James and Ola Jordan announce separation after more than 22 years of marriage

It was announced on Friday that Strictly's longest-standing couple, who started dating in 1999 and married in 2003, had split.

It was announced on Friday that Strictly's longest-standing couple, who started dating in 1999 and married in 2003, had split.

Ola and James Jordan pictured together in 2016Former Strictly Come Dancing stars James and Ola Jordan have announced that they have split up after more than 25 years together.In a statement, their representatives confirmed (as reported by The Independent): “It is with great sadness that I can confirm that James and Ola began a trial separation some time ago.“Their shared priority remains co-parenting their daughter, Ella, and they are committed to putting her wellbeing first. They would greatly appreciate your understanding as they navigate this difficult time.”James and Ola were already both competitive dancers when they met at an industry contest in 1999, before marrying four years later.They were both then cast as Strictly professionals in 2006, with James remaining part of the BBC dance show until he left under something of a cloud in 2013, following numerous controversies during his stint.Ola – who won the show in 2009, when she was paired with sports presenter Chris Hollins – lasted slightly longer, parting ways with Strictly after the 2015 season.In 2020, the couple welcomed a baby, a daughter named Ella.Following their respective departures from Strictly, the pair continued to make appearances on reality TV, both as a pair and as individuals.James twice competed on Celebrity Big Brother, making it to the final during his first stint.He later finished in second place on the 2019 season of ITV’s now-defunct celebrity skating show Dancing On Ice.Ola, meanwhile, had been booked to compete on the infamous winter sports contest The Jump in 2014, but was one of several stars who had to withdraw due to injury.Following her Strictly exit, she was cast on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!, and served as a judge for two seasons of the Polish version of Strictly Come Dancing.As a couple, James and Ola were judges on the BBC dance series Dancing On Wheels in 2010 (which was won by the Caroline Flack and her partner) and also appeared on Celebrity Coach Trip, Celebrity Through The Keyhole and Let’s Sing And Dance For Comic Relief.MORE STRICTLY NEWS:It's All Change At Strictly Come Dancing This Year – Here's Everything We Know So FarIt Takes Two Host Janette Manrara Sets The Record Straight On Her Strictly FutureRylan Clark Shares Honest Reaction To Losing Out On Strictly Hosting Job

It was announced on Friday that Strictly's longest-standing couple had split for good after a trial separation 'some time ago'.

It was announced on Friday that Strictly's longest-standing couple had split for good after a trial separation 'some time ago'.

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers James and Ola Jordan have announced their separation after 22 years of marriage - with James moving out of their home

They have asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult chapter

James ‘moved out of the family home some time ago’, the couple says

Former Strictly Come Dancing professionals James and Ola Jordan have confirmed they have separated after almost 23 years of marriage, saying the split has been 'incredibly painful'

Strictly Come Dancing favourites James and Ola Jordan shocked fans with news of their separation after nearly 23 years of marriage

The couple have put their relationship on hold after 22 years of marriage.

The former couple have broken their silence after ending their 22-year marriage.

The former couple have broken their silence after ending their 22-year marriage.

Ola and James Jordan have separated after over two decades together and reiterated that their focus was on co-parenting their daughter Ella

The pair first met in 1999 in Blackpool

The Strictly Come Dancing stars — who long seemed immune to the show's infamous 'curse' — shared some remarkably candid comments about their relationship struggles before their separation was announced

After two decades together, former Strictly Come Dancing stars James and Ola Jordan have decided to part ways. Their separation comes after a trial period, where they engaged in candid discussions about their changing relationship. They remain devoted to co-parenting their daughter Ella, ensuring her happiness remains their top priority. Their journey began in the late 1990s, gaining fame on the BBC show.

The professional dancers first started dating in 1999.

The professional dancers, who married in 2003, both spent several series on the BBC programme.

The pair have been married since 2003

Strictly Come Dancing professionals James Jordan and Ola Jordan have confirmed a trial separation after 22 years of marriage, with their manager announcing the couple are committed to co-parenting their daughter Ella

Former Strictly Come Dancing professionals, James and Ola Jordan, have split up after 22 years of marriage, leaving their friends and family reeling

Former Strictly Come Dancing professionals James and Ola Jordan have begun a "trial separation" and remain focused on co-parenting their daughter, according to their manager

They were the show's longest-standing couple after they started dating in 1999 and married in 2003.

They were the show's longest-standing couple after they started dating in 1999 and married in 2003.

The former Strictly stars have announced the end of their 22-year marriage.

The former Strictly stars have announced the end of their 22-year marriage.

It's believed that 'things came to a head recently'.

James and Ola Jordan, who both appeared as professionals on Strictly Come Dancing, called time on their marriage "some time ago" after more than 20 years together