For years, they seemed to have the kind of relationship television rarely preserves: a shared career, a family, and a bond that appeared strong despite constant public attention.
Then, quietly, the signs began to change. Separate appearances, fewer shared photographs and questions from fans hinted that something behind the polished public image was no longer the same.
Now the truth has finally emerged. After more than two decades of marriage, the pair have begun living apart, leaving friends stunned and their future together uncertain.
The couple are former Strictly Come Dancing professionals James and Ola Jordan, who have separated after 22 years of marriage. Their manager confirmed that a trial separation began some time ago, with their six-year-old daughter Ella remaining their main priority.
James, 48, and Ola, 43, met at a dance competition in 1999 and married in 2003. They became household names after joining Strictly in 2006 and built an image as one of the show’s most enduring couples. Ola remained on the BBC series until 2015 and won the Glitterball trophy with Chris Hollins in 2009, while James later won Dancing on Ice in 2019.
Their marriage was never presented as effortless. In past interviews, both admitted that long relationships require work and that life behind smiling photographs was not always perfect. Away from television, they endured a fertility struggle before welcoming Ella through IVF in 2020, a personal chapter they had openly discussed.
More recently, fans noticed them appearing separately and sharing fewer family pictures. Ola was also seen without her wedding and engagement rings. Their representatives say the focus is now on co-parenting Ella. James has said he has been struggling with his mental health and has moved out of the family home while they take time apart.
For now, neither has presented the separation as a simple final ending. They have described the period as painful and emotional and said they do not know exactly what the future holds. After 26 years together and 22 years of marriage, they are taking things one day at a time, with their daughter at the centre of every decision.
The couple are former Strictly Come Dancing professionals James and Ola Jordan, who have separated after 22 years of marriage. Their manager confirmed that a trial separation began some time ago, with their six-year-old daughter Ella remaining their main priority.
James, 48, and Ola, 43, met at a dance competition in 1999 and married in 2003. They became household names after joining Strictly in 2006 and built an image as one of the show’s most enduring couples. Ola remained on the BBC series until 2015 and won the Glitterball trophy with Chris Hollins in 2009, while James later won Dancing on Ice in 2019.
Their marriage was never presented as effortless. In past interviews, both admitted that long relationships require work and that life behind smiling photographs was not always perfect. Away from television, they endured a fertility struggle before welcoming Ella through IVF in 2020, a personal chapter they had openly discussed.
More recently, fans noticed them appearing separately and sharing fewer family pictures. Ola was also seen without her wedding and engagement rings. Their representatives say the focus is now on co-parenting Ella. James has said he has been struggling with his mental health and has moved out of the family home while they take time apart.
For now, neither has presented the separation as a simple final ending. They have described the period as painful and emotional and said they do not know exactly what the future holds. After 26 years together and 22 years of marriage, they are taking things one day at a time, with their daughter at the centre of every decision.
