Chris Hughes breaks silence on Jesy Nelson split and it’s pretty savage 💔

The Love Island star and Little Mixer broke up at the beginning of lockdown following Chris' involvement in a 'violent brawl' at the NTAs

Chris Hughes & Jesy Nelson

by Emma Dodds |
Updated on

Love Island's Chris Hughes has spoken out about his split from Little Mix's Jesy Nelson after they parted ways earlier this year. The pair, who were together for 14 months, shocked fans when they split in April 2020 at the beginning of lockdown.

Although nothing was confirmed at the time, Jesy deleted all trace of Chris from her Instagram account - which is pretty conclusive 2020-speak for a break-up.

Now, Chris has spoken out about the split for the first time in an interview with Vicky Pattison on her podcast, The Secret To, saying that being in lockdown was actually quite a good thing.

He said, "You can actually focus on yourself, which is always a good thing. For me as well, I had a break up. So I needed a bit of focusing on my own stuff. It happened right at the start."

Check out: Jesy Nelson and Chris Hughes' relationship timeline:

Gallery

Jesy Nelson and Chris Hughes relationship timeline - RADIO STACKED

JESY NELSON1 of 18

January 2019

In January 2019, Jesy was papped giving Love Island 2017 star Chris Hughes a cheeky little snog... In a KEBAB shop! From that moment, rumours that the pair were dating were rife.

Chris Hughes2 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

March 2019

After weeks of rumours that Jesy and Chris were dating, the pair confirmed their romance during a trip to Ireland, posting this cosy snap to their socials.Although the pair briefly split after just three weeks of dating, they quickly rekindled their romance.

Chris Hughes3 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

March 2019

Since that moment, Jesy and Chris haven't been shy in expressing their love for each other, with Chris calling Jesy his 'girlfriend' during a radio interview in March 2019. Chris gushed over his new love, saying, "I'm the happiest I've ever been. It's official, she's my girlfriend. I'm so happy, she's the nicest girl I've ever met, this is no exaggeration, she's got a heart like she was your mother or something. She's so caring. We just get on like best mates, and that's the beauty about it."

Chris Hughes4 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

April 2019

Showing he's the best supportive boyfriend, Chris started to join Jesy at some of her Little Mix interviews, as well as posting cute snaps on social media.

CHRIS HUGHES5 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

May 2019

With their relationship going well, Jesy and Chris enjoyed their first Summer together, with the pair going on romantic bike rides and enjoying each other's company.

Chris Hughes6 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

June 2019

In June, Chris and Jesy went on their first overseas holiday, with Chris writing on Instagram, 'Off on holiday, with my best friend ud83dudda4✈ufe0f Miss JH'.

CHRIS HUGHES7 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

June 2019

Later in the month, Chris showed his love to Jesy by paying tribute to her on her birthday. Sharing a cute photo on social media, Chris wrote, 'Happy birthday to a best friend, my better half and the most caring person I could have wished to meet,' he wrote, along with a gallery of four photos of them together. 'Every day is better now. The fact I love you when I'm hungry says it all. The core to my ud83cudf4f... have the best day and keep on shining, you deserve the world ud83cudf0dud83dudda4 x' [sic]

JESY AND CHRIS8 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

August 2019

After nine months of dating, Jesy sparked engagement rumours by calling Chris her 'future husband'. Sharing a video of Chris playing up to the camera, Jesy captioned the video, 'My future husband'.

jesy and chris9 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

August 2019

Later that month, Jesy and Chris enjoyed their second holiday together, this time taking a trip to Bali! The pair delighted fans with loved-up posts throughout the trip, with many calling them 'goals'.

JESY NELSON10 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC

September 2019

When Jesy's BBC documentary 'Odd One Out' aired, fans of the singer were left with melted hearts after seeing how sweet Chris is towards his girlfriend. Chris revealed on the show that he has a make-up free photo of Jesy on his fridge, which he often goes to look at without her knowing.

Chris Hughes11 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

October 2019

Chris attended the Pride of Britain awards in October, where he gushed about his girl. When we asked what his proudest moment of the year was, he sweetly replied that it was when he asked Jesy to be his girlfriend! Aww! "That was a nice moment. She's just wonderful, we're best friends - we spend so much time together."

CHRIS12 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

October 2019

Chris later joined Jesy and the rest of the Little Mix girls on their UK tour, where he even stepped in for Jade when she was sick during rehearsals!

this morning13 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV/This Morning

November 2019

Chris broke down in tears during an interview on This Morning, whilst discussing the shocking online abuse Jesy has received in the past. He said, "She rang me, bless her, about 10 minutes after the documentary aired and she was just so overwhelmed and she just broke down on the phone to me. She's a strong girl now, she's extremely strong."Visibly upset, Chris then added, "I don't know why, but I get so emotional when I'm speaking about it."

2019: Chris Hughes14 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

January 2020

On 17th January 2020, Jesy and Chris celebrated their one-year anniversary! The pair shared a number of cute photos with each other, with Chris calling Jesy his 'Queen'.

Jesy Nelson Chris Hughes NTAs15 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

January 2020

Chris accompanied Jesy to the National Television Awards 2020, where she won the Factual Entertainment Award! Thanking him in her speech, Jesy said, "I want to thank Chris, my boyfriend, for bringing me up every day and making me feel confident." Fans thought she might have been wearing an engagement ring to the ceremony, but she shut those rumours down, saying it was "just accessories".

Jesy Nelson and Chris Hughes16 of 18
CREDIT: Chris Hughes u00a9 Instagram Story

February 2020

Chris sparked speculation that Jesy could be pregnant in early February, after posting a photo of the pair alongside a baby emoji.

Jesy Nelson and Chris hughes17 of 18

April 2020

As the pair self-isolated at different houses during lockdown for the Coronavirus pandemic, rumours emerged that Jesy and Chris had decided to 'split', with the pair deciding their romance had just 'come to an end'.Despite the rumours, the couple are yet to confirm or deny the apparent split, so we have our fingers crossed that they can get back on track!

Chris Hughes & Jesy Nelson18 of 18
CREDIT: PA Images & Getty Images

July 2020

Chris spoke out about the split for the first time in an interview in July 2020 with Vicky Pattison on her podcast, The Secret To, saying that being in lockdown was actually quite a good thing. He said, "You can actually focus on yourself, which is always a good thing. For me as well, I had a break up! So I needed a bit of focusing on my own stuff. It happened right at the start."As Vicky said that she couldn't believe the pair had split, Chris admitted, "It was tough. Time's a healer, you don't believe it when you're in the moment. I don't think I've ever felt heartbroken or anything. And then a couple of weeks down the line, you start thinking about it less and less. And the next thing, you're good as gold."The 27-year-old added that opening up about his feelings to his manager had been a huge help for him, "It's good to talk to people like that, you're the same as well, life experience. People get it and it reflects on you and next minute you feel right as rain."

As Vicky said that she couldn't believe the pair had split, Chris admitted, "It was tough. Time’s a healer, you don’t believe it when you’re in the moment. I don’t think I’ve ever felt heartbroken or anything. And then a couple of weeks down the line, you start thinking about it less and less. And the next thing, you’re good as gold."

Ouch.

Jesy Nelson with her NTA Award
Jesy Nelson with her NTA Award ©Jesy Nelson © Getty Images

Chris accompanied Jesy at the National Television Awards in January where she picked up the Best Factual Entertainment Award for her documentary Odd One Out, that detailed the bullying she'd suffered since being on The X Factor and joining Little Mix back in 2011.

Chris was investigated by police following a 'violent brawl' with a photographer at the event.

Read more

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Chris Hughes' hurt over Jesy Nelson's new man

Jesy Nelson shares 'all the people I love' pic - Chris Hughes very much not there following 'violent brawl'

Watch: Anne-Marie and Little Mix bump into each other on the red carpet and the love is REAL

A spokesperson for Met Police said, "We can confirm that at 03:52hrs on Wednesday, 29 January, police received a report of assault and criminal damage following an altercation between two men at Waterview Drive, Greenwich."

Following the incident, Chris released a statement via Instagram, saying, "I want to address last night's altercation. I was having an amazing night celebrating the award my girlfriend deservedly won. After coming out of our hotel a particular paparazzi decided to repeatedly call me a name I wouldn't call my worst enemy, and physically try and start an altercation.

"As everyone can see I retaliated back badly to this which I totally regret.

"I'm human. No different to anyone else. However I want to make everyone aware this was only in self defence. I hope people I care about, including my followers, family and friends can understand and forgive me."

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