Strictly Come Dancing winner Ore Oduba’s estranged wife Portia Jett set tongues wagging earlier this month when, exactly one year after the collapse of their nine-year marriage, she posted a photo on Instagram of herself kissing a mystery new man.
The Daily Mail can now reveal the identity of her new boyfriend who, she confesses, has ‘changed everything’ for her.
The former TV researcher, 35, is dating Joshua Saxon Birch, a 37-year-old British-German businessman who works in data management.
Portia, who has two children with TV presenter Ore, 39 – Roman, seven, and Genie, four – shared new loved-up photos of them on Instagram over the weekend.
Josh joined Portia for an intimate family getaway to celebrate her daughter Genie’s fourth birthday at the four-star One Warwick Park Hotel in Tunbridge Wells.
The couple looked blissful together as they toasted with a glass of champagne.
Strictly Come Dancing winner Ore Oduba’s estranged wife Portia Jett is dating Joshua Saxon Birch, a 37-year-old British-German businessman who works in data management
Following the collapse of their marriage, Ore has been enjoying the single life, while Portia juggles the day to day childcare of their children Roman, seven, and Genie, four
‘Life lately has felt like it’s been going 100mph but I wouldn’t want it any other way… (apart from a lie in every now and again!)… a girl can dream,’ Portia captioned the post.
Friends and fans were quick to show their support for Portia’s budding new romance, with one writing: ‘So happy for you.’
In a video she posted, the blonde beauty – whose father is Anti-Nowhere League frontman Nick Culmer – beams at the camera as Josh plants a peck on her cheek.
It is the first time the couple have been pictured together properly since Portia teased her new romance two weeks ago, when she posted a snap of herself in the arms of a mystery man wearing a blue cap, writing: ‘You came along and changed everything. PS: Happy Birthday.’
Friends say the pair have been quietly dating for several months after meeting earlier this year and that Portia has ‘found her smile again’.
‘She’s been through a really tough year but Joshua’s brought calm and happiness back into her life,’ says a source close to the couple.
‘They’re taking things slowly, but he’s met her kids and everyone says they get on brilliantly. Portia looks happier and more relaxed than she has in ages.’
Josh, who hismelf has a six-year-old son named Oliver with his Brazilian ex-girlfriend – who goes by Mahh Fernandez on social media – works in technology and data management.
Portia shared new loved-up photos of herself and Joshua with Instagram followers over the weekend
Josh joined Portia for an intimate family getaway to celebrate her daughter Genie’s fourth birthday at the four-star One Warwick Park Hotel in Tunbridge Wells
Portia also shared a handful of Instagram selfies from her time away over the weekend
Every Christmas for the last nine years, he has volunteered with the charity, Crisis, serving food and delivering medical supplies to homeless people within central London.
Portia’s new relationship marks a positive new chapter after a turbulent 12 months.
She and Ore met at Loughborough University in 2010 and married five years later.
The couple became one of the BBC’s golden pairs following Ore’s Strictly Come Dancing win in 2016 with professional dancer Joanne Clifton.
They shocked fans last November when Ore announced their separation, telling followers: ‘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. We will be making no further comment. Be kind, always.’
Portia set tongues wagging earlier this month when, exactly one year after the collapse of their nine-year marriage, she posted a photo on Instagram of herself kissing a mystery new man
Since then, Ore has focused on theatre and mental health campaigning, while Portia has been sharing on social media her life raising their two children.
Speaking earlier this year, she admitted life as a single parent had been far from easy. ‘What I’m going through is one of the most stressful things – doing the daily grind, looking after two kids and being present,’ she said.
‘You feel like you’re constantly treading water and sometimes I feel like I can’t do this anymore.’
She also revealed that she had leaned on alcohol during difficult times, confessing: ‘My tolerance of alcohol has gone up in the last few years. I once had a diet of pure alcohol, but I’m through the trenches now.’
