It happened during a reality show. Of course it did.
JoJo Siwa, the girl who basically grew up in a glitter-covered fishbowl, has spent the last few years reinventing herself. From the "bad girl" era to the "Karma" aesthetic, we’ve seen it all. But nothing—absolutely nothing—prepared the internet for her current romance with UK reality star Chris Hughes.
If you haven't been keeping up, Chris is a Love Island legend. He's 33. JoJo is 22. It’s an age gap that has certain corners of the internet spiraling, but honestly? They seem more solid than most "PR couples" you see floating around Hollywood these days. This isn't just some fleeting TikTok trend; they've been together since June 2025 and are currently heading into 2026 with "marriage" being a word they use... a lot.
How the Chris Hughes Romance Actually Started
Forget the red carpets for a second. The real tea starts in April 2025. JoJo and Chris were both cast on Season 24 of Celebrity Big Brother UK.
At the time, JoJo was actually dating Australian influencer Kath Ebbs. But as the weeks went by, the cameras caught something else. JoJo and Chris weren't just "housemates." They were inseparable. They were doing that thing people do when they’re falling in love—lots of touching, shared jokes about the future, and basically ignoring everyone else in the room.
The drama hit a peak at the Big Brother wrap party. JoJo reportedly broke up with Kath right there. Kath later posted a pretty emotional 13-minute video calling it one of the "most intense awful horrific experiences" of their life. Yikes.
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JoJo, for her part, insists the breakup wasn't because of Chris, but rather a realization that she wasn't happy. Regardless of the "why," she was officially single, and Chris was right there.
The Timeline of "Not Platonic"
- April 2025: They meet on CBB UK. The chemistry is undeniable.
- May 2025: Chris flies to Mexico City to surprise JoJo. They later describe this as the moment it became "real."
- June 2, 2025: JoJo tells The Guardian, "It’s not platonic anymore... I’m absolutely head over heels for him."
- October 2025: They make their red carpet debut at the Dancers Against Cancer Gala.
- January 2026: JoJo rings in the new year by showing off a Cartier Love Ring Chris gave her for Christmas.
Is an Engagement Coming?
The rumors are flying because JoJo is basically manifest-posting her wedding. Just a few days ago, she posted an AI-generated photo of herself in a full-blown wedding dress and veil on Snapchat with the caption: "Call me a wife!!!" She’s also been playing around with AI filters to see what their future kids would look like. Some fans think it's cute; others think it's "weird as hell" given they haven't even been together a full year.
But if you listen to them talk, they’re serious. In a joint interview with The Sun’s Fabulous Magazine, JoJo joked that if Chris doesn't propose in seven years, she’ll do it herself on May 27, 2032. Chris, being a bit more traditional, was quick to say he'd be "uncomfortable" if she proposed to him. He basically hinted that it won't take him seven years to figure it out.
Honestly, the way they talk about each other sounds like a "safe love," as Chris puts it. He’s been single for years, and JoJo has had a string of very public, very short-lived relationships. This feels... different.
What Most People Get Wrong About JoJo’s Identity
There’s been a lot of discourse about JoJo’s sexuality since she started dating Chris. She came out as a lesbian a few years ago, but since being with Chris, she’s shifted her label to "queer."
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"I’ve always told myself I’m a lesbian, and I think being here [in the UK] I’ve realized: ‘Oh, I’m not a lesbian, I’m queer.’ And I think that’s really cool," she shared during her CBB stint.
People love to police how celebrities identify, but sexuality is fluid, especially when you’re 22. She hasn't "gone straight." She’s just in love with a man. It’s that simple.
The "Joelle" Era
Another big hint that JoJo is evolving? She’s soft-launching her real name: Joelle.
On New Year’s Eve, she changed her TikTok handle to Joelle Siwa. Chris has already been calling her Joelle in his private stories for months. It feels like she’s trying to shed the "JoJo with the bow" persona and step into a more adult version of herself. Dating a 33-year-old who lives in the English countryside probably has a way of making you want to grow up a little faster.
Why This Relationship Actually Matters
In the world of celebrity dating, it’s easy to be cynical. Most of these pairings are managed by publicists and designed for "clout."
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But JoJo and Chris have a weird, chaotic energy that feels surprisingly authentic. They’ve integrated into each other's families—Chris is even supposed to be a groomsman in JoJo’s brother’s wedding. That’s a lot of commitment for a "stunt."
What to watch for next:
- The TV Show: There are heavy rumors that the couple is filming a reality series in the UK.
- The Ring: While the Cartier ring was a Christmas gift, keep an eye on that left hand. JoJo is clearly ready for the real deal.
- The Move: JoJo has been spending a ton of time in the Cotswolds. Don't be surprised if she trades the LA sun for British rain more permanently in 2026.
If you’re following JoJo’s journey, the best thing to do is watch her recent TikTok hauls and interviews on Loose Women. She’s more open than ever about how this relationship has changed her perspective on love. She went from saying she just wanted to "sign a paper in Vegas" to wanting the full white wedding, the butterflies, and the walk down the aisle.
Keep an eye on their social feeds, specifically Snapchat, where JoJo tends to drop the most unhinged (and honest) updates. The "Joelle" era is just getting started, and it looks like Chris Hughes is a permanent part of the picture.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Follow the "Joelle" Transition: Keep an eye on her TikTok handle and content style; the shift from "JoJo" to "Joelle" signals a major branding pivot.
- Verify AI Content: Remember that many of JoJo's "wedding" or "baby" photos are AI-generated for engagement—don't take every selfie as a literal announcement.
- Watch UK Media: Since Chris is a British star, much of the most revealing news drops via UK outlets like The Sun or ITV before hitting US tabloids.