Chris Hughes’ brother, Ben Hughes, has addressed speculation surrounding the Celebrity Big Brother star’s relationship with fellow housemate JoJo Siwa after footage showed Chris stroking her back in bed.
Appearing on TV the morning after the scenes aired, Ben dismissed any romantic connection between the pair, insisting they have simply formed a close friendship.
The tactile moment between Chris, 32, and Siwa, 21, aired during Sunday night’s episode, leaving viewers to question the nature of their relationship.
The following morning, Chris admitted he “missed” JoJo while he was asleep, leading her to playfully ask why she hadn’t appeared in his dreams.
Stepping in for Lorraine Kelly, host Kate Garraway brought up the topic with Ben and said: “The other thing that’s got people talking is Chris and this back-tickling last night with JoJo.”
Ben explained that the pair had grown close after Chris had defended JoJo against “inappropriate and offensive” remarks made by Mickey Rourke last week.
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“I actually think that maybe they’ve just formed a great friendship due to the fact that Chris stood up for JoJo,” he added.
He noted that their similar ages have contributed to their bond in the house and continued: “There are so many older members of the house there.
“They’re a couple of the youngest and they’ve stood up for each other most of the first week. I think JoJo is in a solid relationship, Chris will know that. I just think that they’ve got each other’s backs.”
“Literally, as it turns out,” Kate attempted to joke, to which Ben responded with a smile and noted: “I think they’ve just bonded really well, and they’ve got a really good friendship which will probably come away from the house as well.”
He emphasised there was no chance of romance between them: “They’re a couple of the youngest housemates – they’ve just bonded really well and have a really good friendship. It’s nice to see.”
The social media reaction to Chris and JoJo’s close friendship has been one of surprise and intrigue, especially since JoJo previously revealed she was in a relationship with a non-binary partner.
Taking to their X accounts to comment on the moment, one noted: “Oooo the chemistry between JoJo and Chris. What’s going on there?”
“What the hell is going on with JoJo and Chris,” another puzzled fan wrote before someone else remarked: “JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes cuddling in bed? This is a plot twist I did not see coming.”
Some viewers have embraced the unexpected pairing, with one commenting: “This is so bizarre I love Big Brother.”
Another fan enthused: “The Chris and JoJo friendship is totally random but I love it so much.”
JoJo recently had a rough time in the house after Mickey made multiple homophobic slurs towards her – encouraging the star’s girlfriend to speak out and slam his behaviour.
Since then, the Hollywood actor has been removed from the house after he displayed threatening behaviour towards Chris and inappropriate sexual remarks to Ella Rae Wise.
