When Ore Oduba twirled across the Strictly Come Dancing stage in 2016, winning the glitterball trophy with dance partner Joanne Clifton, the world seemed to be at his feet.
Over 13 million viewers were captivated by his charisma, charm, and effortless showmanship.
At just 30, Oduba had moved from being a familiar face on children’s television to a national sensation overnight.
Yet behind the sequins and applause, life off-camera was far more complicated than it appeared.
A Career That Took Off
Oduba’s Strictly success became a springboard into a diverse career.
He went on to present television and radio shows, act, and perform in West End productions. Married with two children, his life seemed picture-perfect.
But fame can be a double-edged sword, and Oduba has since opened up about the challenges he faced in his personal life, particularly during lockdown.
Marriage and Heartache
In October of last year, Oduba revealed that his nine-year marriage to TV researcher Portia had ended.
The couple, who met at Loughborough University in 2010 and married five years later, share two children: Roman, seven, and Genie, three.
Oduba has described the split as a deeply difficult period, saying it left him feeling lost and struggling to cope with sudden change.
Coping with Hidden Struggles
Beyond relationship challenges, Oduba has shared the private battles that have haunted him for years.
He spoke openly about his struggles with addiction, periods of despair, and the sense of having “lost his faith.”
But the event that truly reshaped his perspective on life was the tragic death of his sister, Lola, in April.
Remembering Lola
Lola, 37, was the youngest of four siblings born to Nigerian parents and raised in Dorset.
A former Guardian journalist and trained chef, Lola also performed as a stand-up comic and singer.
Oduba revealed that Lola had been identifying as non-binary in the years leading up to their death and had struggled profoundly with personal demons.
Friends and family celebrated Lola’s life in a vibrant funeral at Honor Oak Crematorium in southeast London.
Mourners wore colorful outfits, reflecting Lola’s passion and creative spirit.
Friends remembered Lola as curious, brave, and full of presence, always exploring their identity and singing their essence.
A Life-Changing Loss
Oduba described how losing his sister made him reassess everything.
He spoke about Lola’s courage in seeking peace from daily battles they could no longer endure, and how that strength has inspired him to embrace life fully.
“We don’t know when our last day is,” he said. “There isn’t time, so I’m going to make the most of every single second.”
A Rainbow of Healing
In August, Oduba shared a personal tribute to Lola on Instagram, posting pictures of himself in rainbow-themed swimwear.
He explained that the rainbow had become a symbol of connection to his sister and a reminder of enduring through life’s storms.
Through this, he also reflected on living authentically, shedding shame, and embracing a truer version of himself.
Embracing Authenticity
Addressing questions about his sexuality, Oduba clarified he is not gay in the traditional sense.
Instead, he’s committed to expressing his authentic self, free from judgment or the pressure of others’ expectations.
Lola’s life and struggles, he said, taught him about the queer community and the importance of belonging.
Moving Forward
Oduba has been attending therapy and reports being sober for over a year.
He acknowledges the pain of his marriage ending and the personal challenges he has faced but is focused on finding balance and living genuinely for himself.
Meanwhile, his ex-wife Portia has been navigating life as a single mother.
Sharing glimpses of her own struggles on social media, she expressed how challenging it can be to balance daily life and care for her children while still staying positive.
Family Support
Both Oduba and Portia have leaned on family for support.
Portia has spoken about her mother Sophie and sister Oona providing stability, while Sophie told the Daily Mail she supports Oduba in his journey to “find his true self.”
Finding Hope in Darkness
Through loss, personal struggle, and transformation, Oduba’s story is one of resilience and self-discovery.
He now carries his sister’s legacy forward, using her life—and death—as a reminder to live authentically, treasure each moment, and embrace the colorful spectrum of life.