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GK Barry and Ella Rutherford: The UK Queer Power Couple Making Waves On and Off the Pitch
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
In May 2024, GK Barry, the influential podcast host, TikTok star, and youngest panelist on ITV’s Loose Women, revealed she was dating a woman for the first time—a significant moment for the 26-year-old, who has become a vocal advocate for bisexual and queer visibility in the UK . That woman was Ella Rutherford, a 25-year-old professional footballer who plays as a striker for Ipswich Town, having previously represented Millwall, Bristol City, and Charlton Athletic .
The pair’s relationship began after Barry spotted Rutherford on Instagram and made the first move. “I saw her Instagram and I thought ‘hello’,” Barry said, recounting how they started talking and quickly developed a connection . Their romance progressed rapidly, with Barry later admitting on her podcast, Saving Grace, that she had “lied about everything” in the first week of their courtship—a humorous anecdote that has since become part of their public narrative .
The couple’s relationship became public knowledge in August 2024, when Rutherford posted a heartfelt birthday tribute to Barry on her Instagram story, declaring, “Happy Birthday, babe. I love you more and more every day,” alongside photos of the couple enjoying time together in Ibiza . This marked a turning point, as the pair had previously kept their romance under wraps, with Barry referring to Rutherford as “Eyelashes” on her podcast to maintain privacy .
Barry has been open about the transformative effect of the relationship, calling it her first with a woman and expressing a sense of having “missed out” before. “I don’t like men any more, I will never go back to a man. I’ve got spring in my step, I feel like I’m glowing. It’s the lesbian glow,” she said, reflecting a sentiment that has resonated with many in the LGBTQ+ community .
Rutherford, for her part, has praised Barry’s role in her life, telling talkSPORT’s The Kickback in April 2025 that Barry “changed my life for the better” and is her “rock,” providing emotional support and a safe space . She also humorously noted Barry’s initial lack of football knowledge, saying, “At the start, I was banging my head because she didn’t know what goal we were scoring in or what team we were,” but added that Barry is learning and remains a devoted supporter .
The couple’s prominence has brought increased attention to LGBTQ+ relationships in both the entertainment and sports industries. Barry’s candid discussions about her bisexuality on platforms like her podcast and during her stint on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! have made her a beacon for queer representation, particularly for bisexual women who often face erasure in mainstream media .
On I’m A Celebrity, Barry spoke about coming out to her parents, describing how she gradually introduced Rutherford as her girlfriend—a moment that underscored the ongoing importance of family acceptance for many LGBTQ+ people .
Rutherford’s visibility as an openly queer athlete is also significant in women’s football, a sport that has seen growing LGBTQ+ representation but still faces challenges regarding inclusivity and acceptance at all levels. Her willingness to discuss her relationship publicly contributes to normalizing queer identities in sports, a sector where such openness can still be rare .
The pair’s combined social media presence—Barry boasts nearly 900,000 Instagram followers, while Rutherford has over 50,000—has allowed them to share glimpses of their life together, from Halloween costume reels to heartfelt tributes, further endearing them to fans . Their relationship is frequently discussed in UK media, with outlets like The Pink News and DIVA Magazine providing regular updates and commentary.
While neither has announced plans to marry, their relationship continues to evolve in the public eye, with both expressing deep affection and mutual support. As Barry told her podcast audience earlier this year, “Whenever I refer to eyelashes, I am talking about the love of my life” .
The story of GK Barry and Ella Rutherford is more than a celebrity romance—it is a reflection of changing attitudes toward LGBTQ+ relationships in the UK. Their openness has provided visibility and affirmation for many, particularly young queer people seeking relatable role models. As both women continue to thrive in their respective careers, their partnership stands as a testament to the power of representation and the importance of living authentically in the public eye.
