Published: 20:30 BST, 22 August 2026 | Updated: 20:46 BST, 22 August 2026
James Jordan has said he is 'going through a midlife crisis' in the wake of his split from his wife Ola after 22 years of marriage.
The now exes were Strictly's longest-standing couple, spending 26 years together. They started dating in 1999 and married in 2003. They announced their split with a joint statement earlier this month.
James, 48, has said he has found the 'last few years really tough' and is 'struggling with life at the minute'.
In a trailer for his new podcast Manopause with Brendan Cole, 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.
'So many different things, with career choices, waking up and not having purpose, things like that.
'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 has said he is 'going through a midlife crisis' in the wake of his split from his wife Ola after 22 years of marriage
Ola, 43, and James, who share daughter Ella, six, decided to end their relationship for good after a trial separation 'some time ago', with James moving out of their Kent family home and removing his wedding band.
Earlier this week, James appeared on This Morning where he spoke of how he spends his evenings 'sitting alone in a one-bed flat watching TV'.
James appeared on the show to promote his new podcast Manopause with Brendan and was asked about his marriage breakdown.
'It's been a tough few years. I moved out a few months ago,' James told hosts Angela Scanlon and Craig Doyle.
'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 said he has been 'checking in' with his close friend every day, which James said has been a lifeline in recent months.
'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?".'
