December 11th 2024.
Ore Oduba, the winner of Strictly Come Dancing, recently shared his experiences with finding work after making a major career change. At the age of 39, Ore decided to leave his job as a TV presenter, a role he had gained after his success on BBC's Newsround, to pursue his passion for musical theatre. However, as a freelance actor, Ore often finds himself facing the daunting prospect of unemployment. In a recent interview, he admitted that this can be a terrifying reality for him.
Just a few months ago, Ore had no work lined up for the year 2025. However, he has since landed a role in the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which will begin in March. Speaking to The Sun on behalf of SlotsCalendar, Ore revealed, "I finished Pretty Woman in September and I received a call two days after to say I got Chitty [Chitty Bang Bang]. And up until that point, I was basically unemployed for all of 2025. It's just quite terrifying. It's the self-employed life." As a freelancer, Ore's work contracts can often be lengthy, leaving him with uncertain gaps in his schedule. He considers himself lucky to have secured a role in a pantomime production of Aladdin in Royal Tunbridge Wells before he takes on the iconic role of Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Ore's work schedule has also had an impact on his personal life. In October, he and his wife Portia announced their split after years of marriage and two children. The strain on their relationship was caused by Ore's demanding work schedule, which often kept him away from home for long periods of time. He shared, "From a work perspective, it was amazing, an incredible job. But at home, it was a difficult chapter to negotiate." Ore had not anticipated the effect that his career would have on his family life, confessing, "I had a romantic view of parenting before I became a dad. I thought, 'We'll go on holidays all the time and it will be hunky dory and rosy,' but actually it's very difficult to juggle everything."
Ore announced their separation on Instagram earlier this year, asking for privacy as they navigate this difficult transition. The couple first met in 2010 at Loughborough University and got married five years later. Despite the challenges they have faced, they remain grateful for the love and support they have received from their fans.
As Ore continues to pursue his passion for performing, he hopes to find a balance between his work and personal life. He acknowledges the tough nature of the entertainment industry and the sacrifices that come with it, but he remains dedicated to his craft. Fans can catch Ore in the pantomime production of Aladdin and the upcoming musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. And for those who may be facing similar struggles in the entertainment industry, Ore's story serves as a reminder to always be kind and to never give up on our dreams.
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