BBC Strictly Come Dancing star confirms marriage split and makes request

Strictly Come Dancing champion Ore Oduba has revealed his separation from wife Portia Oduba. The television and radio host, who danced with Joanne Clifton in the 14th series of Strictly, married Portia in 2015.

Announcing the unfortunate news on Instagram, Ore penned: "Hi guys. Portia and I are sad to announce that we separated earlier this year. We're so grateful for all the love you've shared with us both over the years. And we want to thank you in advance for respecting our privacy as we navigated this difficult transition. We will be making no further comment. Be kind, always."

The pair started dating in 2010 while at Loughborough University, with Ore popping the question four years later. They tied the knot in 2015 at Penshurst Place in Kent, with Ore telling The Mirror: "On my wedding day, I cried from 11 in the morning until 2am that night. There's a picture of me wailing, my best men there laughing and Portia absolutely cracking up next to me I am the only one crying."

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The couple have two children together, son Roman born in 2018 and daughter Genie born in 2021.

Discussing how becoming parents altered their relationship, Ore admitted on Good Morning Britain in 2021: "My wife and I will be ten years together next month, and we've never done anything more challenging than the last 12 months. There were tears, tantrums."

The couple shared on Instagram: "Roman has enhanced our world more than we could have dreamt, but there are times we have to remember that we love each other and that's why he's here. He's been our guardian angel in lockdown but he's also been the cause of a few little tiffs."

He further commented: "It's just finding that time for each other. Every household is different. Communication is the key. We don't go to bed in an argument."