speculating about the state of the relationship in recent months. The pair slowly started disappearing from each other’s Instagram feeds—a noticeable shift away from their usual frequent posting of family outings and home workouts.

James and Ola Jordan Announce Trial Separation After Two Decades of Marriage — Photo: Independent

In Maidstone, where the family had been living, the duo recently downsized in 2023 from a Kent mansion to a five-bedroom home nearby while documenting their renovation projects online. However, recent public appearances saw them attending events separately, and Ola has reportedly removed both her wedding ring and her engagement ring from James’s 2001 proposal.

Reflections on the Realities of Long-Term Marriage

Both dancers had previously spoken with candor about the hard work required to maintain a high-profile marriage under public scrutiny. James famously described the partnership as like a job sometimes that requires active effort rather than expecting the grass to always be greener elsewhere.

Strictly's Ola and James Jordan SPLIT after 22 years of marriage

Echoing those sentiments during an appearance on television, Ola explained that social media posts do not capture the everyday realities of domestic life. No one’s got a perfect marriage, she noted. It’s a work in progress and I think if two people want to be together, they’ll make it happen.

Co-Parenting and the Road Ahead for Ella

The former couple’s immediate focus remains firmly on their daughter, Ella, whom they welcomed in February 2020 following a three-year fertility struggle and IVF journey. Representatives have emphasized that maintaining a stable and settled environment for her is their primary objective.

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