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James Jordan 'spiralled with overwhelming grief' before sudden Ola split

James Jordan reportedly spiralled following the loss of his dad and was struggling with his mental health before his split with Ola was announced

[James and Ola jordan]

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The couple announced their split last week(Image: Sunday Mirror)

James and Ola Jordan announced their separation last week following almost 23 years of marriage.

Sources have now claimed that it was James' 'overwhelming grief' that saw him begin to spiral ahead of their split, after his father died in 2021 after being diagnosed with a stage-four brain tumour.

Sources close to James explained to The Sun: James was never the same again following the loss of his dad. It affected his life more than he or anyone ever expected and it really took its toll on their relationship.

[James Jordan and dad]

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James' father died in 2021(Image: Instagram/ @jamesjordan1978)

James mental health has been suffering for a while, and more recently he spiralled. He is still very much dealing with his grief, they added.

The former Strictly Come Dancing professionals, who share six-year-old daughter Ella, spoke out publicly on Saturday for the first time after news of their split emerged on Friday.

Posting on social media, James shared a statement, which read: "After 26 years together, this is something we never imagined we would be sharing. Following recent reports in the press about our relationship and after receiving messages asking if everything is okay, we feel its important to speak directly rather than let speculation or hearsay tell our story.

"We have always tried to be open and honest with the people who have supported us over the years and we feel its only right that this update comes from us. At the moment were taking some time apart as we work through very difficult personal challenges. (James) moved out of the family home some time ago. This has been an incredibly painful and emotional journey for us both and it certainly wasnt an easy decision."

[Ola Jordan and James Jordan]

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Friends are said to have been left 'shocked' by the split(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

In the lengthy statement, James also opened up on his own mental health, admitting he was struggling.

"Speaking personally (James) my mental health hasnt been in a good place for quite some time. Ive been struggling more than Ive let people see and Im taking the time I need to focus on getting myself into a healthier place, both for myself and for Ella," he added, mentioning his daughter.

Looking to the future, the couple added that they didn't know what the future looked like, but would continue to prioritise their daughter.

"We dont know exactly what the future holds. For now, were taking things one day at a time, doing what we both believe is best for ourselves, our family and most importantly.. Ella. Were incredibly grateful for the love, kindness and concern so many of you have shown us over the years. Youve been part of our journey for a long time and wanted to honour that with an honest update. Right now, more than anything we ask for kindness, empathy and a little privacy as we work through this as a family."

The dancing duo began dating in 1999 after meeting through the competitive dancing world. They went on to marry in October 2003, three years before joining Strictly Come Dancing together in 2006.

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