JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes appeared on ITV’s This Morning on April 28, 2025, addressing speculation about their close friendship in their first television appearance since leaving the Celebrity Big Brother house. The pair, who formed a strong bond during the reality show’s three-week run, described themselves as “platonic soulmates,” dispelling rumors of a romantic connection.
Their interview, hosted by Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley, comes days after Siwa broke up with partner Kath Ebbs at the show’s wrap party, intensifying public curiosity about their relationship.
Siwa, 21, and Hughes, 32, became noticeably close during Celebrity Big Brother, which concluded last Friday with Jack P. Shepherd crowned the winner. Their friendship began when Hughes defended Siwa against alleged homophobic comments from former housemate Mickey Rourke, a moment that sparked their growing connection.
Celebrity Big Brother, known for placing famous personalities in a surveilled house with no privacy, often fosters intense relationships, and Siwa and Hughes were no exception.
On This Morning, they highlighted the relentless nature of the experience.
“It was relentless from the minute you wake up to the minute you go to bed,”
Hughes said, explaining how constant proximity creates deep bonds. Siwa added,
“I knew it was going to be good, but it was by far better than I could have ever imagined.”
Hughes elaborated on the unique dynamic:
“If me and you were best mates, Ben, and we lived together for three weeks, we’d have niggles and fall out. When you’re in each other’s space and can’t escape, it’s uncharacteristic not to have issues.”
Despite these challenges, their friendship thrived.
When pressed about their relationship, both emphasized its platonic nature, though with a distinctive depth. Hughes explained,
“Our friendship is hard to explain. It’s a really strong bond, a soulmate friendship. It’s not like a standard friendship you have with your friends, but it’s still a friendship.”
He described it as having “that energy” that sets it apart, yet remains non-romantic.
Siwa echoed this sentiment but left room for speculation about the future.
“He’s a great guy. It’s platonic. We have a lot of fun together,”
she said, adding,
“I don’t know the future, whatever life does, it will do.”
The hosts playfully referenced When Harry Met Sally, the classic film exploring whether men and women can stay just friends, underscoring the public’s fascination with their dynamic.
Siwa’s time on Celebrity Big Brother proved transformative, leading to her split from Ebbs. She shared how isolation in the house sparked self-reflection:
“Day three, I was in my own thoughts, away from everyone, and I realized things I was okay with that I should never have been okay with.”
When asked if this included her relationship with Ebbs, she confirmed,
“So many things. That is one of them.”
The breakup unfolded at the wrap party, an event Siwa insisted “was not a plan.” Ebbs initially declined to attend but later arrived.
“They asked if I was happy, and I said no,” Siwa recounted. “One thing led to another, and the conversation took place there.”
Ebbs later posted a now-deleted social media video expressing humiliation, noting,
“I traveled across the globe to support her, only to find myself at the party, Chris in the next room,”
hinting at Hughes’ presence as a sore point.
Their friendship has drawn significant attention, with some viewers calling it “uncomfortably close.” The breakup amplified rumors, especially after Ebbs’ posts suggested Hughes might be involved. Both dodged the question when asked if their bond contributed to the split. Hughes reflected,
“I found it strange because it was such a strong friendship. Having someone there every day when you’re emotional, down, or happy—that was beautiful.”
Siwa and Hughes stand firm that their relationship is platonic, embracing the “soulmate” label to capture its unique strength. Siwa’s Big Brother experience reshaped her life, ending her relationship with Ebbs, but whether her bond with Hughes evolves remains uncertain.
“Life is life… I don’t know any future of anything,”
Siwa said, leaving their story open-ended.
As they navigate the spotlight post-show, their “platonic soulmates” narrative offers a lens into their connection—and a hint of what might come.
