Jordan's Candid Split
James Jordan opens up on 'tough' separation from Ola, prioritizing Ella and mental health awareness.
Key Points
The couple released a joint statement about their split, saying 'After 26 years together, this is something we never imagined we would be sharing,' and acknowledging that their mental health hasn't been in a good place for quite some time.
Media reports note there was a trial separation prior to the full split and that James moved out of the Kent family home a few months ago.
The couple’s new podcast is described differently across outlets — some refer to it as Manopause, while others spell it Menipause.
Ella, their six-year-old daughter, remains the central focus, with explicit emphasis on co-parenting and providing stability for her.
Brendan Cole has been checking in with James daily, described as a crucial lifeline during the difficult months, and he joined James on the This Morning appearance to discuss the podcast.
Former Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan has spoken publicly about his split from wife Ola after 26 years together, saying the past few months have been "a tough few years" for his mental health. He moved out of the couple's Kent family home several months ago and now lives alone in a one-bedroom flat, spending his evenings watching TV and trying to make sense of what happened, according to Mirror.
The couple released a joint statement confirming the separation, saying: "After 26 years together, this is something we never imagined we would be sharing." They added that their mental health "hasn't been in a good place for quite some time." Their six-year-old daughter Ella remains the central focus, with both committed to co-parenting her, Entertainment Daily reported.
James Describes Lonely Evenings in One-Bedroom Flat
James told reporters his new life is unrecognisable. He moved out of the family home in Kent months ago and settled into a small one-bedroom flat. He described quiet evenings alone, watching TV and reflecting. "I no longer recognise my life," he said, according to Daily Mail.
AOL reported that James was careful not to go into too much detail out of fairness to Ola. He said he needs time to "find himself again." The split came after a trial separation, meaning the couple had been struggling for some time before making it official, Daily Mail noted.
Ella at the Centre of Co-Parenting Commitment
James and Ola have made their daughter Ella, age six, the top priority. Both parents have been explicit about keeping her life stable. Their joint statement stressed that co-parenting and her wellbeing come first, according to Mirror.
James did not go into detail about the split's causes. He repeatedly said he wanted to protect Ola's privacy. The couple started dating roughly 26 years ago and built their careers together as professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing, Entertainment Daily reported.
Brendan Cole Becomes James's Daily Mental Health Lifeline
Fellow Strictly star Brendan Cole has been checking in with James every single day since the split. James called Brendan's support "crucial" during the hardest months. The two appeared together on This Morning to talk about men's mental health and opening up about emotions, Head Topics reported.
The appearance tied into their new podcast, which different outlets spell as either Manopause or Menipause. The show focuses on men's mental health and encouraging men to talk about their feelings. James said the podcast gave him an outlet and a sense of purpose during a very difficult time, according to AOL.
26-Year Partnership Ends After Trial Separation
James and Ola were one of Strictly's longest-running couples. Daily Mail reported that a trial separation came before the final split, suggesting the breakdown was gradual rather than sudden. James moved out of the Kent home a few months ago, marking the formal end of their shared life.
Despite the split, neither James nor Ola has spoken harshly about the other in public. Their joint statement was measured and calm. James said he hopes time will help him heal. "I just need to find myself again," he told Mirror.
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