Former Strictly Come Dancing professionals James and Ola Jordan have confirmed they have separated after more than 20 years of marriage, ending one of the show's best-known partnerships. The couple, who were regulars on the BBC dance programme for several series, described the split as an "incredibly painful and emotional journey" and asked for privacy as they navigate the situation as a family.

In a joint statement posted to Instagram, the pair said James had moved out of the family home some time ago and that they "don't know exactly what the future holds". Their manager, Vickie White, confirmed the couple had begun a trial separation and said their shared priority remained co-parenting their daughter, Ella. Ola and James met in 2000, married in October 2003, and both appeared on Strictly from 2006, with James leaving in 2013 and Ola in 2015; their celebrity dance partners included Steve Backshall, Iwan Thomas, Gabby Logan and Alex Jones.