It’s been six years since Jon Lee, the beloved S Club 7 singer, last had a romantic encounter—and he’s not shy about admitting it.
On the latest episode of Celebs Go Dating, which aired Monday night, Jon didn’t hold back when he revealed just how long he’s stayed celibate.
The 43-year-old artist shared honestly about his difficult experiences with dating, which once made him swear off love entirely.
A Traumatic Past That Shaped His Love Life
Jon’s dating history has been far from smooth.
He told Daily Mail that after his last serious relationship, he felt so drained and disheartened that he decided to stay single—and celibate—for a solid six years.
“It was traumatic, and I just didn’t want to put myself through it anymore,” he explained.
His friend’s encouragement to get back out there finally pushed him to give dating one last shot on the show.
“I thought, what’s the worst that can happen? So, why not try one last hurrah?”
What Jon Looks for in a Partner
When describing his ideal match, Jon paints a picture of someone a little rough around the edges but also kind, quiet, and fun.
After years of feeling hesitant, this glimpse of hope is a sign that he’s easing back into the dating scene on his own terms.
Overcoming Personal Battles Before Love
Jon’s path hasn’t just been about romantic struggles.
For the first time publicly, he’s opened up about his intense fight with addiction, which nearly destroyed his life.
From a West End child star at 12 to joining the iconic S Club 7 at 16, Jon’s rise to fame was swift.
Yet, during and after his pop career, he battled drugs and alcohol, using substances to cope with pressures and expectations.
Hitting Rock Bottom and Finding Recovery
His addiction worsened in his thirties, especially after crystal meth entered his life.
Things became so bad that neighbors called the police, and he even attempted to take his own life.
He described moments of terrifying self-awareness during psychotic episodes, realizing how far he’d fallen from the successful young man he once was.
A New Chapter in Cornwall and Beyond
Today, Jon is in a much better place. He credits his three rescue dogs, relocating to Cornwall near family, and reconnecting with former bandmate Jo O’Meara for helping him heal.
He also took a long break from the spotlight, walking across Europe and cutting ties with his past as he worked on himself.
Only after this healing journey did he feel ready to re-enter the dating world.
Embracing His True Self Publicly
Jon has been out to those closest to him for years but only publicly came out after S Club 7 split in 2010.
Talking about dating on a reality TV show felt like a milestone.
“It’s a testament to how far I’ve come,” he shared. “I don’t feel the need to hide anymore.
It feels good to stand on TV as a proud gay man.”
The Impact of His Father’s Passing
Jon’s late father, who died of motor neurone disease in 2019, was a huge source of support throughout his life.
His dad’s diagnosis in 2014 triggered a spiral in Jon’s addiction, but remembering his father’s pride now gives him strength.
“He was always my champion, my hero,” Jon said. “I know he’d be proud of me.”
Therapy, Healing, and Taking It Slow
The therapy sessions on Celebs Go Dating brought out a lot of emotions and breakthroughs for Jon and the other cast members.
“Once you start opening up, everything just pours out,” he said.
Now, he’s in no rush to jump into anything serious.
“I’m happy to take things day by day, making sure whoever I’m with, or even if I’m not, we’re looking out for each other.”
Celebs Go Dating is available to watch on E4 and stream on Channel 4.