In a remarkably frank television appearance, chart-topping singer Ellie Goulding has discussed her romantic history, revealing she has dated women in the intervals between her relationships with men. The 39-year-old, who is currently expecting her first child with boyfriend Beau Minniear, described her past romances as often 'toxic, fleeting and passionate'.
Candid Confessions on Reality TV
The intimate revelations came during Goulding's appearance on Love Thy Nader, the reality show hosted by Sports Illustrated model Brooks Nader. Filmed in the summer of 2024, the conversation saw the pair, who shared a playful kiss earlier that year, discuss their love lives. Nader, 28 and newly single after splitting from Dancing with the Stars professional Gleb Savchenko, joked about 'maybe' dating women.
'Maybe I'll go the other way,' the model remarked. Goulding's immediate response was: 'That's what I do. It works every time.' The singer, who shares four-year-old son Alfred with her ex-husband Caspar Jopling, then elaborated on her philosophy towards romance.
'I think the most exciting love comes for a reason, and it's toxic and fleeting and passionate and it's amazing and you're just like, no one else has ever experienced love like this,' she stated. Goulding added with a laugh that such intense experiences provide 'great song material', confessing: 'Annoyingly, I do it for the plot so that I can write a song about it.'
A New Chapter with Beau Minniear
The television segment was recorded shortly before Goulding was linked to actor Beau Minniear in July 2024, though it aired recently. Their relationship became public knowledge in September 2025, and the couple have since been spotted on holiday in Italy. Minniear shared an intimate photo of Ellie in an unmade hotel bed, and he features in several racy scenes in her latest music video for the song 'Destiny'.
Goulding revealed her pregnancy in a striking fashion, walking the red carpet at the 2025 Fashion Awards while heavily pregnant. This new chapter follows the end of her five-year marriage to art dealer Caspar Jopling, 33. Their separation was confirmed in February 2024 after photographs emerged of Goulding kissing Brazilian surf instructor Armando Perez.
In a statement on Instagram at the time, Goulding wrote: 'In light of recent stories, I feel I have been left with no choice but to let you all know that Caspar and I privately separated some time ago. We remain the closest of friends and have been successfully co-parenting with our son's best interests at heart.'
Reflecting on Past Romances and Future Priorities
During the TV chat, Goulding reflected on the transient nature of some relationships. 'We should just appreciate it as the moment that it is, and then when it goes away, be appreciative that it's happened and that we got to experience it,' she mused. Striking a note of self-assured independence, she concluded: 'It's all about being the amazing woman that you are and then guys are just an accessory every now and again.'
The singer's romantic history includes an 18-month relationship with Radio 1 host Greg James, which ended amicably due to work pressures. She also had a brief seven-month romance with American musician Skrillex (Sonny John Moore) in 2012, and dated actor Jeremy Irvine for under a year.
Despite persistent rumours, Goulding has always denied a relationship with Ed Sheeran, though she admitted to 'a few dates' with Niall Horan in 2015. One of her most high-profile unions was a two-year relationship with McFly drummer Dougie Poynter, which ended in 2016.
Beyond her personal life, Goulding continues to enjoy professional acclaim. Her sixth studio album is due for release in the coming months. Furthermore, she was recently appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours list for her services to biodiversity and the climate. A long-standing environmental activist, she serves as a global ambassador for the UN Environment Programme and supports numerous charities, including The Marylebone Project for homeless women and the WWF.
