In a remarkably candid revelation, chart-topping singer Ellie Goulding has opened up about her past relationships, disclosing that she has dated women following a series of what she describes as 'toxic and passionate' romances with men.
A Candid Confession on Reality TV
The 39-year-old musician, who is currently expecting her first child with actor boyfriend Beau Minniear, made the comments during an appearance on model Brooks Nader's Disney+ reality show, Love Thy Nader. The discussion, filmed in the summer of 2025, saw Nader joking about 'going the other way' after her own breakup. Goulding's immediate response was: "That's what I do. It works every time."
While the singer's tone was playful, leaving some ambiguity about its seriousness, she proceeded to share her unfiltered perspective on love. Goulding, who already has a four-year-old son, Alfred, with ex-husband Caspar Jopling, described her most thrilling romantic experiences as fleeting and intense. "It's toxic and fleeting and passionate and it's amazing," she said, adding that such drama ultimately serves as excellent song material. "Annoyingly, I do it for the plot so that I can write a song about it."
Reflections on Love and Independence
The Love Me Like You Do star, who is preparing to release her sixth studio album, offered a philosophical take on relationships. She advised appreciating intense love for the moment it lasts and then being grateful for the experience once it ends. Goulding emphasised self-worth, stating: "It's all about being the amazing woman that you are, and then guys are just an accessory every now and again."
This intimate conversation was recorded just before Goulding was romantically linked to Beau Minniear in July 2025, though it only aired recently. The singer publicly revealed her pregnancy in December 2025 on the red carpet at the Fashion Awards.
A History of High-Profile Relationships
Goulding's romantic history has often been in the public eye. Her five-year marriage to art dealer Caspar Jopling ended in 2024, a fact she confirmed publicly after photos emerged of her sharing a kiss with Brazilian surf instructor Armando Perez. The split was announced as amicable, with both parties committed to co-parenting their son.
Prior to her marriage, Goulding's dating life included relationships with Radio 1's Greg James, musician Skrillex, and actor Jeremy Irvine. She also briefly dated McFly's Dougie Poynter for two years. The singer has consistently denied rumours of a romance with Ed Sheeran, despite being seen holding hands with him in 2013, and has spoken out against the media's tendency to define female artists by their male partners.
Since going public with Minniear in September 2025, the couple have enjoyed holidays together, including a trip to Italy, and he appears in her latest music video for 'Destiny'.
