In a candid television appearance, singer Ellie Goulding has offered a rare glimpse into her personal life, disclosing that she has dated women following a series of what she describes as 'toxic and passionate' relationships with men.
A Revealing Conversation on Reality TV
The 39-year-old musician, who is currently expecting her first child with actor boyfriend Beau Minniear, made the revelation during an episode of model Brooks Nader's Disney+ show, Love Thy Nader. The scenes were filmed in the summer of 2025, prior to her relationship with Minniear becoming public in July.
During the discussion, which aired recently, Nader – fresh from a split with Dancing with the Stars professional Gleb Savchenko – joked about potentially 'going the other way' and dating women. Goulding's immediate response was: 'That's what I do. It works every time.' The singer, however, did not clarify whether the remark was made in jest.
Goulding's Philosophy on Love and Lyrics
Elaborating on her romantic history, the Love Me Like You Do hitmaker shared her candid perspective on intense relationships. 'I think the most exciting love comes for a reason, and it's toxic and fleeting and passionate and it's amazing,' she stated.
She admitted that such dramatic entanglements often serve as inspiration for her songwriting. 'Annoyingly, I do it for the plot so that I can write a song about it,' Goulding confessed. The singer, who is preparing to release her sixth studio album, advised appreciating love in the moment and viewing men as 'an accessory every now and again.'
Goulding, who already shares a four-year-old son, Alfred, with her ex-husband Caspar Jopling, went public with her pregnancy in December 2025 at the Fashion Awards.
From Past Relationships to a New Chapter
The singer's romantic history has been a frequent topic of public interest. Her five-year marriage to art dealer Caspar Jopling, 33, ended privately before she confirmed their separation in 2024 after photos emerged of her kissing Brazilian surf instructor Armando Perez.
Prior to Jopling, Goulding's dating life included:
- A relationship with Radio 1 presenter Greg James, which ended amicably after 18 months due to work pressures.
- A seven-month romance with American musician Skrillex (Sonny John Moor) in 2012.
- Dating actor Jeremy Irvine for under a year.
- A two-year, high-profile relationship with McFly's Dougie Poynter, ending in 2016.
She has also consistently denied rumours of a relationship with Ed Sheeran, confirming only a brief fling with Niall Horan in 2015.
Since going public with Beau Minniear in September 2025, the couple have enjoyed holidays together, including a trip to Italy, and Minniear appears in her latest music video for 'Destiny'. Goulding's playful kiss with Brooks Nader in 2024 now adds further context to her recent on-screen comments about her dating preferences.
