Ellie Goulding arrives back in UK after surfer beach kiss amid marriage split

Ellie Goulding has landed back home in the UK following an eventful holiday abroad.

The mum-of-one, 37, touched down at London Gatwick earlier today and was walked to her waiting car by her personal security, just days on from the star officially confirming she and husband Caspar Jopling have gone their separate ways.

Rumours regarding the state of Ellie and Caspar’s marriage have been rumbling on for months, with speculation intensifying when the Love Me Like You Do singer was pictured embracing surfer Armando Perez on a beach. Pictures and a video of Ellie and Armando having fun in the waves on a beach in Costa Rica caused further rumours last week. The next day, Caspar was seen in London without his wedding ring, looking quite downcast as he strolled around the city.

“Ellie and Armando seemed very into each other. They share a lot of interests including their love of nature and the ocean,” a source said of the snaps of Ellie and the surfer. They added that the Lights singer was “blissfully happy” spending time with the handsome Costa Rican.

Photos shared with The Sun showed Armando, whose family runs a surf school, with his arms around Ellie, sharing a kiss. Another picture showed him leaning down to kiss her cheek as they walked back onto the beach from the water. Ellie was spotted looking ready for the waves in a chic black swimsuit as she and a friend shared a laugh.

In the wake of the pictures being published in a national newspaper, Ellie and Casper put on a united front as they officially announced the end of their marriage – with Ellie sharing a statement from both herself and her estranged husband with her Instagram followers on 23rd February.

The famous singer and Caspar, who is a 32 year old art dealer, got married in a big, lavish ceremony at York Minster on 31 August 2019. They welcomed a baby boy named Arthur two years later, born on 29 April 2021, but now remain focused on co-parenting their child following their split.

Rumours that Ellie and Caspar might split up began last year, especially after Ellie was seen getting cosy with Conservative Party politician Zac Goldsmith, 49, before being spotted kissing surf instructor Armando in Costa Rica. Back in September, Ellie put up a mysterious message about “embracing change” and starting a new journey.

She posted a poem by Diego Perez on her Instagram Stories that said: “It is only heavy because you are deciding over and over again to carry it. Embrace change, loosen up your sense of identity, let yourself walk a new path. You do not have to ignore or erase the past, you just have to wholeheartedly embrace the present and move on.”

Before she got married to Caspar, Ellie got baptised so they could have their wedding at York Minster. Some famous faces like Sarah, Duchess of York, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and Prince Harry’s ex Cressida Bonas were there. Taking to Instagram on Friday night, Ellie revealed she and Caspar have actually been separated for some time now.

Ellie put up two statements on her Instagram Stories, including one from Caspar. He wrote: “Hi people – hope you’re having a good day. I feel (sadly) that I need to say something on mine and Ellie’s current relationship.. that I hope more than anything will make any final tabloid speculation disappear.”

He continued: “Ellie and I made the decision to separate some time ago. Our immediate family and close friends have known for some time – otherwise we chose to do what we could to keep this private. Ellie and I remain the closest of friends and, most importantly, ‘co-parents’ to the best kiddo in the world, Arthur. This is the last I want to say on this – and please ask that you respect mine and Ellie’s privacy. Thanks a lot. Caspar.”

Ellie added: “In light of recent stories, I feel I have been left with no choice but to let you all know that Caspar and I privately separated some time ago. We remain the closest of friend and have been successfully co-parenting with our sons best interest at heart. We are committed to protecting our family privacy and thank people in advance for respecting our wishes – we won’t be commenting further. Thank you.”

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