Ellie Goulding, the acclaimed British singer-songwriter known for her ethereal vocals and chart-topping hits, has seen her romantic life unfold in the public eye, marked by high-profile relationships, brief encounters, and a significant marriage. Her journey through love has often mirrored her career's trajectory, moving from early connections within the music and media industries to a more private life with an art dealer, and now a new beginning. Throughout her career, Goulding has navigated the complexities of fame and romance with a blend of openness and a desire for privacy, offering fans glimpses into her evolving personal world.
One of Goulding's earliest public relationships was with radio DJ Greg James, which began around 2010. The couple dated for approximately 18 months, becoming a familiar fixture in the UK media landscape. Their busy schedules and demanding careers were reportedly the primary reasons for their amicable split in January 2012, a common challenge for those in the entertainment industry.
Following her relationship with James, Goulding briefly dated American DJ and producer Skrillex, whose real name is Sonny Moore, in 2012. Their connection was intense but ultimately challenged by the demands of a long-distance relationship, with both artists frequently touring globally. Despite the breakup, they maintained a mutual respect, acknowledging the difficulties of their demanding careers.
The year 2013 brought speculation about Goulding's romantic entanglements with two prominent musicians: One Direction's Niall Horan and Ed Sheeran. Goulding later clarified that she went on a few dates with Horan but was never in a full relationship with him. The rumors surrounding her and Sheeran were particularly persistent, fueled by his song "Don't," which fans widely speculated was about a brief, complicated encounter between them, though Goulding has consistently denied ever being in a relationship with Sheeran.
From 2014 to 2016, Goulding was in a significant relationship with McFly bassist Dougie Poynter, a romance that captivated fans and the media alike. Their two-year relationship was highly public, with the couple often seen together at events and sharing glimpses of their life on social media. Despite their strong connection, the pressures of their respective careers and the constant travel ultimately led to their amicable separation, with Goulding expressing sadness over the split.
After her breakup with Poynter, Goulding had a brief relationship with judo champion Bobby Rich in 2017. Reports suggested the relationship moved quickly, with the couple reportedly moving in together within months. However, this romance was short-lived, concluding for undisclosed reasons, marking another fleeting chapter in her dating history.
A pivotal moment in Goulding's romantic life came with art dealer Caspar Jopling, whom she met in 2016 at a dinner in New York. Their relationship began in 2017, and they quickly became serious, with Jopling proposing in 2018 at their countryside home. The couple tied the knot in a star-studded ceremony at York Minster in August 2019, attended by numerous celebrities and members of the Royal Family, including Princess Eugenie, who reportedly introduced them.
Their marriage saw a significant milestone with the birth of their son, Arthur Ever Winter Jopling, in April 2021. The couple largely kept their family life private, occasionally sharing glimpses with fans. However, in February 2024, Goulding and Jopling publicly confirmed their separation, revealing they had been living separate lives for some time. Caspar Jopling issued a statement emphasizing their continued friendship and co-parenting commitment, while Goulding also acknowledged the split, expressing their shared desire for privacy and happiness.
In the wake of her separation from Caspar Jopling, Ellie Goulding has reportedly embarked on a new relationship with surf instructor Armando Perez. The two were seen together in Costa Rica in early 2024, sparking rumors of a new romance. Perez, who has also reportedly surfed with Shakira, represents a new chapter for Goulding, suggesting a move towards a different kind of partner and lifestyle following her high-profile marriage. This new connection indicates Goulding's continued openness to finding love and happiness, even as she navigates changes in her personal life.