Jade Thirwall "enjoyed" finding love during lockdown.
Jade Thirlwall
The Little Mix singer has been dating Jordan Stephens over the last few months but the 27-year-old star - whose romance with The Struts' Jed Elliott ended last year - hadn't been looking for a new relationship and was relishing her "independence".
She said: "I ended up meeting someone in lockdown which is strange… I quite enjoyed doing it that way.
"We had real dates and really got to know each other. I wouldn’t say I was looking for anyone at the time.
"‘I was happy to be in lockdown because I am independent. I think you can still strive in your singleness in lockdown."
Jade - who had to mentor on 'The Search' from home after being told to self-isolate - also praised Jordan for his support during the "hard times".
She added to the Metro newspaper's Guilty Pleasures column: "Anyone who has supported you through hard times is really important. It’s quite special seeing that. It’s the one positive to come out of this. Me and Jordan… we are a good match. We are so chilled out, we are horizontal!"
The 'Shout Out to My Ex' hitmaker admitted it was "devastating" watching bandmates Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall and Jesy Nelson perform new single 'Sweet Melody' on 'The Search' without her.
She said: "I definitely shed a tear. I was so excited for the launch of the single. To not be there on stage with them — I was watching at home. It felt bizarre. We made it work."
And Jade insisted her isolation wasn't as bad as it could have been.
She said: "I have been all right. I’m feeling a lot better and happy to be back at work..
"Luckily, I live with friends and my boyfriend was isolating with us at home. I got through it and I’m sure other people have it a lot worse."
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