Former Little Mix member Jade Thirlwall shared her experiences from the early days of One Direction and Little Mix during an episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast. At 32, she discussed a brief teenage romance with Harry Styles that faded as One Direction's success grew. Despite being ghosted by Styles, Thirlwall maintains positive feelings towards him. She also recounted running into Styles backstage at The X Factor, where he apologized for his behavior. Meanwhile, Thirlwall found her own success with Little Mix. She expressed admiration for Styles' talent and charm, emphasizing that no hard feelings remain.

A Brief Teenage Romance

Thirlwall reminisced about her youthful encounter with Styles, noting their initial connection when both were auditioning for The X Factor in 2010. Initially, they maintained communication after going on one date. However, once One Direction began gaining traction, Styles stopped responding to her messages. Thirlwall humorously recalled this moment, acknowledging how quickly things changed for Styles as the band rose to fame.

During the podcast, Thirlwall elaborated on the nature of their relationship. "We went out for dinner when we were around 16," she said. "Everything was fine until the live shows started. Suddenly, I wasn't getting any replies." Despite feeling momentarily disappointed, Thirlwall remained understanding. She explained that given her young age at the time, the situation didn't affect her deeply. Instead, she focused on her own journey with Little Mix, which soon followed.

Reconciliation and Mutual Respect

The following year, Thirlwall encountered Styles backstage at The X Factor. This meeting marked a turning point in their relationship. Styles took the initiative to apologize for his earlier behavior, showing maturity and respect. Thirlwall appreciated his gesture, laughing it off and expressing no lingering resentment.

Thirlwall highlighted the importance of moving forward positively. "He was always very kind and charming," she noted. Her experience with Styles taught her valuable lessons about the fleeting nature of teenage relationships and the importance of mutual respect. Additionally, she acknowledged Styles' remarkable talent, attributing his success to his abilities rather than luck. This encounter symbolized a chapter closed with grace and understanding, setting the stage for both artists to pursue their respective careers without bitterness.