Chris Hughes, a familiar face from the reality TV landscape, is back in the spotlight as a contestant on the latest season of Celebrity Big Brother. Known for his high-profile romances and his stint on Love Island in 2017, Hughes has captured the public's attention not just for his relationships but also for his candid discussions about them.
Following his breakout role on Love Island, where he was coupled with Olivia Attwood, Hughes sparked a whirlwind romance with Jesy Nelson of Little Mix fame. Their relationship, which began in 2019 with a playful kiss in a kebab shop, quickly became a hot topic among fans and media alike. The couple confirmed their relationship publicly in June of that year through a cozy Instagram post while vacationing in Ireland.
As their romance blossomed, Jesy affectionately referred to Chris as her "future husband," fueling speculation about a possible engagement. Hughes stood by Jesy during the release of her BBC documentary, Odd One Out, which explored the trolling she faced after her rise to fame on The X Factor in 2011. However, despite their apparent happiness, the couple faced challenges, including a reported altercation involving Hughes at the National Television Awards in 2020.
By early 2021, Jesy's representative confirmed that the couple had amicably split, stating, "Jesy and Chris split up a couple of weeks ago. It was all very amicable and they're still really good friends." Despite this, Hughes later admitted to struggling with the breakup, describing it as a tough period, stating, "It was difficult. Sometimes you just grow apart." He reflected on the emotional toll, revealing, "There were days where I was waking up and our split was the first thing I was thinking about."
After their breakup, Hughes found love again with professional golfer Annabel Dimmock in August 2021. He expressed that he had "never felt this way" before, sharing that they met on the golf course and enjoyed a lovely relationship. Dimmock, who has participated in prestigious events like the Ladies European Tour, seemed to bring joy to Hughes's life. However, after a year together, the couple decided to part ways, leaving Hughes feeling "struggling" once again. He mentioned, "I always struggle a bit when it's fresh out of a relationship because everything feels different."
As Hughes embarks on his latest reality TV journey, former girlfriend Olivia Attwood has commented on his return to the screen. Speaking on her KISS radio show, Attwood expressed that it would be "weird" to see her ex in the Celebrity Big Brother house, noting that she hasn't spoken to him in years. Attwood, who married footballer Bradley Dack in 2023, reminisced about their intense relationship during their time on Love Island, revealing that Chris moved into her flat shortly after they left the villa, which led to complications.
Reflecting on their past, Attwood recounted how their relationship took a turn for the worse when allegations surfaced that Hughes had been sending flirty messages to Katie Price while still with her. The drama escalated at the ITV Palooza party in 2018, where Price confronted Hughes, claiming to have screenshots of their exchanges. At the time, Attwood defended Hughes, but she later acknowledged that he did, in fact, send messages to Price.
As Celebrity Big Brother airs from Sunday to Thursday on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player at 9 PM, Hughes's journey in the house promises to be captivating. His history of high-profile relationships and candid storytelling will undoubtedly keep viewers engaged. With a reported payment of £45,000 for his participation, Hughes is diving back into the reality TV world, where he first made his mark.
As fans tune in to see how Hughes navigates the challenges of living in the Celebrity Big Brother house, many will be curious about his thoughts on love, relationships, and the highs and lows of his public life. Will he find romance again in the house? Or will he simply focus on his personal growth? Only time will tell as the show unfolds.
