James Arthur 'splits from girlfriend' for third time - after birth of baby daughter
James Arthur has reportedly parted ways with his long-term girlfriend, Jessica Grist, for the third time. The X Factor winner has been in an on-off relationship with the dancer Jessica since 2012, and they share a daughter named Emily.
After initially splitting in 2015 for two years and again in 2021, they rekindled their romance in 2022 and welcomed baby Emily in November. that year. However, insiders have claimed that the couple have decided to part ways once more after struggling to keep their relationship afloat.
"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," a source told The Mirror.
The alleged split, although tough, has been amicable. The source added: "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."
OK! has reached out to James' representatives for comment.
James, who recently performed a sold-out gig in his hometown at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium, met Jessica when she was a backing dancer on X Factor.
Four years into their romance, James confessed in an interview that his partner Jessica had been the inspiration behind many songs on his upcoming album, It'll All Make Sense in the End. He said: "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 my songs out."
However, come May 2021, word spread that they'd gone their separate ways yet again.
Last November, James revealed that during the time he was recording his album, Jessica dealt with a painful ectopic pregnancy. Despite this, they reunited in 2022, and even welcomed a baby girl named Emily later that year.
Speaking to OK! last year about becoming a dad, James shared: "The moment Emily was born an immediate sense of calmness came over me and I thought I am nowhere near as important as this little baby who I’m now a father to. I feel much more grounded. To me, she is the most beautiful thing in the world."
