X Factor winner James Arthur splits up with long-term girlfriend Jessica Grist
JAMES ARTHUR’s heartfelt ballads have made him millions — so hopefully he can see the silver lining after splitting from his long-term girlfriend.
I can reveal he has sadly parted ways with Jessica Grist, who he first started dating in 2012 when she worked as a backing dancer on the series of The X Factor James won.
The couple were together until 2015 before splitting and reconciling in 2017.
But I am told that this time they have decided to break up for good after growing apart in lockdown — which is sure to provide plenty of inspiration for future songs.
A source said: “James and Jessica have a lot of history, so they will always have a special place in each other’s hearts.
“But the truth is they have just grown apart and decided it wasn’t working any more.
“There was no big drama and they are still friends, but it is nevertheless a blow for both of them because they have been together for such a long time.
“It just feels like the relationship has run its course now and James is focusing on his music, because he has a big year ahead of him.
“He recently signed a new record deal and has a new album and tour just around the corner, so he is throwing himself into his work.”
It is a sad turn of events for the pair, who appeared to be madly in love just months ago.
On New Year’s Eve, Jessica wrote about James on Instagram: “You are my rock, my best friend, my unconditional.
“Thank you for holding my hand through everything. For treating me like a queen and for being nothing but authentically you.”
And in March, James told The Sun she had inspired much of his as-yet untitled upcoming album, which will be featuring recent single Medicine.
James explained: “She knows she’s the muse in a lot of these songs.
“She’s so supportive and she’s probably sick of hearing my music, to be fair, because all she’s heard all year is me blasting songs out.”
There’s still time to sneak a few more emotional numbers on to the next record, James.
Ava turns it up to the max
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The Blinding Lights singer won three awards including Male Artist Of The Year at the event on Thursday.
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British stars were also honoured, with Dua Lipa winning Female Artist Of The Year and Sir Elton John receiving the Icon Award from Lil Nas X and Chris Martin.
The Coldplay frontman made a rude joke at the Your Song singer’s expense, which was too naughty to print in a family newspaper.
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Leon’s brought out the Blue in Jonas
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In an exclusive chat, he said: “I’ve never worked on a record that’s so relatable before.
“I messaged Leon saying, ‘I’m a huge fan, maybe it would be good to work together’.
“She said she’d love to. As soon as I heard Here Me Say, I said, ‘We have to do this’.”
Tribute to dad
TOM ROSENTHAL has dropped an emotional new record called Now You Know paying tribute to his late father.
Lady Gaga has a reimagined version of album Born This Way to mark its tenth anniversary.
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