Newly-single Ola Jordan, 44, stuns in a low-cut red dress as she returns to Strictly spin-off show - 11 years after her exit as a pro dancer

2 weeks ago 17

By CONNIE RUSK, ASSOCIATE SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR

Published: 09:20 BST, 13 October 2026 | Updated: 09:55 BST, 13 October 2026

Ola Jordan looked incredible in a plunging red dress as she made a guest appearance on Strictly's It Takes Two on Monday night.

The professional dancer, 44, left the BBC show 11 years ago in 2015 after a reported fallout over the sacking of her now ex husband James Jordan the year before.

At the time she also accused the judges of over and under-marking routines in order to keep certain couples in the competition. The BBC denied her claims.

Ola appeared on Strictly last week and returned again on Monday, much to the delight of viewers.

Appearing alongside former Strictly alumni Dr Ranj and Sarah Hadland, viewers praised Ola, telling her she was 'back where you belong'.

The TV star showed off her cleavage in the low-cut figure-hugging minidress which she teamed with black heels.

Ola Jordan looked incredible in a plunging red dress as she made a guest appearance on Strictly's It Takes Two on Monday night

Sharing a few behind-the-scenes snaps in the studio on Instagram, she wrote: 'Back on the It Takes Two panel tonight! Always so much fun, lots of laughs and a little bit of Strictly gossip!'

Ola's followers wrote in the comments: 'Welcome back Ola' and 'Great to see Ola back, more of her please'.

They also praised Ola for her extensive knowledge on dance as one fan added: 'Wonderful to see you, I did notice that it seemed you were the only one talking about the dancing...'

Ola and James, 48, shocked fans when they released a joint statement in August, revealing that they were ending their relationship after 26 years together.

While James has addressed the split during an appearance on This Morning and his podcast Manopause, Ola recently broke her silence.

Taking to Instagram with a candid message, she wrote: 'There have been moments this summer when my heart has felt heavier than I ever imagined it could.

'Life has changed in ways I never expected, and some days have been incredibly tough.'

Praising the pair's six-year-old daughter for helping her get through, she continued: 'But through all of the uncertainty, one thing has remained constant, my beautiful girl Ella.

'Spending these summer holidays with my baby girl, making memories, having cuddles, laughing until our tummies hurt and simply enjoying every precious moment together has been my greatest comfort.

'She may not realise it now, but she has been my little ray of sunshine through some of my darkest days.

Appearing alongside former Strictly alumni Dr Ranj and Sarah Hadland, viewers praised Ola, telling her she 'back where you belong'

Fans raised Ola for her extensive knowledge on dance as they wrote: 'Wonderful to see you, I did notice that it seemed you were the only one talking about the dancing...'

The television appearance marked a milestone moment for Ola, who announced the end of her marriage to fellow Strictly pro James earlier this year (pictured in 2012)

'This summer hasn't been the one I imagined, but I'm choosing to focus on what truly matters - her, our memories, and all the love between us.'

Thanking her family, friends and fans, she added: 'And to everyone who has sent me messages, checked in on me, shown me kindness or simply reminded me that I'm not alone.

'Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your love and support have meant more to me than you will ever know.'

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2026: MEET THE CONTESTANTS

LACEY TURNER

AGE: 38

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Stacey Slater on BBC's EastEnders

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I'm so excited and terrified at the same time but I've had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plunked up the courage and made my way onto that dance floor.'

DELTA GOODREM

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Played Nina Tucker in Neighbours and has released eight music albums

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career - from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!'

CACH MERCER

AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Won Love Island 2025 and is a TikTok influencer

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!'

DAME SARAH STOREY

AGE: 48

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Britain's most successful Paralympian

WHY STRICTLY?: 'Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.'

BETHANY ANTONIA

AGE: 28

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill.'

GRAEME 'THE DOGFATHER' HALL

AGE: 59

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Channel 5 series Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking!'

TABBY STOECKER

AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Olympic champion skeleton racer

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I’ve had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can’t wait to get stuck in!'

MELANIE WALTERS

AGE: 64

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Gwen West in BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey

WHY STRICTLY?: 'Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room.'

DANI DYER

AGE: 30

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Winning Love Island and being the daughter of actor Danny Dyer

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!'

CHRIS APPLETON

AGE: 43

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hairdresser to the stars - including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new.'

WILL BEST

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Big Brother and previously TV

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!'

JAIME WINSTONE

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Starring in films such as Kidulthood and Tomb Raider

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.'

SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS

AGE: 44

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Footballer who played for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City

WHY STRICTLY?: 'Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!'