Kath Ebbs Affirms New Relationship with Footballer Tilly Lucas-Rodd After JoJo Siwa Split: “I Still Believe in Love”

Australian presenter and social media influencer Kath Ebbs (they/them) has officially introduced their new relationship with footballer Tilly Lucas-Rodd (they/them), signaling a fresh start after their widely publicized breakup with JoJo Siwa earlier this year. The announcement was made on Friday through an Instagram post, where Ebbs shared a photobooth snapshot of the couple paired with the caption: “The rumours are true! YES I still (stupidly) believe in love!!” .

Lucas-Rodd, a prominent player for Hawthorn Football Club in the AFL Women’s (AFLW) league, responded in the comments, “Thanks for sliding in (sorry for making you wait two years),” underscoring the mutual affection and playful dynamic between the pair .

The couple’s relationship has drawn attention not only for their public personas but also for the positive representation of non-binary identities in the media and sports.

Ebbs’ new romance comes just months after their split with American entertainer JoJo Siwa, which had been highly publicized and closely followed by fans and media alike. Ebbs and Siwa began their relationship in late 2024, but it ended following Siwa’s time on Celebrity Big Brother, with Ebbs later explaining on Instagram that the breakup was due to “confused feelings” on Siwa’s part . Siwa subsequently began a relationship with former Love Island contestant Chris Hughes, further fueling online discussion .

In the wake of the breakup, Ebbs was open about their feelings, sharing an emotional video with followers. Their candor about heartbreak and healing resonated with many in the LGBTQ+ community, making their new relationship announcement especially meaningful .

Both Ebbs and Lucas-Rodd identify as non-binary and use they/them pronouns, a fact that has been celebrated widely online as a powerful statement of queer visibility . Their relationship offers increased representation for non-binary people in both entertainment and sports, fields where gender diversity is often underrepresented .

Lucas-Rodd, who has played for Hawthorn in the AFLW since 2022, made headlines earlier this year as the first current AFLW player to publicly share their experience undergoing top surgery. In June, Lucas-Rodd posted about their journey on Instagram, stating, “Everyone deserves to feel at home in their body and experience the same joy I now do” .

Their openness about gender identity and healthcare has been welcomed as a milestone for inclusivity in Australian sports, further underscoring the importance of positive LGBTQ+ role models .

The response to the couple’s announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, with followers and LGBTQ+ advocates expressing support for their happiness and the visibility their relationship brings to non-binary people. Social media posts have been flooded with messages of encouragement and celebration, highlighting the importance of seeing authentic queer relationships in the public eye .

While both Ebbs and Lucas-Rodd have previously kept their private lives relatively guarded, their decision to go public reflects a growing trend among LGBTQ+ celebrities to embrace openness, authenticity, and pride in their identities. For many, the story serves as a reminder that love and self-acceptance can flourish even after public setbacks or heartbreak .

As the couple embarks on this new chapter, their journey will likely continue to inspire and empower LGBTQ+ individuals both in Australia and globally. Their story highlights the ongoing need for diverse representation across all sectors of public life, and reaffirms that love—regardless of gender identity—remains a powerful force for connection and hope.