James Arthur has split from his long-term girlfriend for the third time. The singer, whose album Bitter Sweet Love went to No.1 this year, has been in an on-off relationship with dancer Jessica Grist since 2012 and the pair share daughter, Emily.
They initially split for two years from 2015 and again in 2021. But they rekindled their romance in 2022 and welcomed baby Emily in November. But sources say the couple have decided to separate again after struggling to make the relationship work.
One said: “James and Jessica have a lot of history and really care about each other – that much is clear. But they have had some tough times and recently decided to separate for good. They will always be in each other’s lives and they are united in wanting to be the best parents they can be for their daughter.
“This split has been painful, but amicable. They agree it is the way things have to be. In the past, James and Jessica felt their relationship had hit a brick wall, but they have such a lot of affection for each other that they always wanted to try again.
But this time feels different. They are both 100% committed to putting their daughter first, whatever happens in their relationship.” James, who recently performed a sold-out home town gig in Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium, met backing dancer Jessica on X Factor , which he won.
And in 2014, he credited Jessica with “helping me to live in the moment”. After their first reunion, James described her as “really speci.
