GK Barry Girlfriend: The Ultimate Guide to Her Relationship

GK Barry’s girlfriend is Ella Rutherford, a professional English footballer who currently plays as a forward. The couple officially confirmed their relationship in August 2024 after months of speculation, during which GK Barry (real name Grace Keeling) affectionately referred to her partner by the codename “Eyelashes” on her hit podcast, Saving Grace. Since going public, the pair has become one of the most beloved couples in the UK digital space, frequently sharing glimpses of their life together, including their shared home and their pet dogs. Grace has been vocal about how this relationship—her first with a woman—has “changed her life for the better,” often joking about her new identity as a “full-time WAG.”

In this deep dive, we explore who Ella Rutherford is, the timeline of their modern romance, and how their relationship has influenced GK Barry’s journey as a leading voice for the LGBTQ+ community in mainstream media.

GK Barry Girlfriend: Who is Ella Rutherford?

Ella Rutherford is a prominent professional footballer born on April 28, 2000, who has built a successful career in the women’s game. Known for her pace and clinical finishing, she has played for several high-profile clubs, including Millwall, Bristol City, Crystal Palace, and Ipswich Town. Her athletic prowess and dedication to the sport have earned her a loyal following within the football community, which has only grown since her relationship with the TikTok sensation began.

Beyond the pitch, Ella is described by Grace as being “shy” but incredibly supportive of her partner’s chaotic and public-facing career. She made a notable appearance on Loose Women in late 2025 to discuss her life with Grace, revealing that they actually moved in together almost immediately after their first date. Their bond is frequently highlighted as a source of stability for Grace, who manages a high-pressure schedule of podcasting, touring, and television appearances.

How the Couple Met: An Instagram Romance

The love story of GK Barry and her girlfriend began in the most modern way possible: via Instagram DMs. Grace admitted that she first spotted Ella on the platform and was immediately struck by her appearance, eventually leading to a mutual follow. Ella took the initiative by messaging Grace with a compliment, asking, “Is now a good time to tell you that you’re beautiful?”

The “Eyelashes” Mystery Phase

Before the relationship was “hard-launched” on social media, Grace spoke about her new partner extensively on her Saving Grace podcast without revealing her name. She used the nickname “Eyelashes” because Ella regularly gets lash extensions, a detail that fans quickly used to track down the footballer’s identity. During this period, Grace expressed her deep infatuation, telling listeners she felt a “lesbian glow” and had finally found the happiness she lacked in previous relationships.

Going Public and the “WAG” Era

The couple officially confirmed they were together during Grace’s birthday celebrations in August 2024. Since then, Grace has leaned into the “WAG” (Wives and Girlfriends) aesthetic, often posting humorous videos about “cooking for her wife” and supporting Ella at her matches. This transparency has been praised by fans for providing authentic representation for queer women in the UK.

Past Relationships: Grace’s Dating History

Before her relationship with Ella Rutherford, GK Barry was primarily known for dating men, most notably a person named Billy Hunt. Grace and Billy were a popular couple on TikTok and often appeared on red carpets together; however, the relationship ended abruptly in early 2024. Following the breakup, Grace took time to reflect on her identity, eventually coming to the conclusion that she is bisexual.

Grace has since been candid about her shift in preference, stating in multiple interviews that she “can’t see herself ever going back to men.” She describes her connection with women as being more emotionally fulfilling and less stressful than her past experiences. This honesty has helped her build a deeper connection with her Gen-Z audience, many of whom are navigating similar journeys of self-discovery.

Life at Home: Dogs and Domesticity

The couple shares a home in England and are “dog parents” to several pets, including a Toy Poodle named Noodle. In late 2025, the pair faced a difficult moment when they lost Ella’s beloved dog, Coco, sharing their heartbreak with their followers in a series of touching tributes. Grace often jokes that the dogs receive more attention in the household than she does, a relatable sentiment for many pet owners.

Their domestic life is a frequent topic on Grace’s social media, where she balances her “glam” career moments with the reality of living with a professional athlete. This includes navigating Ella’s strict training schedules and recovery periods after surgery, which Grace says has given her a newfound respect for the discipline required in professional sports.

GK Barry Background

Grace Keeling, known as GK Barry, rose to fame as a TikTok star and podcaster in Nottingham, UK. Born on November 5, 1999, she built a massive following with relatable content on relationships, fashion, and humor, amassing over 3 million TikTok followers by 2024. Her Saving Grace podcast launched in 2022 and quickly hit top charts, featuring candid chats with celebrities that showcased her quick wit and authenticity.

Her appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in late 2024 catapulted her mainstream visibility, where she shared personal stories including her romance. GK Barry’s transition from social media influencer to TV personality and Loose Women panelist highlights her versatility. Fans love her unfiltered style, which mirrors the openness she brings to her relationship discussions.

Early Career Rise

Starting with short-form videos in 2020, GK Barry gained traction during lockdowns by posting about everyday struggles. By 2023, brand deals with fashion houses and beauty lines solidified her as a UK influencer powerhouse. Her content often blends humor with vulnerability, setting the stage for deeper personal revelations like her girlfriend story. This foundation made her jungle stint unmissable, blending entertainment with heartfelt moments.

Ella Rutherford Profile

Ella Rutherford, 24, plays as a forward for Ipswich Town in the Premier League, hailing from Southend-on-Sea, England. She joined the club in 2023 after youth stints at West Ham and Arsenal academies, known for her speed and goal-scoring prowess. Standing at 5’7″, Ella’s athletic build and competitive spirit make her a rising star in women’s football.

Off the pitch, she maintains a low-key persona focused on recovery and training, especially after a 2023 knee surgery. Her Instagram, with 100k+ followers, shares training clips and subtle couple moments. Ella’s grounded nature complements GK Barry’s high-energy public life perfectly.

Football Achievements

Ella debuted professionally at 19, scoring her first senior goal in 2022 for West Ham. In the 2024-2025 season, she notched 8 goals for Ipswich, helping their mid-table push. Injuries tested her resilience, but comebacks fueled her determination, much like her personal life commitments. Scouts praise her versatility across forward positions, predicting international caps soon.

How They Met

GK Barry and Ella Rutherford connected in early 2024 through a mutual friend during Ella’s knee surgery recovery. Grace followed Ella on social media, sparking initial messages that led to a vacation together shortly after. Their first in-person meeting felt electric, with GK later calling it love at first sight on her podcast.

They kept things private initially, dropping hints like “eyelashes” as a code for Ella on Saving Grace. By summer 2024, family introductions solidified their bond. This organic start via social media reflects modern romance in influencer-athlete circles.

The mutual friend, a fellow content creator, played matchmaker by sharing contact details post-DMs. Their shared Nottingham-area ties eased logistics, turning online chats into real dates.

Relationship Timeline

Their romance kicked off in March 2024 with secret dates in London and Nottingham. By June, GK publicly hinted on podcasts, confirming details during I’m A Celeb in November 2024. Public debuts came at events like the BRIT Awards 2025, where GK nodded to Ella via outfit choices.

Key milestones include a summer 2024 family vacation in Spain and Ella attending GK’s podcast recordings. By early 2025, talks of marriage surfaced, with Grace expressing confidence in a proposal post-career peaks. They’ve navigated public scrutiny gracefully, sharing “heartbroken” moments like pet losses in September 2025.

From discreet beginnings to inseparable status, their timeline shows steady growth amid busy schedules.

First Public Hints

Podcast episodes in mid-2024 used nicknames, building fan speculation. Jungle confessions provided the full reveal, delighting viewers. Social media cross-posts ramped up by 2025.

Coming Out Story

GK Barry shared her coming-out casually during I’m A Celeb, telling parents about Ella during a home visit. They responded with “Oh, cool,” embracing her without hesitation, as she’d always sensed their support. Grace joked her “closet was glass,” highlighting their open-mindedness since her youth.

Parents met Ella soon after, loving her instantly and ignoring gender entirely. This accident-turned-milestone underscored family acceptance. Fellow campmates like Jane Moore reinforced the universal parental wish for happiness.

The story resonated widely, inspiring fans facing similar conversations. GK’s pansexual identity emerged naturally through the relationship.

Public Appearances Together

Their red carpet debut aligned with BRIT Awards 2025 on March 1, where GK stunned in an outfit echoing Ella’s style. Ella cheered from sidelines at Ipswich matches, with GK attending post-game. Joint podcast cameos and fashion events followed, blending their worlds.

Summer 2025 festivals saw them hand-in-hand, from Glastonbury to London Pride. Sports galas featured GK supporting Ella’s team. These outings balanced privacy with pride.

Award Show Moments

At BRITs, GK’s ensemble paid homage to Ella’s football kits. Post-event interviews gushed over their bond. Similar vibes at football awards showed synergy.

Podcast Revelations

On Saving Grace, GK detailed infatuation after three weeks, calling Ella her “dream.” Episodes dissected date nights, challenges like schedules, and joys of support. Listeners got raw insights into their dynamic.

Ella guested in April 2025, crediting GK for life changes. Discussions covered WAG life, with Grace embracing the role. Episodes spiked downloads post-releases. These platforms humanize their celebrity, offering relatable relationship advice.

Joint Instagram posts hit 500k likes by 2025, mixing football highlights and date nights. GK’s TikToks feature Ella subtly, like training cameos. Twitter exchanges show playful banter.

They use stories for real-time updates, from match wins to podcast plugs. Hashtags like GKandElla trend among fans. Privacy balances with selective shares. This digital synergy boosts both careers while fostering community.

Career Synergies

GK’s influencer reach promotes women’s football, attending Ipswich games and interviewing players. Ella gains visibility through Grace’s platforms, aiding sponsorships. Joint brand deals emerge, like sportswear lines.

Their schedules sync via off-seasons and podcast gaps. GK’s media skills help Ella’s public profile. Mutual hype creates win-win dynamics. Cross-promotions extend to charity events, amplifying impact.

Family Dynamics

Parents from both sides bonded quickly, with joint holidays in 2025. GK’s folks adore Ella’s athleticism; Ella’s family loves Grace’s humor. No drama reported, pure support.

Siblings feature in group posts, strengthening ties. Future family plans hint at kids post-careers. This foundation anchors their relationship. Acceptance stories inspire, showing modern family evolution.

Challenges Faced

Busy schedules test them, with Ella’s matches clashing with GK’s tours. Public scrutiny post-coming out brought trolls, handled with humor. A September 2025 pet loss left them “heartbroken,” shared vulnerably.

Injury recoveries for Ella doubled as bonding time. Distance during GK’s TV gigs requires trust. They prioritize communication, emerging stronger. These hurdles build resilience, shared publicly as lessons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is GK Barry’s girlfriend in 2026?

Grace Keeling, known as GK Barry, is currently in a relationship with professional footballer Ella Rutherford. The couple has been publicly dating since August 2024.

Does Ella Rutherford play for a professional football team?

Yes, as of the 2025/2026 season, Ella Rutherford plays as a forward for Portsmouth Women. She previously played for Ipswich Town and Charlton Athletic.

How did GK Barry and Ella Rutherford meet?

They met after Grace spotted Ella on Instagram and followed her. Ella eventually messaged Grace, and the two hit it off immediately, moving in together shortly after their first date.

What is the “Eyelashes” nickname about?

Before officially revealing Ella’s identity, Grace used the nickname “Eyelashes” on her podcast, Saving Grace, to keep her new relationship private while still sharing her excitement with listeners.

Is GK Barry married to Ella Rutherford?

While the couple frequently refers to each other as “wife” in social media posts and videos, they are not legally married as of February 2026. Grace has joked about being in her “WAG era” (Wives and Girlfriends of athletes).

Did GK Barry and Ella Rutherford break up in 2026?

No, despite occasional social media rumors and “breakup speculation” addressed on her podcast in early 2026, the couple remains very much together and continues to post collaborative content.

What is GK Barry’s sexual orientation?

Grace has openly identified as bisexual. She has discussed her journey of coming out to her parents and the public extensively on her podcast and during her time on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

Final Thoughts

The relationship between GK Barry and Ella Rutherford has evolved from a subtle podcast codename to one of the most celebrated partnerships in the UK influencer and sporting world. By choosing to live her life—and her love—out loud, Grace Keeling has transitioned from a relatable comedy creator to a powerful advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Ella, with her grounding presence and professional athletic discipline, provides the perfect counterbalance to Grace’s high-energy public persona.

As of early 2026, the couple remains a fixture on social media and the red carpet, proving that their “whirlwind romance” was built on a solid foundation. Whether they are co-hosting high-profile events like the Women’s League Cup draw or simply sharing a quiet moment with their dogs in Cheshire, the pair continues to redefine what it means to be a modern British power couple. For fans, their story is a heartwarming reminder that sometimes, the best relationships are the ones that catch you completely by surprise.

ByAshif Rahman