James and Ola Jordan, former Strictly Come Dancing stars and longtime spouses, have announced their separation after nearly 23 years of marriage. The news came amid growing speculation among fans, fueled by their absence from each other’s social media accounts and sightings of them on solo outings with their daughter, Ella. The couple, known for enduring the so-called "Strictly curse" that often ends marriages of contestants, revealed in a joint statement that they are taking time apart to address personal challenges. James moved out of the family home some time ago, and both expressed that the decision was deeply painful and emotionally taxing. The couple first joined Strictly in 2006 as newlyweds, marking one of the longest-lasting partnerships on the show. James left the series in 2013, while Ola remained for two additional seasons before retiring in 2015. Throughout their time on the program, they faced the intense demands of the dance competition, including public scrutiny and fluctuating fan support. Ola won the show with presenter Chris Hollis, while James reached the final twice, first with psychologist Pamela Stephenson and then with Denise Van Outen. Despite occasional controversies, such as James joking about their unpopularity due to their appearance, the pair remained steadfast in their partnership both on and off camera. Their relationship extended beyond the screen, with James offering emotional support to former contestant Denise Van Outen after her divorce from actor Lee Mead. He recalled how they stayed in touch through texts and expressed admiration for their friendship. "We did become like best friends," he said, acknowledging the difficulty of parting ways after spending so much time together. In another instance, James admitted feeling jealous when Ola was paired with actor Ashley Taylor Dawson, though he acknowledged that jealousy is a natural emotion in relationships. The couple’s dynamic was further highlighted by behind-the-scenes tensions. During the 2013–2014 season, insiders noted that Ola and James appeared to be at odds on the live tour. On one occasion, Ola reportedly went to bed early while James stayed up late with Denise Van Outen, leading to a rift that saw Ola eat alone while James dined with Denise and fellow dancer Artem Chigvintsev. A source told the Mail that while James and Denise grew close, Ola felt sidelined, describing her as "broken" at the time. Beyond their Strictly careers, the couple built a life together outside the spotlight. They met in 1999 at a dance competition in Blackpool and married in 2003. Ola, who won the Open Polish Championship at age 17, moved to England shortly after meeting James. The couple faced health challenges, including James’s father passing away from an incurable brain tumor in 2021 and Ola’s struggles with IVF to conceive Ella. After losing weight collectively, they admitted their sex life had declined due to their size, with Ola joking that their bellies interfered with intimacy. In interviews, both James and Ola reflected on their marriage, describing it as a labor of love. James likened marriage to a job, emphasizing the need for effort and commitment. Ola echoed these sentiments, stating that no marriage is perfect and that dedication is essential for success. When asked how they managed to survive the "Strictly curse," James suggested that being in a committed relationship helped him stay focused, even if it meant sacrificing opportunities with other dancers. As they navigate this new chapter, the couple has stated that their primary concern is their daughter’s well-being. Their manager, Vickie White, confirmed the split and urged privacy during this challenging period. Fans continue to follow their story, hoping for updates on how the couple will handle this transition while prioritizing their child’s future.
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