Jordan Stephens gave a surprise shout-out to his ex, Jade Thirlwall, while on stage at the Attitude Awards. The Rizzle Kicks star was at the ceremony to accept the Ally Award for his ongoing advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community throughout his career.
Last night, Jordan, 34, told the crowd at Camden's Roundhouse, which included Metro, how being an ally 'doesn't feel like a challenge' as he 'loves the community'.
Shout-out to Jade
At the end of his speech, after bringing his godfather, David McAlmont, on stage, Jordan said he had another important person to mention. 'I have to, of course, shout out to Jade,' he said, looking down at the award in his hands as he brought up his ex. 'I love Jade.'
Jordan joked that 'it feels a little homophobic' that he wasn't at the ceremony with her before adding: 'But listen, love!'
The former Little Mix star has long been a vocal ally of the LGBTQ+ community, with the girl group often considered modern gay icons.
Allyship and admiration
When releasing her debut solo album, That's Showbiz, Baby!, the Angel of my Dreams singer worked with drag artists for her music video. She previously shared how her queer fanbase 'meant everything' to her and had 'shaped' who she is and made her a 'better person'.
In his cover interview with Attitude, Jordan praised his ex for showing him 'what an ally is', adding he didn't think they 'would have got together' without that shared value in allyship. He's shown up at Pride across the country and charity event Trans Mission Live earlier this year, as well as playing a drag queen in 2018's Tucked.
'It's about not being afraid to show my allegiance to a community that I really admire,' he continued. '[It] helps to have a person around who is not only at ease, but genuinely loves that company, that world, that energy.'
Split and aftermath
Fans were shocked when it was confirmed in July that Jade and Jordan had split after six years together. Jade, 33, had been hyping up Rizzle Kicks' return not long before, while Jordan had starred in one of her music videos and repeatedly praised her.
The exes are said to be amicable, with Jordan saying on his podcast, Miss Me?, that he was frustrated by the 'wild' theories and commentary. According to a source speaking to The Sun, the former couple 'had a very serious and loving relationship' but 'frank discussions about their future' resulted in the break-up.
They've both kept fairly quiet about the personal side of their split, but clearly there's still a lot of 'love' between the two. Jordan was one of several high-profile winners at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2026, in partnership with M&S and electrified by Polestar. LGBTQ+ icons and 'honorary gay' allies such as Donatella Versace, David Furnish, Alison Hammond, The Pet Shop Boys, and more were all honoured.
