Former Strictly Come Dancing professionals James and Ola Jordan admit “neither of us is in a good place right now” as they reveal they are “taking some time apart” due to “difficult personal challenges”.

The couple have put their relationship on hold after 22 years of marriage, it was previously confirmed by their manager Vickie White, who said they “began a trial separation some time ago”.

They tied the knot in 2003 and share a six-year-old daughter named Ella.

In a joint statement shared to both their Instagram pages, the couple addressed the status of their relationship.

It said: “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 it’s 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 it’s only right that this update comes from us.

“At the moment we’re taking some time apart as we work through very difficult personal challenges.”

The statement said James “moved out of the family home some time ago”, and explained that their separation has been “incredibly painful and emotional” and “wasn’t an easy decision”.

It continued: “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.”

It also discussed James’ mental wellbeing, saying he “hasn’t been in a good place for quite some time”.

“I’ve been struggling more than I’ve let people see and I’m taking the time I need to focus on getting myself to a healthier place, both for myself and for Ella,” it added.

The statement continued: “Neither of us is in a good place right now.

“We’re both doing our best to navigate one of the hardest chapters of our lives and we ask that people remember there are real people and real emotions behind every headline, every comment and every post.

“We don’t know exactly what the future holds. For now, we’re taking things one day at a time, doing what we both believe is best for ourselves, our family, and most importantly Ella.”

The message concluded by thanking their followers, fans and supporters for “the love, kindness and concern” they have shown.

The couple also asked for “kindness, empathy and a little privacy as we work through this as a family”.

James, 48, and Ola, 43, are professional ballroom dancers and choreographers best known for their roles on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The pair became household names after joining the show in 2006.

James featured on the show until 2013, partnering with stars such as Pamela Stephenson, Alex Jones, Denise Van Outen and Vanessa Feltz.

Meanwhile Ola competed on Strictly until 2015, where she danced with celebrities including DJ Spoony, Sid Owen, Steve Backshall and Iwan Thomas.

The Polish-born dancer also won the Glitterball trophy in 2009 partnered with TV personality Chris Hollins.

The couple have also made many TV appearances together on shows such as All Star Mr & Mrs, Through The Keyhole, Celebrity Coach Trip and Dancing On Wheels.

James and Ola conceived their daughter Ella through IVF, and she was born in 2020 following a widely publicised three-year fertility struggle.