Ola Jordan has jetted off on a solo getaway with her six-year-old daughter Ella after breaking her silence on her split from husband James Jordan. The 43-year-old television personality put on a brave face on Saturday as the mother and daughter pair departed for a relaxing break together.
Documenting the trip on Instagram, the Polish professional dancer shared a mirror selfie with Ella as they prepared for their holiday. She later posted a photo of Ella wearing a Daisy Duck top and posing with her suitcase outside the airport terminal, writing: "And we are off."
Before boarding the flight, Ella mingled with British Airways staff at the airport, and the pair snapped further selfies together once inside the plane. Shortly before taking off, mother and daughter engaged in a fun dance, with six-year-old Ella showing off the dancing skills inherited from her professional dancer parents.
Ola Jordan breaks her silence
The getaway came hours after Jordan spoke publicly on Friday for the first time about the breakdown of her 26-year relationship. Writing in a candid message on Instagram, the dancer confessed that there had been moments this summer where her heart felt heavier than she ever imagined it could.
Jordan told her followers that life had changed in unexpected ways and acknowledged that some days had been incredibly tough. She credited her daughter Ella with providing strength through the emotional turmoil, describing the youngster as a ray of sunshine through her darkest days.
She explained that spending the summer holidays with Ella had been her greatest comfort. Jordan described making memories, having cuddles, and laughing until their tummies hurt while focusing on what truly matters, adding that the summer had not unfolded as she had originally envisioned.
Jordan also extended her gratitude to family, friends, and fans who had sent messages and offered support since the split became public. She expressed her appreciation from the bottom of her heart, noting that the kindness and care shown by well-wishers meant more than anyone could know.
James Jordan addresses midlife crisis and flat life
Her statement followed public comments from her husband, 48-year-old James Jordan, who has previously discussed their marriage breakdown on daytime television and online. The dancer revealed that he moved out of the family home in Kent a few months ago and has stopped wearing his wedding band after a trial separation that began some time ago.
Appearing on the ITV daytime show This Morning alongside hosts Angela Scanlon and Craig Doyle, James Jordan described spending his evenings sitting alone in a one-bed flat watching television. He admitted that the past few years had been difficult and stated that he did not wish to speak at length about the situation without his wife present to give her perspective.
Speaking in a trailer for his new podcast, titled Manopause and co-hosted with former Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole, James Jordan admitted to experiencing a midlife crisis. He shared that he had struggled with career choices, losing his sense of purpose upon waking up, and overall life difficulties in recent years.
He explained that the podcast aims to support middle-aged men facing similar emotional challenges while helping the hosts work through their own struggles. He added that he was not afraid to admit his personal difficulties openly.
Joint statement confirms 26-year split
The couple originally announced their separation earlier in August 2026 through a joint statement posted to social media after 26 years together. They explained that recent press reports and messages from concerned fans prompted them to speak directly to prevent hearsay and speculation.
In the statement, both dancers acknowledged taking time apart while working through very difficult personal challenges. They described the decision as incredibly painful and emotional, confirming that James Jordan had vacated their Kent home some time earlier.
The former couple stressed that their absolute priority remains co-parenting their daughter Ella with stability, care, and love. James Jordan added in his personal section of the statement that his mental health had not been in a good place for quite some time, leading him to focus on reaching a healthier state for both himself and his daughter.
Concluding their statement, the pair noted that neither of them was in a good place and asked the public for empathy, reminding followers that real people and emotions lie behind every headline. They stated they were taking things one day at a time without knowing what the future holds, while thanking supporters for their ongoing kindness.
Strictly Come Dancing background
Ola Jordan is a Polish-born professional ballroom dancer who joined the BBC flagship entertainment program Strictly Come Dancing in 2006. During her tenure on the competitive dance show, she won the glitterball trophy in 2009 alongside celebrity partner Chris Hollins before departing the series in 2015.
James Jordan is an English ballroom dancer and choreographer who also served as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing from 2006 until 2013. The pair married in 2003 after training and competing together internationally in Latin American dance competitions.
