UNIPA News| London-Strictly Come Dancing stars James Jordan and Ola Jordan have announced that they are separating after nearly 23 years of marriage.

The couple, who have been together since 1999 and married in 2003, said they have already gone through a “trial separation” and intend to continue co-parenting their daughter, Ella.

James and Ola, both former professional dancers on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, have been one of the programme’s best-known couples since rising to prominence through the show.

They welcomed their daughter Ella in 2020 after undergoing IVF treatment. In previous interviews, the couple had spoken publicly about their experience with IVF and their hopes of having another child.

Their separation follows years of working together professionally and appearing together in television programmes and other public engagements.

The couple’s relationship also attracted attention in 2025 when James’ former Strictly dance partner Vanessa Feltz recalled developing strong feelings for him during their brief partnership on the programme in 2013.

Feltz said at the time that she had “passionately” fallen in love with James for a short period, while acknowledging that the feelings were fleeting. She was partnered with James during the 2013 series but was eliminated in the second week.

James and Ola have not indicated that their separation will affect their commitment to raising Ella together.