Jordan Stephens opens up about ex Jade Thirlwall in Attitude cover interview: ‘She showed me what an ally is’ (EXCLUSIVE)
The Rizzle Kicks star opens up about his and Jade's shared love for the LGBTQ+ community to mark him receiving the Ally Award, supported by Polestar, at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2026, in partnership with M&S and electrified by Polestar
By Aaron Sugg
Jordan Stephens is Attitude’s latest cover star, speaking about his support for the LGBTQ+ community and crediting his ex-girlfriend, Jade Thirlwall, with teaching him what it truly means to be an ally.
In his Attitude cover interview ahead of the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2026, in partnership with M&S and electrified by Polestar, where he was named the winner of the Ally Award, supported by Polestar, Stephens reflected on what his past relationship taught him about the queer community.
“Jade showed me what an ally is,” said Stephens. “So, I’m going to try not to get imposter syndrome, but for me, I guess it’s about not being afraid to show my allegiance to a community that I really admire.”
“Our existence would be verging on heterophobic” – Jordan Stephens on his relationship with Jade Thirlwall
It was their shared understanding and love for the LGBTQ+ community that, as he shared, brought them together. “I don’t think we would have got together,” said Stephens. “Like, our existence would be verging on heterophobic.”
Reflecting on their six years together, which reportedly came to an end in July 2026, he spoke fondly about their mutual affection for LGBTQ+ people.
“[It] helps to have a person around who is not only at ease, but genuinely fucking loves that company, that world, that energy,” said Stephens.
Stephens’ journey as an LGBTQ+ ally
His allyship goes far beyond his relationship. Throughout his career, Jordan has spoken out in support of the LGBTQ+ community and has even put himself in their shoes.
Notably, in 2018, he played a drag queen named Faith in Tucked and, as a straight actor playing queer roles, spoke out against his critics.
Stephens previously told Attitude that taking on the role “wasn’t me pretending to be a cross dresser or queer. It was me having almost a safe space to be able to actualise that form of expression.”
He has also demonstrated his allyship by showing up at Prides across the nation, as well as at the charity event Trans Mission Live earlier this year.
“Honestly, I feel like straight men will benefit from being in these spaces,” he then told Attitude. “The trans community is breaking barriers and pushing back boundaries. It’s really important to ask questions, investigate and learn.”
The full interview appears in the Attitude Awards 2026 issue, available on digital platforms and in print. Print copy available for pre-order here.