James and Ola Jordan, former professional dancers known for their appearances on "Strictly Come Dancing," have publicly addressed their recent separation for the first time. The couple, who married in 2003 and share a daughter named Ella, revealed that they are both currently struggling with their mental health amid the split.

In a joint statement released on Saturday, James Jordan, 48, acknowledged that he has been grappling with mental health challenges for some time, though he had kept much of his struggle private. He emphasized the importance of focusing on recovery, both for his own well-being and for the sake of their daughter. “Neither of us is in a good place right now,” the couple said, adding that they are working through what they described as one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

They further noted uncertainty about what the future holds but stressed their commitment to making decisions they believe are best for themselves and their family.

James and Ola, who first met in 1999, reportedly fell victim to what has been dubbed the "Strictly curse," a term used to describe relationships formed or intensified on the show that later face challenges. Despite their split, they continue to collaborate professionally through Dance Shred, a weight-loss business they launched in 2022. The company offers a £49 program combining dance workouts and meal plans, with marketing materials featuring before-and-after images that highlight significant weight loss over a four-month period.

While the Dance Shred website remains active, its associated Instagram account has not been updated since July 2025. Both James and Ola continue to follow the account, which promotes the program’s tagline: “Burn calories, tone up, and feel amazing today.”

The couple’s openness about their struggles has drawn public attention, highlighting the pressures faced by public figures dealing with personal challenges in the public eye.