Former Strictly Come Dancing professionals Ola and James Jordan have confirmed they are ending their 22-year marriage. Following a period of trial separation, the couple is now prioritizing the well-being of their six-year-old daughter, Ella.

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A 24-year timeline from 1999 dating to a planned Las Vegas vow renewal

The relationship between Ola Jordan and James Jordan has spanned nearly three decades, beginning when the pair started dating in 1999. They officially married in 2003, becoming one of the most recognizable and longest-standing couples associated with the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

The couple's long history included significant personal milestones, such as the birth of their daughter, Ella, in February 2020 via IVF following a three-year fertility battle. As reported by The Sun, the couple had even discussed renewing their wedding vows during a 20th-anniversary trip to an Elvis chapel in Las Vegas, a plan that now appears to have been abandoned.

James Jordan's recent struggles and the "huge shock" to family

A representative for the couple confirmed to the press that James and Ola began a trial separation "some time ago." While the announcement has been made public,an insider told The Sun that the news came as a "huge shock" to those closest to the pair, who were widely viewed as a stable and solid unit.

According to the same source, the decision follows a period where James Jordan has not been in a good place. The report suggests that after months of open and honest discussions regarding their future, the couple determined that separation was the most viable path forward. Ola Jordan has reportedly already removed her wedding and engagement rings.

The reality behind the "Dance Shred" and celebrity marriage perfection

The Jordans have historically resisted the urge to present a curated, perfect image of marriage to their followers.. They have been notably candid about the "ups and downs" of their relationship, including discussions on Lorraine regarding the fact that life is not always "smooth sailing."

Their transparency extended to their physical health and intimacy. The couple previously spoke about the challenges of maintaining a romantic life while dealing with weight changes,even promoting their own fitness plan, Dance Shred, to help them get back on track. This level of openness regarding "mom and dad bods" and the realities of long-term partnership set them apart from many other celebrity couples.

The gap between the April 2023 social media silence and today's announcement

While the official announcement has arrived now, several details regarding the timeline of the split remain unverified. observers have noted that the last social media post featuring both James and Ola dates back to April 2023, raising questions about how long the separation has actually been in effect.

It remains unclear whether the April 2023 silence was a deliberate choice for privacy or a sign that the trial separation had begun much earlier than the representative's statement suggests. Additionally, while the couple has committed to co-parenting Ella, the specific arrangements for their daughter's care in the wake of the split have not been disclosed .