The intersection of reality television, personal evolution, and public scrutiny has long defined the career of JoJo Siwa. From her breakout days on Dance Moms to her transition into a pop icon and entrepreneur, the 23-year-old has rarely shied away from the public eye. However, her latest relationship with 33-year-old reality star Chris Hughes, born from the high-pressure environment of Celebrity Big Brother UK, marks a new, more mature chapter in her life—one defined by personal reflection and a growing curiosity about the future.
Main Facts: The "Ring Test" and Future Aspirations
In a candid revelation at the Dancers Against Cancer Gala’s "Stars" event on October 22, JoJo Siwa admitted that she has been quietly testing the waters of marriage. While discussing her relationship with Chris Hughes, Siwa confessed that she has been wearing a ring given to her by Hughes last Christmas on her engagement finger.
"He got me this ring for Christmas last year," Siwa shared with E! News. "You don’t know that I do this. I wear this every day, I’ve never taken it off—sometimes I’ll switch it to my other hand just to see what it feels like."
The admission caught Hughes by surprise, as he had been unaware of the habitual "trial runs." His response, however, was lighthearted and supportive. "I didn’t know she did that, but now I do," he said with a smile, calling the habit "kind of cute."
For Siwa, the act is often subconscious, though it occasionally leads to humorous moments of panic. "I’ll forget that I’ve done it," she noted. "And then I’m like, ‘Oh crap, it’s been there too long. Someone’s going to get a photo or something.’" Despite the potential for social media speculation, the couple maintains that they are in a "very happy phase" of their lives, focusing on their bond rather than rushing toward a wedding altar.
Chronology of a Public Heart: A Look at Siwa’s Journey
JoJo Siwa’s romantic life has frequently played out in front of an audience, with each chapter serving as a mirror to her own growth.
The Early Days: Mark Bontempo
In August 2020, at just 17, Siwa introduced the world to Mark Bontempo. The relationship was brief but marked a milestone for the young star as she stepped into the world of public dating. By November of that same year, the two had amicably parted ways, with Siwa fiercely defending her ex against online vitriol, emphasizing that they had simply chosen different paths.
Identity and Connection: Kylie Prew
Siwa’s 2021 relationship with Kylie Prew was perhaps her most transformative. It was during this time that Siwa publicly embraced her identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Prew was a source of immense encouragement, urging Siwa to share her "Best Gay Cousin Ever" shirt on social media—a move that resonated with millions of fans. While the relationship faced the turbulence of a breakup, a brief reconciliation, and eventual separation, Siwa has maintained that Prew remains a "good friend."
The Complexity of Dating: Katie Mills and Avery Cyrus
Following her split from Prew, Siwa entered relationships with Katie Mills and Avery Cyrus. These periods were marked by intense public scrutiny and, eventually, public fallout. In 2023, Siwa expressed frustration regarding "clout chasing" and "love bombing," sentiments that were met with public pushback from both exes. These experiences forced Siwa to re-evaluate how she managed her private life in the digital age.
Recent Chapters: Dakayla Wilson and Kath Ebbs
In 2024 and early 2025, Siwa’s relationships with Dakayla Wilson and Kath Ebbs highlighted her ongoing search for compatibility. The breakup with Ebbs, which occurred during the wrap-party for Celebrity Big Brother UK, became a focal point for critics. However, Siwa has used these experiences as catalysts for self-discovery, noting that the isolation of the Big Brother house allowed her to realize what she truly deserved in a partner.
Official Responses and Relationship Philosophy
The dynamic between Siwa and Hughes stands in stark contrast to her previous relationships. Having met on Celebrity Big Brother UK, the pair initially maintained a close friendship. As the show progressed and they spent time away from the "outside noise," that friendship deepened into something more profound.
Hughes has been vocal about his long-term outlook. "Yeah, one day, of course," he responded when asked about the possibility of marriage. "I think that’s the goal for anyone in life. That’s all part of life; family, weddings, all that kind of thing. So, yeah, no, but one step at a time."
Siwa, meanwhile, has taken a playful approach to the persistent questioning about marriage. When asked by reporters on the red carpet at the Industry Dance Awards if a wedding was on the horizon, she laughed, telling the press: "You bug him tomorrow about it."
Implications: A Shift Toward Maturity
The fact that Siwa is now comfortable "playing house" with a ring—even if just in private—signifies a shift in her mindset. Throughout her youth, Siwa’s life was strictly managed by her career and the expectations of her massive, youthful fanbase. Now, at 23, she is intentionally carving out a space for her own desires.
Personal Evolution
Siwa’s reflection on her time in the Big Brother house—realizing she had been "okay with things in my life that I should never have been okay with"—suggests that she is setting higher standards for her emotional well-being. By choosing a partner like Hughes, who seems to offer stability and a grounded perspective, Siwa appears to be prioritizing peace over the "clout" that defined her earlier dating years.
The Role of Public Perception
Despite her fame, Siwa remains hyper-aware of the paparazzi and the "photos" that could spark rumors. Her comment about forgetting the ring on her finger reveals a woman who is still learning to balance her private desires with the reality of being an A-list celebrity. She is navigating the transition from a "teen idol" to an adult woman who is learning how to be in a relationship on her own terms.
Supporting Data: Building a Future
As the couple continues to grow, they have integrated their lives both personally and professionally. At the Dancers Against Cancer Gala, Hughes stood by, clearly proud as he watched Siwa perform.
"It’s amazing," Hughes remarked regarding her performance and her work. "She does great work and that performance tonight is going to be incredible."
This mutual respect is the foundation of their current status. While they are not rushing to the altar, the "ring test" is a tangible symbol of a woman who is beginning to envision a future that includes commitment. For Siwa, who has been in the spotlight since she was a child, the ability to define her own milestones—even if she does it by secretly trying on a ring in the comfort of her home—is a significant step toward the autonomy she has sought for years.
Conclusion
The story of JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes is not just another celebrity romance; it is a narrative of growth. As Siwa moves further away from the pressures of her childhood career and into a more self-aware adulthood, her relationship with Hughes serves as a testament to the importance of finding someone who supports that evolution.
While the world may be watching for an engagement, the couple seems content to take things at their own pace. Whether or not that ring ever finds a permanent home on her finger, the fact remains that for the first time, Siwa is defining her future based on her own feelings, her own comfort, and her own time. In an industry that demands constant spectacle, their "one step at a time" approach is, perhaps, the most refreshing development of all.
Pevita Pearce
Asep Darmawan
Sagoh
