James Jordan admits he wakes up & asks ‘who am I now?’ after split from Ola and ‘tough years’ following Strictly axe

JAMES Jordan has admitted he wakes up and asks “who am I now?” after his split from wife Ola and “tough years” following his Strictly exit. It was announced earlier this month that James, 48, and Ola, 43, were calling time on their marriage after 22 years. James Jordan has opened up about facing an identity crisis Credit: Shutterstock He opened up on his MANOPAUSE podcast with co-star Brendan Cole In the wake of their split, the professional dancer has opened up about having an identity crisis and questioning who he is. James quit Strictly back in 2014 after turning down a reduced role which was offered by show bosses. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! He spoke about moving on from a big part of his life while in conversation with his former co-star Brendan Cole on their new podcast MANOPAUSE. James expressed: “Sometimes when you have those really quiet periods, which we never used to have all of the time we were involved in Strictly. READ MORE ON JAMES JORDAN “When I have those quiet periods and I wake up in the morning and I’ve got nothing to do, I find that really difficult. “And at some point, it’s all going to dry up. Yeah, we’re still touring, I’m 48, how many more years can I dance for. “I don’t know, I just sometimes wake up and think, ‘who am I now?’, if I haven’t got my dance shoes on and my sequin top, ‘who am I?’.” Both James and Ola joined the BBC One show for the show’s fourth series back in 2006. Most read in TV James has admitted he struggles to know who he is following his Strictly axe in 2014 Credit: BBC His comments come amid his split from wife Ola Credit: Getty The Sun exclusively revealed earlier this month that the long-time couple, who share daughter Ella, had chosen to go their separate ways. A source said: “It’s been a huge shock to their friends and family because they always seemed like such a solid couple. “But they know in the long run it is the right decision. “They have been together for almost 30 years and while they love and care for each other, things have changed. “James hasn’t been in a good place for quite a while now and things came to a head recently. “They’ve had some open and honest discussions about their future over the past few months and have now decided that the best option is for them to separate. “Ola has taken her wedding ring off, as well as the engagement ring James gave her in 2001. “Their focus now is on Ella and keeping things settled for her.” The pair’s manager and friend Vickie White confirmed the news, saying in a statement: “It is with great sadness that I can confirm that James and Ola began a trial separation some time ago. “Their shared priority remains co-parenting their daughter, Ella, and they are committed to putting her wellbeing first. “They would greatly appreciate your understanding as they navigate this difficult time.” The pair started dating in 1999 and were due to celebrate their 23rd wedding anniversary this October. James moved out of the family home in Kent several months ago and moved into a small one-bed flat. Comment now