Jade Thirlwall, the acclaimed singer and former Little Mix member, has captivated fans with a series of breathtaking images from her recent New Year's getaway to Sri Lanka. The 33-year-old artist, who travelled to the island nation to welcome 2026, described the experience as the 'ultimate reset after a chaotic year', sharing intimate moments with her long-term boyfriend, Jordan Stephens.
A Picturesque Escape to Sri Lanka
Thirlwall looked radiant as she posed for stunning swimwear snaps alongside Stephens, whom she has been dating since 2020. In one captivating photo, she donned a vibrant green top and matching bikini bottoms while enjoying a refreshing dip with her partner. Another image showcased her figure in a white bikini top paired with blue and green pyjamas, highlighting the couple's relaxed holiday vibe.
The trip was not just about beachside relaxation; the pair, accompanied by a group of friends, also embarked on hiking adventures, exploring Sri Lanka's lush landscapes. Thirlwall shared playful snaps, including one of herself wearing a helmet during breakfast and a serene black-and-white image lounging at their accommodation, capturing the essence of their tranquil escape.
Reflections on a Digital Detox
Alongside the visual diary, Jade penned a heartfelt caption, writing: 'Spent the new year in Sri Lanka with lovely people. The ultimate reset after a chaotic year. Hardly any phone time which felt so good.' She humorously added, 'Lots of curry. Lots of reading. Lots of dogs. Lots of mosquito bites and a few leeches. Feeling ready to get back into it. Don’t Worry Be ✨'. This digital detox appears to have provided her with much-needed rejuvenation.
From Little Mix to Solo Stardom
This holiday comes on the heels of Jade kicking off her first solo tour, 'That's Showbiz Baby', in October 2025, in support of her critically acclaimed debut album of the same name. The album debuted at an impressive No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart, marking a significant milestone in her post-Little Mix career.
Little Mix, formed on the eighth series of The X Factor in 2011, quickly rose to become one of the biggest girl groups of the 2010s. With hits like 'Wings', 'DNA', and 'Black Magic', they released six studio albums, several topping the UK charts. The group announced an indefinite hiatus in May 2022 to pursue solo projects, a move that Jade initially found challenging.
Navigating Life After the Band
In a candid interview with Harper's Bazaar UK, Jade reflected on the pressures of being in Little Mix, describing it as 'cut-throat'. She recalled, 'You were always on a tightrope of success. If you fell out of the Top 10, there was a lot to worry about.' Despite the group's massive popularity, she admitted to moments of anxiety, such as before the release of 'Get Weird', fearing they might be dropped.
Transitioning to solo life proved difficult for Thirlwall. She revealed, 'I struggled the most to adapt to life after the group – the other girls had better distractions: families, kids. They went into a new chapter willingly. It was just me.' Jade, who has been part of Little Mix since she was 18, confessed to spirals of doubt, questioning her relevance and age as she embarked on her solo journey at over 30.
To cope, she sought therapy, travelled, and immersed herself in the studio, ultimately finding her footing. Her efforts paid off, culminating in winning the 2025 Brit Award for Best Pop Act and achieving a Top 10 single, solidifying her status as a successful solo artist.
Looking Ahead
Jade's solo tour, which began in Dublin, Ireland, in October 2025, is set to conclude on March 18, 2026, in Hamburg, Germany. As she returns from her Sri Lankan reset, fans can expect her to channel this renewed energy into her performances, continuing to shine in the music industry.
