NEWLY single James Jordan shouldn’t have any problems finding love again if this star’s comments are anything to go by.
A top presenter has admitted she couldn’t help but “fall in love” with the “intoxicating” Strictly pro when they were paired together on the dance show.
Vanessa Feltz admitted she fell ‘passionately in love’ with James Jordan Credit: Getty
Vanessa was partnered with James on Strictly in 2013 Credit: BBC
Vanessa Feltz, 64, made the confession while interviewing James and his now-estranged wife Ola on her Channel 5 talk show last year.
She admitted: “For an insane 24 to 48 hours, I fell passionately in love with him.
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“I had a partner at the time and I was happy in my relationship, ish, but I fell passionately in love with him.”
Vanessa competed with James on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 and became the second celebrity to be eliminated.
one last dance
Ola & James Jordan seen together for last time just before split at wedding
work it out
Ola & James Jordan revealed rows and sex life struggle years before split
The dancers have split after almost 23 years of marriage Credit: Getty
Vanessa was engaged to Ben Ofoedu when she danced with James Credit: Rex
At the time, she was engaged to Phats & Small singer Ben Ofoedu, whom she had been with since 2006.
The former couple eventually split in 2023 after 16 years together.
Turning to Ola, 43, Vanessa continued: “Then I remember you coming in to show me how the steps should be done, and then I kind of woke up thinking, ‘This is ridiculous’, but there is something intoxicating.”
Vanessa also recalled a particular moment when James, 48, appeared on her radio show.
She said: “I was thinking, ‘I love him, I love him’, then I thought, ‘Oh, come on, this is ridiculous. Grow up. Don’t be an idiot.’”
James later became a regular guest on Vanessa’s Channel 5 talk show before it was unexpectedly axed, airing its final episode last month.
Her candid admission has resurfaced after James and Ola announced their shock separation following almost 23 years of marriage and 27 years together.
Their representative confirmed the pair had begun a trial separation “some time ago”.
They added: “Their shared priority remains co-parenting their daughter, Ella, and they are committed to putting her wellbeing first.”
James and Ola met at a dance competition in 1999 and tied the knot in 2003, three years before they both joined Strictly.
They welcomed Ella, now six, through IVF in 2020.
