30-04-2025
EXCLUSIVE Expert reveals why young people in age-gap relationships may struggle to go the distance - as Jojo Siwa, 21, and Chris Hughes, 32, spark romance rumours
It's safe to say that nobody had on their 2025 bingo cards that JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes would form such a strong bond during their recent stint on Celebrity Big Brother.
Now, relationship experts have had their take on the matter, revealing why such a large age gap - of 11 years - may struggle to work in the real world.
Age gap relationships have become a cultural norm in recent years, with a number of high-profile celebrity couples connecting despite their different life stages.
From Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jason Statham (20 years apart) to Sam and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (23 years apart); and Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones (25 years apart) to David and Georgia Tennant (13 years apart), many couples have made it work.
21-year-old singer JoJo - who previously claimed to have started a new genre of 'gay pop' - was in a relationship with Australian influencer Kath Ebbs when she entered the CBB House.
But she and Chris, who is 32, raised eyebrows as they grew closer on screen - even cuddling up in bed and exchanging massages.
While JoJo and Chris have since insisted their relationship is purely platonic, the 11-year difference between them has been the subject of scrutiny among CBB viewers.
Indeed, significant age gaps between couples can be trickier to navigate if the younger party is in their early 20s, says Dr Lalitaa Suglani, relationship psychologist at eharmony.
Dr Lalitaa tells FEMAIL that the 'developmental and life-stage differences can be profound' when the younger person in an age-gap relationship is still in their early 20s.
'The brain is still maturing into the mid-20s - which is what research shows us, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which governs long-term planning (it is almost like the manager in our brain), impulse control, and emotional regulation.
'This can mean the younger partner is still exploring identity, boundaries, and values, while the older partner may be more established and sure of what they want and of course this is subject to experiences.'
She adds that the disparity between where each individual is at in their lives can create a 'power imbalance'.
This imbalance can be 'emotional, financial or experiential' and can 'subtly influence how the relationship unfolds'.
'The younger partner may feel pressure to 'keep up' or defer to the older partner's preferences, sometimes without even realising it.'
'This isn't always unhealthy, but it does require awareness, open communication, and mutual respect to ensure both parties feel empowered and safe,' Dr Lalitaa says.
One of the main challenges of being significantly younger or older than your partner is the difference in emotional maturity, expectations and life experiences.
'For example, the older partner may be ready for long-term commitments or more settled lifestyle choices, while the younger partner may still be in a phase of exploration or self-discovery, although I do need to add that this is subject to experiences,' Dr Lalitaa explains.
'Social perceptions can also play a role, the relationship may face outside scrutiny, which can cause strain, especially if one partner feels misunderstood or judged.
'Additionally, subtle power dynamics can emerge, particularly if the older partner takes on a guiding or 'mentor' role, which may blur boundaries.'
Despite the challenges, age-gap relationships can still be healthy, successful and long-lasting - as proven by some of our favourite celebrity couples.
In 2021, Catherine Zeta-Jones opened up about the 25 years between her and Michael Douglas, to whom she has been married since 2000.
She said: 'With any relationship, it wouldn't be normal if there weren't any ups and downs.
'The constant is love and respect. We've never, ever lost our sense of humour, and we enjoy each other's company.'
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has also spoken candidly about her 20-year difference with Jason Statham.
The couple have been together since 2009 and share two children, Jack, eight, and Isabella, three. They met when Rosie was 22 and Jason was 42.
In an interview with Glamour, Rosie said the best part of being with an older man is his knowledge and strength, which she described a 'really inspiring and attractive'.
The model added: 'We have a connection that has nothing to do with age.
'Work comes and goes, but if you have someone at home who thinks you're the greatest person in the world, that keeps you going.'
Dr Lalitaa says that the key to a healthy age-gap relationship is staying attuned to one another's emotional needs, as well as having mutual respect and clear boundaries.
'Both individuals need to reflect honestly on why they're drawn to the connection, and whether both voices are equally heard in decision-making.
'If the relationship is built on shared values rather than emotional dependence or imbalance, it can thrive like any other.
