Jade Thirlwall Boyfriend: 3 Key Relationships & Timeline
From Jordan Stephens to Jed Elliott: A Complete Relationship Timeline
If you want to know who the Jade Thirlwall boyfriend is, the former Little Mix singer has most recently been in a long-term relationship with musician and actor Jordan Stephens, best known as one half of the UK hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks. The pair started dating in May 2020 during the lockdown period and quickly became one of the UK pop world’s favourite couples. Before her relationship with Jordan, Jade had two other well-known boyfriends: rock musician Jed Elliott and professional dancer Sam Craske.
Jade Thirlwall’s most recent boyfriend is Rizzle Kicks star Jordan Stephens, whom she began dating in May 2020. Her past long-term boyfriends include The Struts bassist Jed Elliott (2016 to 2019) and Diversity dancer Sam Craske (2012 to 2014). Recent media reports suggest Jade and Jordan separated in 2026.
Key Takeaways
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Jordan Stephens is Jade Thirlwall’s most recent boyfriend, with their romance starting in May 2020.
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The couple first connected over Zoom during the COVID-19 lockdown after Jade sent him a direct message on Instagram.
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They made their first public appearance together at a rally in London in July 2020.
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Jade previously dated Jed Elliott, the bassist for UK rock band The Struts, for three years before splitting in 2019.
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Her first high-profile boyfriend was Sam Craske from the dance group Diversity, whom she dated from 2012 to 2014.
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Mid-2026 reports indicate that Jade and Jordan may have called time on their six-year relationship while remaining close friends.
Who Is Jordan Stephens? Jade Thirlwall’s Recent Partner
Jordan Stephens is a British musician, actor, and presenter born in 1992. He rose to fame in the early 2010s alongside Harley Alexander-Sule as part of the Brighton-based hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks. The group achieved major UK chart success with hit singles like “Mama Do the Hump” and “Down with the Trumpets”.
Beyond his music career, Jordan has appeared as an actor in television series such as Glue and Feel Good, as well as the movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. He also hosts the ITV2 comedy panel show Don’t Hate the Playaz.
How Jade and Jordan Met
Jade Thirlwall revealed during an interview on The Jonathan Ross Show that she initiated contact with Jordan in May 2020. After sliding into his Instagram direct messages, the pair set up virtual dates over Zoom during lockdown.
To keep things fun, they dressed up in formal suits for their video chats. Their first in-person date was a socially distanced walk in Greenwich Park, London. They made their relationship public two months later when photographers spotted them holding arms at a London demonstration in July 2020.
Jade later shared on a podcast that seeing Jordan play a drag queen in the 2019 film Tucked helped convince her he was the right person for her. As a long-time supporter of drag culture and the LGBTQ+ community, she found his openness and sense of humour appealing.
Jade Thirlwall Relationship Timeline: A Complete History
Jade Thirlwall has kept a relatively stable dating life throughout her career in the music industry. Here is how her primary relationships compare side by side:
| Partner | Profession | Relationship Period | Reason for Split |
| Sam Craske | Professional Dancer (Diversity) | 2012 – 2014 | Busy work schedules after X Factor win |
| Jed Elliott | Bassist (The Struts) | 2016 – 2019 | Heavy touring commitments and long distance |
| Jordan Stephens | Musician (Rizzle Kicks) & Actor | 2020 – 2026 | Reported mutual decision after six years |
1. Sam Craske (2012 – 2014)
Shortly after Little Mix won The X Factor in late 2011, Jade began dating Sam Craske, a dancer from the Britain’s Got Talent winning group Diversity. The pair dated for two years during the early stages of Little Mix’s rise to international fame. They decided to part ways in 2014 as their respective touring schedules grew increasingly hectic.
2. Jed Elliott (2016 – 2019)
In early 2016, Jade started dating Jed Elliott, the bassist for British rock group The Struts. The couple shared a three-year relationship, though they often spent months apart because Jed was based in the United States for touring while Jade was busy with Little Mix album cycles. In July 2019, news broke that they had split amicably due to long-distance pressures.
3. Jordan Stephens (2020 – 2026)
Jade and Jordan began dating in May 2020 and moved in together shortly after. They shared homes in London and Margate, often appearing together at fashion events, charity rallies, and music releases. Jordan provided backing vocals and creative support on tracks for Jade’s debut solo album, That’s Showbiz Baby!.
Did Jade Thirlwall and Jordan Stephens Split in 2026?
Reports surfaced in mid-2026 suggesting that Jade Thirlwall and Jordan Stephens had decided to separate after six years together. Media sources indicated that the split was mutual and peaceful, coming after discussions about their future plans.
While neither artist has released a formal press announcement, observers noted that both had quietly removed personal couple photos from their respective social media feeds while continuing to follow each other. Jade has focused heavily on her solo music career, releasing singles through RCA Records following Little Mix’s hiatus.
Helpful Observations for Readers
When following celebrity dating news, keeping a few practical factors in mind helps separate reality from tabloid gossip:
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Touring Schedules Matter: Long-distance separation is one of the most common reasons given when musicians split up. Jade’s previous breakups with both Sam Craske and Jed Elliott were linked directly to conflicting work calendars.
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Creative Collaboration: Couples who work together in the music studio often leave creative footprints on each other’s music. You can find Jordan’s vocals credited on tracks from Jade’s solo era.
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Privacy Controls: Many modern UK artists prefer to handle relationship changes quietly rather than posting detailed public statements on social media.
Common Misunderstandings About Jade Thirlwall’s Love Life
A common rumour online is that Jade Thirlwall was once married. This is incorrect. Jade has never been engaged or married.
Another frequent mix-up involves her bandmates’ partners. Fans occasionally confuse Jade’s dating history with that of her former Little Mix bandmates Perrie Edwards (who is engaged to footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain) or Leigh-Anne Pinnock (who is married to footballer Andre Gray). Jade has kept her relationships distinct, primarily dating fellow musicians and performers.
Authoritative UK Music Resources
For readers interested in verified UK chart performance data and official music announcements:
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You can view official UK singles and album positions directly via the Official Charts Company.
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For verified news regarding British artists and award shows, visit BBC Music.
Conclusion
Jade Thirlwall’s dating history features three major long-term relationships with well-known UK performers: dancer Sam Craske, rock bassist Jed Elliott, and Rizzle Kicks star Jordan Stephens. Her most recent relationship with Jordan Stephens lasted six years, starting during the 2020 lockdown and evolving into a supportive creative partnership.
3 Next Steps for Readers
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Check Official Music Channels: Follow Jade Thirlwall’s verified social media profiles for official announcements regarding her music releases and public appearances.
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Listen to Her Solo Releases: Explore her solo catalog, including her debut solo album That’s Showbiz Baby!, to hear how her personal experiences influence her songwriting.
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Verify Rumours: Always check primary sources or reputable music outlets before trusting unverified social media claims about celebrity splits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jade Thirlwall’s current boyfriend?
Jade Thirlwall was most recently in a relationship with Rizzle Kicks musician Jordan Stephens, whom she dated from May 2020. Mid-2026 reports indicate the pair may have separated amicably.
How did Jade Thirlwall meet Jordan Stephens?
Jade sent Jordan a message on Instagram in May 2020 during lockdown. They got to know each other through Zoom calls before meeting in person for a walk in Greenwich Park.
Did Jade Thirlwall date anyone from The Struts?
Yes. Jade dated Jed Elliott, the bassist for British rock band The Struts, for three years between 2016 and 2019.
Why did Jade Thirlwall and Jed Elliott break up?
Jade and Jed ended their relationship in July 2019 because their heavy international touring schedules made long-distance dating difficult.
Has Jade Thirlwall ever been married?
No. Jade Thirlwall has never been married or engaged.
What is Jordan Stephens famous for?
Jordan Stephens is best known as one half of the UK hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks, as well as an actor in shows like Feel Good and host of Don’t Hate the Playaz.
