If you follow British pop culture, you likely know Grace Keeling, better known as the hilarious GK Barry Girlfriend. She has taken the internet by storm with her podcast Saving Grace and her iconic stint on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! But lately, fans are asking one big question: who is GK Barry’s girlfriend?
The lucky lady is Ella Rutherford, a talented professional footballer. The pair went public with their relationship in the summer of 2024, and they have been inseparable ever since. Grace often jokes about her “WAG era,” referring to the famous acronym for “Wives and Girlfriends” of sports stars. While Grace is busy recording podcasts, Ella is busy scoring goals on the pitch.
Their relationship is a breath of fresh air for fans. Grace has been very open about how this is her first serious relationship with a woman, and she often shares sweet (and funny) updates about their life together. From moving in after their first date to supporting each other at work, they are truly “two peas in a pod.”
Biography of Ella Rutherford
To get to know the woman behind the headlines, let’s look at some quick facts about gk barry girlfriend ella.
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Ella Rutherford |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Current Team | Ipswich Town F.C. Women |
| Position | Striker / Forward |
| Date of Birth | April 28, 2000 |
| Place of Birth | Kent, England |
| @ellarutherford_ | |
| Relationship Since | Early 2024 |
Who is GK Barry Girlfriend Ella Rutherford?
Ella Rutherford is much more than just a celebrity partner; she is a star in her own right. Born in Kent, Ella has had an impressive career in women’s football. Before joining Ipswich Town, she played for major clubs like Crystal Palace, Leicester City, and Bristol City.
When fans ask who is gk barry girlfriend, they are often surprised to learn how sporty she is. Ella is a determined striker known for her speed and skill. Grace often admits she didn’t know much about football before they met, but now she is seen cheering in the stands wearing a custom “Rutherford” shirt. It’s clear that gk barry girlfriend ella rutherford has had a huge impact on Grace’s life, bringing a new sense of happiness and stability to the busy podcaster.
Why Does Grace Call Her “Eyelashes”?
If you listen to the Saving Grace podcast, you might have heard Grace refer to a mysterious person named “Eyelashes.” For a long time, fans were curious about this secret nickname. It turns out that gk barry girlfriend eyelashes was the code name Grace used before they officially went public.
Grace used the name to protect their privacy in the early weeks of dating. She once mentioned on her show that whenever she talks about “Eyelashes,” she is talking about the love of her life. The nickname stuck, and even though we all know she is talking about gk barry girlfriend ella, fans still love using the cute term. It’s a fun inside joke that shows the playful side of their romance.
How the Couple First Met
Social media isn’t just for work; it’s also for love! Grace and Ella actually met through Instagram. Grace spotted Ella’s profile and thought, “Hello!” After a few DMs and a little bit of “Instagram stalking,” the two started chatting.
Their first meeting was a massive success. Ella later revealed on the Saving Grace podcast that she felt like her life had turned around the moment she met Grace. In fact, Grace joked that they moved in together almost immediately after their first date. It was a whirlwind romance that proved to be the real deal. They even celebrated their one-year anniversary recently, proving that “DM slides” can lead to lasting love.
Life in the “WAG” Era
Grace has fully embraced being a “WAG.” She often posts hilarious TikTok videos titled “The WAG Series,” where she cooks for Ella or gets ready for football matches. It’s a side of Grace we haven’t seen before, and her followers are loving every second of it.
While Ella is training hard on the field, Grace is there to provide the laughs and the “lesbian glow” she often talks about. Despite the jokes about being a “vicious hungry beast” after practice, it’s clear that Ella is Grace’s “rock.” They support each other’s careers constantly, with Ella flying out to Australia to support Grace during her time in the jungle.
Coming Out and Family Support
One of the most touching parts of their story is how Grace shared her journey with her family. During her time on I’m a Celebrity, Grace spoke about how she told her parents she was dating a woman. She was worried at first, but her parents were incredibly supportive.
Her mum, Loretta, even met Ella and instantly liked her. Grace’s family has always said that as long as the person she is with is kind, they don’t care about gender. This support has allowed gk barry girlfriend ella to become a true part of the family. Seeing Grace so happy has also helped many of her younger fans feel more comfortable with their own identities.
Are They Getting Married?
With Grace calling Ella her “wife” in social media posts, rumors have been flying! Fans are constantly wondering if the pair have secretly tied the knot. However, as of early 2026, the couple is not officially married—though they have definitely talked about it.
Grace has joked that Ella is the one waiting for a proposal. She mentioned that she wants to find the perfect country and the perfect moment to get down on one knee. She even teased that she wouldn’t propose in “Skegness,” as Ella deserves something much more special. For now, they are enjoying their life as a “wifed up” couple without the official paperwork.
Handling Life in the Public Eye
Being in a high-profile relationship isn’t always easy. Grace has millions of followers, and Ella is a professional athlete. This means people are always watching. However, the couple handles the pressure with a lot of humor.
They choose what to share and what to keep private. While they post cute photos and funny videos, they also make sure to protect their “safe space.” Ella has said that Grace changed her life for the better and provides a sense of peace away from the cameras. Their ability to laugh through the “chaos” of fame is what makes them such a strong duo.
The Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community
Grace and Ella have become a bit of an “it-couple” for the LGBTQ+ community in the UK. By being so open and normal about their relationship, they are helping to break down barriers. Grace has mentioned how nice it is to be part of a community that accepts her.
Whether they are attending Pride in London or just sharing a quiet night at home, their visibility matters. They show that you can be successful, funny, and deeply in love while being your authentic self. GK Barry girlfriend Ella has played a huge role in this “new chapter” of Grace’s life, and fans are excited to see what the future holds for them.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Grace and Ella?
The future looks bright for this power couple. Grace’s career is reaching new heights with her roles on Loose Women and her upcoming TV projects. Meanwhile, Ella continues to be a force in the football world with Ipswich Town.
We can expect more “WAG” content, more podcast appearances, and hopefully, that long-awaited proposal! Whatever happens, it’s clear that these two are committed to making each other laugh for a long time. They have proven that even in the fast-paced world of social media, you can find a genuine and deep connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is GK Barry’s girlfriend? Grace Keeling, known as GK Barry, is currently dating professional footballer Ella Rutherford. Ella is a striker for Ipswich Town F.C. Women.
2. Why does GK Barry call her girlfriend “Eyelashes”? “Eyelashes” was a secret code name Grace used for Ella before they went public. It started as a way to keep their relationship private on her podcast, Saving Grace.
3. What does Ella Rutherford do for a living? Ella is a professional footballer. She plays as a forward/striker and has played for several clubs, including Crystal Palace, Bristol City, and now Ipswich Town.
4. How did GK Barry and Ella Rutherford meet? The couple met through Instagram. Grace saw Ella’s profile, liked what she saw, and they eventually started talking through direct messages.
5. Are Grace and Ella married? No, they are not officially married. Although Grace often calls Ella her “wife” or refers to herself as a “WAG,” they have clarified that they are just very committed to each other for now.
6. Does Ella Rutherford appear on the Saving Grace podcast? Yes! Ella has appeared on the podcast to talk about their relationship, their first date, and their funny holiday stories in Benidorm.
Conclusion
The story of GK Barry and her girlfriend, Ella Rutherford, is one of modern love, laughter, and genuine support. From a secret nickname like “Eyelashes” to becoming a beloved public couple, they have shared their journey with a sense of honesty that is hard to find. Whether you are a fan of Grace’s comedy or Ella’s football skills, it’s easy to see why this pair is so popular.
What do you think of Grace’s “WAG era”? Let us know your favorite Saving Grace moment in the comments below! If you enjoyed this look into their lives, feel free to share this article with your friends.
