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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?".'
James also referenced reports that he told his wife he needed space and was moving out of their five bedroom family home, explaining: 'I just feel I need that time to find myself again. People can say "it's really selfish of you".'
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
The professional dancer added that his new venture, the podcast which focuses on men's mental health, has been a great tool to help him talk and hopefully inspire others.
'Women can watch and listen and hear what struggles men are going through and they might relate to that with their husband or their other half,' he explained.
In the shared statement released last weekend, James explained how his 'mental health hasn’t been in a good place for quite some time'.
The joint statement began: '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. (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 wasn’t an easy decision.'
They went on to say their 'absolute priority' is their six-year-old daughter Ella.
They 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.
'Speaking personally (James) my mental health 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 into a healthier place, both for myself and for Ella.
'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.
'We’re incredibly grateful for the love, kindness and concern so many of you have shown us over the years.'