More on KentOnline
A celebrity couple left workers “in awe” after popping up at a top-rated restaurant to enjoy a brunch date.
Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall was spotted at the eatery The Old Post Office in Cecil Square, Margate, alongside singer-turned-actor Jordan Stephens.
Nick Parry, owner of the restaurant which is known for offering Kent’s biggest pancake challenge, praised the duo, calling them “an absolute pleasure”.
“They came in, they had their dogs with them, they’re really lovely, very friendly people,” said Nick.
“Personally I didn’t recognise them but some of our staff were a bit in awe, one of the girls was telling me about how she used to have Little Mix posters up in her room.
“They were so good about getting a picture, no doubt it made some of our team’s day and hopefully we can welcome them back soon because it was an absolute pleasure to have them.”
Jordan, who rose to fame as part of Brighton-based hip hop duo Rizzle Kicks in 2011, has been a staple of the Margate community since the pandemic.
In 2021, he visited Margate’s Dreamland Pride alongside Jade, who was seen dancing with fans and partying away celebrating the event.
Later that year, the 31-year-old put together a list of his favourite spots to grab a bite in the town, listing places such as Skinny Dip Coffee and Olby’s.
In particular, he had praise for Peter’s Fish Factory in The Parade, calling it the “best fish and chips in the UK”.
He added: “I say that with chest. I don’t know how. Haddock and chips for a fiver, what more can you ask for?”
As well as his musical and Margate-based exploits, he has also tried his hand at acting, appearing in Paramount+ series The Ex-Wife and Star Wars film Rogue One.
Meanwhile, South Shields-born Jade shot to stardom in 2011 after appearing on ITV’s The X factor, where she would join Perrie Edwards, Jess Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock in band Little Mix.
Originally known as Rhythmix, the quartet were the first group to win the singing show and would go on to become one of Britain’s biggest acts.
It is believed in their 11 years together, the girl group sold more than 50 million records, but they have been on a hiatus since May 2022 in order for its members to pursue solo projects.
Jade confirmed her relationship with Jordan in 2020 after being pictured together at a Black Trans Lives Matter rally in London.
Talking about their relationship the same year, the 30-year-old said it was Jordan’s love of drag culture that sealed the deal.
She told Cosmopolitan: “When I first started talking to my boyfriend, I discovered he did a movie where he played a drag queen and I was like, right, that’s it.
“He’s perfect. Sign me up! A straight man who’s willing to dress in drag and loves being queer and feminine.”