Singer Jade Thirlwall and Rizzle Kicks musician Jordan Stephens have reportedly ended their six-year relationship. The couple, who met during lockdown, have removed photos of each other from their respective Instagram accounts.
Their relationship was noted for its unconventional nature, with Stephens speaking candidly about their intimacy and connection. In a March interview with Attitude, Stephens described Thirlwall as "as close to a gay man as humanly possible," attributing their closeness to his confidence in his sexuality and masculinity.
Stephens has previously shared intimate details about their relationship. In a 2021 appearance on The Cuddle Club podcast, he recounted a night where "we just both passed out and then came back around like 25 minutes later" after sex, calling the experience "really cool." He also spoke about the importance of foreplay, telling Bricks Magazine that he found the "interesting tension between men and women" in that scenario.
Thirlwall appeared to reference their sex life in her song "Lip Service," with lyrics including "Makin' your way down... I just want your lip service."
Stephens has also been open about his personal growth, particularly concerning intimacy issues he worked through during lockdown. He explained in an interview with TNM Backstage that Thirlwall had not seen the version of him that existed before he addressed these issues, recalling a time when even cuddling would cause anxiety. He stated that he now feels secure and loved in his relationship with Thirlwall, expressing that he "choose[s] to love her every day."
According to reports, friends of the couple hope for a reconciliation, noting that they remain friends and still follow each other on Instagram. However, the split is described as "still very raw at the moment." The couple's last joint public appearance was at the Brit Awards in February, and they reportedly did not acknowledge their sixth anniversary on social media, a tradition they had previously observed. The Daily Mail has approached representatives for Thirlwall and Stephens for comment.