Jordan Stephens says ex Jade Thirlwall ‘showed him what an ally is’
Jade Thirlwall and Jordan Stephens (Getty Images)
Jordan Stephens has credited his ex Jade Thirlwall with helping him understand how to be an ally, after being named the winner of the Ally Award (supported by Polestar) at the Attitude Awards 2026.
Speaking to Attitude, the rapper, musician and actor reflected on what he learned from Thirlwall – who has credited her success to the LGBTQ+ community – and why he feels strongly about showing up for LGBTQ+ people.
“Jade showed me what an ally is,” Stephens said. “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.”
Stephens received the award at the 15th anniversary ceremony at London’s Roundhouse on 7 October.
What did Jordan Stephens say about Jade Thirlwall?
Stephens suggested their shared love of LGBTQ+ community spaces was part of what drew them together. “I don’t think we would have got together,” he said. “Like, our existence would be verging on heterophobic.”
The former couple were together for six years, before splitting in July 2026.
Stephens also spoke about the comfort of having someone close who is genuinely at ease in LGBTQ+ spaces. “[It] helps to have a person around who is not only at ease, but genuinely f****** loves that company, that world, that energy,” he said.
In August, Stephens spoke about feeling at home in queer venues, saying he felt “able to experience joy” in a “non-judgmental space”.
What did he say in his Ally Award acceptance speech?
In his onstage speech, Stephens said: “It honestly, genuinely means the f****** world to me to get this. Being an ally, to me, doesn’t feel like a challenge, because I genuinely love the f****** community from the bottom of my heart.”
He also thanked his godfather, David McAlmont, and brought him on stage, saying: “I want to give him his flowers… He’s a f****** legend.”
Stephens ended with a final nod to Thirlwall, adding: “One last thing: shout out to Jade [Thirlwall]. I love Jade.”
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