Jordan Stephens, widely known for his rise to fame as part of the pop duo Rizzle Kicks, has worn many hats over the years: singer, actor, and now author. In a candid and heartfelt interview, Jordan delves into his life journey, exploring the highs and lows that have shaped him, including his experience with ADHD, struggles with emotional intelligence, and his newfound love with Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall.
From the outset, Jordan’s openness is striking. His latest book, Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak, and Dogs, which became a Sunday Times bestseller, reflects his unfiltered approach to life. The title itself serves as an acronym for ADHD, a condition Jordan has lived with since his youth. Diagnosed at 15 and again at 25, Jordan humorously likens the process to “renewing a driving license.” But behind the humor lies a journey of self-discovery and resilience.
Reflecting on his school years, Jordan admits he struggled with the rigidity of traditional education. The constant pivoting between subjects and the demand to sit still made school a challenging environment. “I found it difficult to focus on one subject,” he shares, adding that a more fluid, flexible approach to education could better serve students with diverse minds. His time at the BRIT School, however, proved transformative. There, he embraced a more focused curriculum, which allowed his creativity to flourish.
ADHD, for Jordan, isn’t just a challenge—it’s also a superpower. While it made conventional schooling tough, it fueled his creative pursuits. Music, acting, and writing became outlets for his boundless energy. Yet, his journey wasn’t without its dark chapters. Jordan candidly discusses struggles with drug misuse and hitting rock bottom. He emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence—something he had to consciously learn. “I was literally taught how to feel,” he says, advocating for the value of recognizing and understanding one’s emotions.
Jordan’s journey of self-improvement eventually led him to a place of readiness for love. Enter Jade Thirlwall. The couple met shortly after the COVID-19 lockdowns, a period Jordan used to process past traumas and redefine his priorities. With a clear vision of the relationship he wanted, Jordan found in Jade everything he had been searching for. “I literally had a list of qualities I wanted in a relationship,” he shares, describing Jade as “amazing” and “a great girl.”
Their bond is one of mutual support and admiration. Jordan beams with pride recalling Jade’s performance at Glastonbury, one of the most memorable weekends of their lives. “It was such a rush,” he says, describing the energy of performing on such a massive stage.
Through his book and public discussions, Jordan hopes to inspire others to embrace their flaws and work toward self-awareness. He challenges the idea of striving for perfection, instead advocating for authenticity and resilience. “It’s okay to have a bad day,” he says, emphasizing that being human means accepting both the light and dark sides of oneself.
Jordan’s story is one of growth, self-discovery, and love. From his early days in Rizzle Kicks to his current ventures into acting, writing, and advocacy, he continues to evolve. His message is clear: it’s never too late to learn, to heal, and to open yourself to the love you deserve.
