James Jordan quit smoking after 27 years to honour late father Allan’s dying wish

James Jordan has revealed that he has quit smoking after 27 years as his late father Allan’s dying wish was for him to give up the habit.

The former Strictly professional, 44, candidly admitted that his “hero” had urged him to stop so he could be around to watch his daughter Ella, two, grow up.

Despite his physically demanding role as a dancer, James found himself smoking a minimum of 20 cigarettes a day for nearly three decades, but he told MailOnline that his father and daughter were the only inspiration he needed to quit cold turkey.

James confessed, “It upsets me now to actually say it, but I remember my father saying to me, ‘I’m so sad I won’t see your daughter grow up.”

And it just really hit, ‘What am I doing? Smoking these damn cigarettes, I don’t have to do this. If my dad can do what he’s going through, I can quit smoking for my daughter,’ and that’s what I did.’

James’ father Allan died in March last year after battling a stage four brain tumor – a glioblastoma. The tragedy came 13 months after James welcomed daughter Ella with his wife Ola Jordan.

Heartbreaking: James’ father Allan died in March last year after battling a stage four brain tumor – a glioblastoma. The tragedy came 13 months after James’ daughter Ella. welcomed

Looking at the financial implications of his decision, he explained: ‘I remember paying £12 for a pack of cigarettes, the one I smoked. So I know I was spending about £100 a week on cigarettes. If you go back, that’s a lot of people’s mortgages.

“It wasn’t necessarily about the money, although it’s great to save £400 a month. It was more for my health, I want to be here for my daughter.

“I feel like I have my scent back. My taste is better, I taste food better, I feel fitter. I don’t get that out of breath. Quitting smoking has so many great benefits.’

James is now backing this year’s Stoptober campaign, urging smokers to give up the habit for good this month.

Research shows that if you can quit for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good, making October the perfect time to join the thousands of others giving it a try.

He said: ‘I smoked for 27 years. My quitting journey has shown me that I am more capable than I thought, thanks to the support of my own family and friends and the professional help I sought.

Quitting smoking can improve your health and quality of life and save you money. I’m so glad I took this step, and I promise you will be too.’

James Jordan is backing the Stoptober campaign this year. Quitting Stoptober will boost your confidence and help you stay smoke-free for 28 days by being part of a community and support network. For free support to quit, search ‘Stoptober’.

Keeping fit: Despite his physically demanding role as a dancer, James smoked a minimum of 20 cigarettes a day for nearly three decades (pictured with wife Ola in 2012)