Celebrity MasterChef viewers were left utterly bewildered during the series premiere when Love Island star Chris Hughes unexpectedly revealed he was single and actively seeking a girlfriend. This confession directly contradicted his very public and ongoing romance with American pop sensation JoJo Siwa, creating immediate confusion and sparking a frenzy of speculation online.
The Confusing Confession
The 32-year-old reality TV personality, who is part of the latest star-studded line-up cooking for judges John Torode and Grace Dent, made the surprising remarks during his introduction. He told the cameras, 'I live on my own. I’ve been single for three years so it’s not like I’m cooking for anyone.' He added, poignantly, 'If I’m just cooking for myself, no one can appreciate it, apart from me. It's quite sad really, isn't it? I need someone there to show off to in the kitchen.'
This admission left fans scratching their heads, as they are well aware that since his appearance on ITV's Celebrity Big Brother in April, Chris has been in a loved-up relationship with 22-year-old singer JoJo Siwa. The couple met in the famous house and their romance has been highly documented on social media, including plans to spend Christmas together.
Fan Reaction and Timeline Explanation
The discrepancy did not go unnoticed. Fans quickly flooded X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their shock and seek answers. One user questioned, 'Was this recorded before Chris and JoJo got together?' while another echoed, 'He just said one day I want to have a GF...' The confusion was palpable, with a third fan writing, 'Why is Chris saying he’s been single for 3 years?'
Fortunately, other viewers offered a clear explanation for the timeline mix-up. One commenter clarified, 'They announced in May that he had filmed MasterChef before Big Brother.' This crucial piece of information means the cooking show was recorded earlier in the year, prior to him meeting and starting a relationship with JoJo Siwa during his Celebrity Big Brother stint in April. Another fan confirmed this, stating simply, 'It was filmed earlier this year before he met her!'
A Relationship Going from Strength to Strength
Despite the on-screen confusion, Chris and JoJo's relationship appears to be thriving. JoJo recently took to Instagram to reveal a major step for the couple: they will be spending Christmas together in the UK. She shared loved-up snaps in festive pyjamas and explained she would celebrate with her family in America a week early before travelling to England for December 25th.
Their bond has deepened significantly since they left the Big Brother house. Chris has been openly welcomed into JoJo's family, and during her tour last month, JoJo even referred to Chris's parents as her 'future in-laws' after his entire family attended her concert in Birmingham. In a sweet moment, Chris surprised her backstage with a bouquet of flowers.
JoJo has also been vocal about defending their relationship, particularly from criticism within the LGBTQ+ community. Having previously identified as pansexual and having public same-sex relationships, she now identifies as queer. She has stated firmly that being in a relationship with a man does not negate her identity or past, saying, 'Just because I'm in a hetero relationship does not mean I'm straight.' She has described her love for Chris as the best thing that has ever happened to her.
Celebrity MasterChef continues on BBC One next Tuesday at 8pm.
