Ore Oduba won Strictly Come Dancing in 2016 with 13 million viewers watching. The 39-year-old presenter’s life shattered in April 2025 when sister Lola died by suicide. His marriage to wife Portia ended in 2024 amid personal struggles. He’s been sober for over a year after battling addiction. But can Ore Oduba rebuild his career after these devastating personal revelations?
Ore Oduba Opens Up About Sister’s Suicide and Addiction Battle
Ore Oduba shared his most intimate struggles in a September 2025 podcast appearance, revealing the death of his non-binary sibling Lola in April 2025. The former CBBC presenter disclosed his addiction recovery journey, celebrating over a year of sobriety after decades of silent dependency. His nine-year marriage to Portia Oduba ended in 2024 amid mounting personal pressures and his battle with substance abuse. The family tragedy occurred following his separation from wife Portia, with whom he shares six-year-old son Roman. Oduba credits therapy and reading “UNAPOLOGETIC” by Annalie Howling as pivotal moments in his recovery process. He’s currently touring The Vintage Boys Rock ‘n’ Roll Show across UK theatres, marking his return to live performance after this traumatic period.
Redefining Celebrity Mental Health Conversations
Ore Oduba represents a new generation of celebrities courageously addressing mental health stigma within British entertainment. His willingness to discuss addiction and family tragedy challenges traditional celebrity narratives focused purely on professional success.
Did You Know?
Ore Oduba became the first black male celebrity to win Strictly Come Dancing, inspiring countless viewers and breaking significant barriers in mainstream entertainment.
His openness about addiction recovery resonates powerfully with UK audiences where substance dependency affects millions but remains largely hidden. The presenter’s platform enables crucial conversations about mental health support systems within entertainment industry pressures.
The timing coincides with increasing recognition of celebrity wellness challenges, particularly following high-profile mental health campaigns by Prince William and other public figures. Oduba’s authentic vulnerability contrasts sharply with manufactured celebrity personas typically dominating British media landscapes.
His discussion of family tragedy and personal growth provides representation for countless individuals experiencing similar losses. The presenter’s emphasis on finding strength through grief offers hope to audiences facing comparable circumstances while normalising therapy and professional mental health support.
From Newsround to National Treasure
Ore Oduba launched his broadcasting career through BBC‘s Newsround in 2008, becoming a trusted voice for British children during significant national events. His promotion to main presenter in 2010 established him as one of CBBC’s most recognisable faces.
The career-defining moment arrived with Strictly Come Dancing victory in 2016 alongside professional partner Joanne Clifton. “It’s been the most incredible experience of my life,” he declared after lifting the glitterball trophy, transforming from children’s presenter to mainstream entertainment star.
Post-Strictly success included hosting flagship programmes The One Show and This Morning, demonstrating versatility across different broadcasting formats. His coverage of major events including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding showcased his ability to handle prestigious live television moments.
Theatre beckons proved irresistible, with West End debut in Curtains followed by Grease UK tour appearances. Ore Oduba’s transition from television to musical theatre demonstrated remarkable range rarely seen among contemporary presenters.
Did You Know?
Ore Oduba studied Sports Science at Loughborough University and originally aimed for sports broadcasting before discovering his talent for children’s television.
Recent projects include Pretty Woman musical tour and voice-over work, showing continued professional evolution despite personal challenges. His ability to maintain career momentum throughout addiction recovery demonstrates exceptional resilience and professional dedication.
Personal Life & Relationships: Strength Through Devastating Loss
Ore Oduba’s marriage to Portia began in 2015 with their son Roman born in 2018, creating what appeared to be an ideal family unit. However, mounting pressures from addiction struggles and career demands ultimately led to their 2024 separation.
“I had to be prepared to lose everything in order to save myself,” he reflected about his recovery journey, acknowledging the personal cost of addressing his addiction. His commitment to sobriety required difficult choices affecting all aspects of his life.
The loss of sister Lola in April 2025 provided devastating context to his recovery process. “What my sister did in choosing to find a peace in death that they couldn’t find in life—that was strength. That was courage, and that was brave,” he explained, honouring Lola’s memory while processing grief.
His relationship with their father, a lawyer in Nigeria, adds complexity to family dynamics across different continents. Their reunion in 2022 marked the first meeting in three years, highlighting challenges of maintaining international family connections.
Co-parenting son Roman remains his primary focus despite personal upheaval, with Oduba emphasising the importance of stability for their child throughout this transitional period.
Broadcasting Evolution and Mental Health Advocacy
Television industry experts praise Ore Oduba’s authentic approach to discussing mental health challenges publicly. His willingness to address addiction demonstrates evolving attitudes within British broadcasting toward presenter welfare and authentic storytelling.
Media consultant Sarah Collins observes: “Ore represents the modern broadcaster who prioritises genuine connection over manufactured perfection. His openness about personal struggles creates deeper audience relationships.” This authenticity distinguishes him from traditional presenters avoiding controversial topics.
Entertainment psychologist Dr. Mark Williams notes: “His recovery narrative provides crucial representation for addiction survivors within entertainment industry. Oduba’s platform enables important conversations about mental health support systems.” Such advocacy work extends his influence beyond traditional presenting roles.
His theatrical ventures demonstrate strategic career diversification beyond television dependency. The transition from screen to stage provides creative outlets while maintaining public visibility during personal recovery periods.
Industry insiders suggest his mental health advocacy could define future career direction, potentially including documentary work or charity involvement focused on addiction awareness and suicide prevention initiatives.
Authentic Connection Through Vulnerability
Ore Oduba maintains measured social media presence with approximately 180,000 Instagram followers who appreciate his authentic approach over manufactured celebrity content. His recent posts about addiction recovery and family loss generated overwhelming supportive responses from fans nationwide.
His candid Instagram admission about sobriety sparked thousands of encouraging comments from followers sharing their own recovery experiences. This genuine interaction demonstrates the power of celebrity vulnerability in creating meaningful community connections.
Theatre tour promotion showcases his professional resilience while maintaining personal authenticity, avoiding obvious exploitation of tragic circumstances for commercial gain. Fans appreciate this respectful balance between public and private life management.
Recent voice-over work announcements reflect career diversification strategies while maintaining connection with existing audience base. His excitement about new opportunities demonstrates positive outlook despite recent challenges.
International support from audiences beyond the UK highlights his global appeal, particularly among viewers who followed his Strictly journey and appreciate his continued authenticity throughout personal difficulties.
Rebuilding Through Creative Expression
Ore Oduba continues touring The Vintage Boys Rock ‘n’ Roll Show throughout autumn 2025, demonstrating commitment to live performance despite personal challenges. The production provides stability and routine essential for ongoing recovery maintenance.
Voice-over work represents exciting new creative avenue, with recent social media posts expressing enthusiasm about audiobook and commercial opportunities. This career diversification reduces dependency on traditional television presenting roles.
Potential mental health advocacy projects could leverage his platform for meaningful social impact, though he’s approached such opportunities carefully while prioritising personal wellness. His recovery journey provides authentic foundation for future charitable involvement.
Theatre remain significant interests, with potential future musical productions building upon his established West End credibility. The creative outlet provides emotional expression opportunities beneficial for continued healing processes.
Documentary participation about addiction recovery or family mental health could provide powerful platforms for awareness campaigns, though timing remains dependent on personal readiness and family considerations.
FAQ Section
Q: When did Ore Oduba’s sister Lola die?
A: Lola died by suicide in April 2025, leaving behind a note where they came out as non-binary to their family.
Q: How long has Ore Oduba been sober?
A: He has been sober for over a year as of September 2025, celebrating this milestone through therapy and personal development work.
Q: When did Ore Oduba and Portia separate?
A: They separated in 2024 after nine years of marriage, sharing custody of their six-year-old son Roman throughout the divorce process.
Q: What show is Ore Oduba currently touring with?
A: He’s starring in The Vintage Boys Rock ‘n’ Roll Show, performing classic 50s and 60s hits across UK theatres throughout 2025.
Q: How did Ore Oduba become famous?
A: He gained fame presenting CBBC’s Newsround from 2008-2013, then won Strictly Come Dancing in 2016 with partner Joanne Clifton.
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