JADE: NEW LOVER SAW ME THROUGH HARD TIMES

AS LITTLE MIX LAUNCH THEIR SIXTH ALBUM – CONFETTI – TODAY, THE POP SIRENS TELL GUILTY PLEASURES ABOUT THIRLWALL’S COVID STRUGGLE, DIVISION IN THE BAND AND BEING UPSTAGED BY BORIS JOHNSON

ADE THIRLWALL says she was lucky to have her lockdown lover by her side after being exposed to coronavirus.

The Little Mix star opened up on her romance with Jordan Stephens for the first time, telling Guilty Pleasures he helped her through ‘hard times’ as she went into self-isolation.

After breaking up with The Struts’ Jed Elliott last year, Jade, 27, had not expected to find a new fella.

‘I ended up meeting someone in lockdown which is strange... I quite enjoyed doing it that way,’ said the Shout Out To My Ex singer.

‘We had real dates and really got to know each other. I wouldn’t say I was looking for anyone at the time.

‘I was happy to be in lockdown because I am independent. I think you can still strive in your singleness in lockdown.’

Because of last month’s self-isolation,

Jade carried out her mentoring role on Little Mix’s show The Search from home. She was feeling unwell but, with Rizzle Kicks’ Jordan, 28, acting as her nurse, she says the pair have grown closer. ‘Anyone who has supported you through hard times is really important,’ she said. ‘It’s quite special seeing that. It’s the one positive to come out of this. Me and Jordan... we are a good match. We are so chilled out, we are horizontal!’ As for how she is feeling now, Jade said: ‘I have been all right. I’m feeling a lot better and happy to be back at work.’ When Little Mix unveiled their single Sweet Melody on The Search, she said it was ‘devastating’ to see them perform without her. ‘I definitely shed a tear,’ Jade added. ‘I was so excited for the launch of the single. To not be there on stage with them – I was watching at home. It felt bizarre. We made it work. ‘Luckily, I live with friends and my boyfriend was isolating with us at home. I got through it and I’m sure other people have it a lot worse.’

Rizzle Mix: Jordan and Jade