JAMES and Ola Jordan have broken their silence on their shock split and have confirmed he’s moved out of the family home after “difficult personal challenges”.
The Sun exclusively revealed yesterday that the pair had after 22 years of marriage.
James and Ola Jordan have broken their silence on their shock split Credit: Getty – Contributor
The Sun exclusively revealed they called time on their marriage yesterday Credit: Rex
Now they’ve opened up for the first time in a lengthy joint statement shared on his account.
It began: “After 26 years together, this is something we never imagined we would be sharing.
“Following recent reports in the press about our relationship and after receiving messages asking if everything is okay, we feel it’s important to speak directly rather than let speculation or hearsay tell our story.
“We have always tried to be open and honest with the people who have supported us over the years and we feel it’s only right that this update comes from us.
“At the moment we’re taking some time apart as we work through very difficult personal challenges. (James) moved out of the family home some time ago.
“This has been an incredibly painful and emotional journey for us both and it certainly wasn’t an easy decision.
“Our absolute priority, now and always, is our beautiful daughter Ella. She’s at the centre of everything we do. We are committed to co-parenting her with all the love, care and stability she deserves.
The Strictly stars continued: “Speaking personally (James) my mental health hasn’t been in a good place for quite some time.
“I’ve been struggling more than I’ve let people see and I’m taking the time I need to focus on getting myself into a healthier place, both for myself and for Ella.
“Neither of us is in a good place right now.
“We’re both doing our best to navigate one of the hardest chapters of our lives and we ask that people remember there are real people and real emotions behind every headline, every comment and every post.
“We don’t know exactly what the future holds. For now, we’re taking things one day at a time, doing what we both believe is best for ourselves, our family and most importantly….. Ella.”
They shared a lengthy statement on Instagram Credit: Instagram
The couple shot to fame on Strictly Come Dancing Credit: Getty
The two concluded the statement by thanking fans for following their journey and asked for privacy as they navigate this time.
A source told The Sun this week: “It’s been a huge shock to their friends and family because they always seemed like such a solid couple.
“But they know in the long run it is the right decision.
“They have been together for almost 30 years and while they love and care for each other, things have changed.
“James hasn’t been in a good place for quite a while now and things came to a head recently.
“They’ve had some open and honest discussions about their future over the past few months and have now decided that the best option is for them to separate.
“Ola has taken her wedding ring off, as well as the engagement ring James gave her in 2001.
“Their focus now is on Ella and keeping things settled for her.”
The pair’s manager and friend Vickie White confirmed the news, saying in a statement: “It is with great sadness that I can confirm that James and Ola began a trial separation some time ago.
“Their shared priority remains , and they are committed to putting her wellbeing first.
“They would greatly appreciate your understanding as they navigate this difficult time.”
James, 48, and Ola, 43, started dating in 1999 and were due to celebrate their 23rd wedding anniversary this October.
They welcomed daughter Ella in 2020 after undergoing IVF and a three-year struggle with issues.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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