What James Jordan’s inner circle are saying about marriage split from Ola & the surprising new turn that few expected

WITH their sexy figures, dancing talent and solid marriage, Strictly’s Ola and James Jordan had it all. But just last week, the couple announced that they were separating after 22 years of marriage, leaving fans shocked and saddened by the news. Insiders have said Ola Jordan and James Jordan’s marriage could be salvageable Credit: Getty The two became fan-favourites as pro dancers on Strictly Come Dancing Credit: Rex The Sun exclusively revealed that James, 48, and Ola, 43, had been secretly living separate for months and he had moved into a flat earlier this year close to the five-bedroom house the dancers once shared. Despite the pair currently living apart, pals have now told us that the split may not be as permanent as fans fear. Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! Insiders have said that they are taking time apart to focus on their own needs, which is the healthiest thing to do right now if they plan to salvage their marriage and give it a second chance. A pal of James and Ola said: “They still love each other. Nobody believes this is a permanent split and everyone is convinced that there is a way back for them. The couple released a joint statement last week confirming their break-up Credit: Getty Insiders have said that the pair are still very committed to their business and working together Credit: Getty Another source said the turning point came when James lost his beloved dad Allan Credit: INSTAGRAM/JAMES JORDAN Pals say that there is still hope for the pair to rekindle their marriage Credit: PA “Everyone around them thinks they just need some time and space to work things out. “The way they worded their statement was really telling. It didn’t read like a door being slammed shut or a definitive ending at all – it read much more like they were saying they need time apart, rather than their marriage is over for good.” The couple, who share daughter, Ella, released a joint statement confirming their break-up, but insiders have said that it’s not the end. James, is said to have “needed space” as he and Ola embarked on a trial separation after 22 years of marriage. Most read in Showbiz Insiders have said that the pair have remained in close contact, for work and for their daughter, with hopes that in time they’ll work things out. Our source said: “James moved out some time ago, but they’ve still been going out to events together. “They were at a friend’s wedding recently and were even dancing together. “You don’t tend to see that with a couple who have completely closed the door on their relationship. That isn’t two people who have cut ties. “They’re taking things day by day at the moment, but nobody thinks this is the end. There is still a lot of love there.” The pair, who share their business Dance Shred, have also continued to work together and are committed to continuing to make it a success. The insider told us: “What’s interesting is that they’re continuing to work together on their Dance Shred business. “They’re obviously still getting on well enough to work together, as well as co-parenting their daughter, so they remain very much part of each other’s lives. “Ola was still posting pictures of them together at the end of June, even though James was supposedly living elsewhere by then. “They’re not behaving like two people who have completely walked away from each other. “There’s still a closeness there, and I think friends are hopeful that this isn’t the end of the story. “They’re not behaving like two people who have drawn a line under their marriage – everyone around them is watching to see what happens next.” Meanwhile, another source said that that things changed after James lost his father Allan in 2021, following his battle with a stage-four brain tumor. They said that he struggled with his mental health as he grieved for his beloved dad, who meant the world to him. They added: “Having a child is challenging even for solid couples who have been together forever. “Their lives have changed considerably personally and professionally since they left Strictly and both James and Ola have been navigating all of that on top of James’s dad’s death – so it’s been a lot for them. “It’s no wonder their marriage has suffered but we are confident that with some time apart they can work things out and come back together.” James was photographed looking downcast just days after their split became public as he walked close to his new flat last week, minus his wedding ring. Ola and James released a joint statement to share the sad news. It read: “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.” It said James’s mental health “hasn’t been in a good place for quite some time”. James added: “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.” James and Ola both joined Strictly in 2006. James quit in 2013 with Ola leaving two years later, after winning the trophy in 2009 with Chris Hollins. Comment now