James Jordan has spoken candidly about the personal struggles he has faced following his split from wife Ola Jordan. The former Strictly Come Dancing professional said he feels as though he is “going through a midlife crisis”.
His admission came after James and Ola confirmed they were taking time apart. The pair spent 26 years together and married in 2003. They share six-year-old daughter Ella.
James, 48, discussed how he has been feeling in a trailer for Manopause, his new podcast with fellow former Strictly professional Brendan Cole.
James Jordan opens up about “midlife crisis”
In the podcast trailer, James said: “I’m going through a midlife crisis. The last few years, for me, have been really tough. I’m not afraid to admit it. I put my hands up and say I’m struggling with life at the minute.”
The dancer explained that his concerns include his career and a lack of direction. He added: “So many different things, with career choices, waking up and not having purpose, things like that.”
James and Brendan have created Manopause to discuss the pressures and mental health difficulties that some middle-aged men experience.
James said: “Manopause is for the middle-aged man that’s struggling a little bit and hopefully we’re going to be able to help ourselves and help you at the same time.”
James Jordan discusses life after Ola split
James also opened up about his marriage during an appearance on This Morning with Brendan. He told hosts Angela Scanlon and Craig Doyle that he had left the family home several months earlier.
“It’s been a tough few years. I moved out a few months ago,” he said. “I find it hard to talk about, and I’m not going to speak about it too much because I don’t think it’s fair when she’s not here as well.”
Brendan has reportedly checked in with his friend every day. James said that support had proved important as he adjusted to spending his evenings alone in a one-bedroom flat.
He told This Morning: “Knowing that people are out there you can talk to… otherwise I’m sitting in a one bedroom apartment on my own at night watching TV going ‘what is going on?’.”
James also addressed his decision to move out. He said: “I just feel I need that time to find myself again. People can say ‘it’s really selfish of you’.”
The former Strictly star hopes the podcast will also help women understand difficulties that their partners may face. He explained that listeners might recognise similar experiences within their own relationships.
James and Ola put daughter Ella first
James and Ola shared a joint statement after receiving messages about their relationship. They described their separation as an “incredibly painful and emotional journey” and said James had moved out some time ago.
The couple stressed that Ella remains at the heart of their decisions. Their statement said: “Our absolute priority, now and always, is our beautiful daughter Ella. She’s at the centre of everything we do. We are committed to co-parenting her with all the love, care and stability she deserves.”
James also addressed his mental health in the statement. He said he had struggled more than people realised and needed time to reach a healthier place for himself and Ella.
Read more: Telling ‘signs’ James and Ola Jordan’s marriage was ‘on the rocks’ years ago
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