Who is Ella Rutherford? Meet GK Barry’s Footballer Girlfriend & Ipswich Town Star
GK Barry — or Grace Keeling, as viewers of I’m A Celeb and Loose Women now know her — has become one of the UK’s most talked‑about personalities. But while her chaotic humour and viral podcast moments dominate social media, fans have been equally fascinated by a different mystery: the person she kept referring to as “Eyelashes.”
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For months, listeners of the Saving Grace podcast speculated wildly. Grace dropped hints without ever revealing a face — a soft launch here, a cryptic TikTok there. The nickname alone became a running joke online, sending her followers into detective mode. Was “Eyelashes” an influencer? A model? Someone from TV? The suspense became part of Grace’s brand.
Then came the reveal: “Eyelashes” is Ella Rutherford, a rising football star whose career has taken her from the youth levels of England football to a key role at Ipswich Town Women. The discovery sent TikTok into overdrive — not just because of Ella’s football pedigree, but because the two make an unexpectedly perfect pairing. Grace brings comedy and chaos; Ella brings calm, quiet confidence.
This feature unpacks who Ella Rutherford really is, how their relationship evolved, and why they’ve become the internet’s newest LGBTQ+ power duo. From Ella’s early football days to their viral couple moments, here’s everything fans have been desperate to know about the woman who stole GK Barry’s heart.
Ella Rutherford – Quick Bio Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ella Mae Rutherford |
| Nickname(s) | Eyelashes (GK Barry’s nickname for her), Ella |
| Date of Birth | 28 April 2000 |
| Age (2025 Season) | 25 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Birthplace | Sidcup, South East London, England |
| Hometown Identity | Proud “South London girl” |
| Nationality | British / English |
| Ethnicity | White British |
| Height | Approx. 5’6″ (unofficial publicly available estimate) |
| Profession | Professional Footballer (Attacking Midfielder / Forward) |
| Current Club | Ipswich Town Women (Signed July 2024) |
| Shirt Number | Typically plays as a creative No. 10 |
| Playing Style | Technical, vision-led playmaker; strong ball control; excels in pockets of space |
| Youth Development | Millwall Lionesses Centre of Excellence |
| International Experience | England U15, U16, U17, U19 |
| Senior Career Path | Millwall Lionesses → Bristol City → Crystal Palace → Charlton Athletic → Ipswich Town Women |
| Breakout Moment | Young Player of the Year at Millwall |
| Injury History | Faced setbacks during late Charlton years; rebuilt form at Ipswich |
| Relationship Status | In a public relationship with GK Barry (Grace Keeling) |
| How They Met | Connected through Instagram DMs; began talking instantly |
| Viral Identity | Revealed as “Eyelashes” after months of speculation on Saving Grace podcast |
| Public Appeal | Known for calm personality, humour, and loving contrast to Grace’s chaos |
| Pets | Noodle (Toy Poodle) and Sherry-Baby (Korean Maltese) |
| Living Situation | Lives with Grace in a shared UK home with their two dogs |
| Estimated Net Worth | £80,000–£150,000 (rising sharply due to dual football + influencer visibility) |
| Potential Earnings | Increasing through brand deals, lifestyle partnerships, TikTok exposure |
| Social Media Presence | Growing Instagram/TikTok influence after viral face reveal |
| Public Nickname for Relationship | “GK & Eyelashes” |
| Fan Descriptions | “The calm girlfriend,” “Soft energy queen,” “Grace’s emotional support athlete” |
| Most Viral Moment | TikTok reaction videos + League Cup Draw controversy |
| Representation Significance | Part of one of the UK’s most visible modern LGBTQ+ celebrity couples |
Early Life & Background
Ella Rutherford’s story begins on 28 April 2000, when she was born in Sidcup, England, a place she often credits for shaping her grounded, quietly determined personality. Although she has played across multiple regions throughout her football career, she never hesitates to call herself a “South London girl” — a title she wears with pride.
From childhood, football wasn’t simply an after-school hobby for Ella; it was the centre of her world. While her peers balanced different sports and social commitments, she was already mapping out a future in the game. Her talent was spotted early, earning her a place at the Millwall Lionesses Centre of Excellence, a crucial training ground for young athletes with professional ambitions.
Her dedication carried her into England’s youth setup, representing the nation at U15, U16, U17, and U19 levels. These international appearances didn’t just sharpen her technical ability — they gave her a sense of leadership and competitive maturity far beyond her years.
Education remained part of her life, but even in school, Ella’s focus was unmistakable. Teachers and coaches recall her drive, her discipline, and the way she treated football not as a dream but as a responsibility. This early mindset would later define her career: steady progress, no shortcuts, and an unwavering belief that she belonged at the top.
This foundation — her London roots, elite youth training, and national representation — set the stage for the footballer she would become, and ultimately, for the attention she would receive when her personal life with GK Barry captured the public imagination.
Who Is Ella Rutherford?
At 24 years old, Ella Rutherford has carved out a reputation as one of the most technically gifted attacking players in the women’s game. A creative number 10 with a sharp eye for space, she blends flair with an instinctive understanding of movement — the kind of football intelligence that makes her dangerous both as a goalscorer and a playmaker.
Currently signed with Ipswich Town Women (joining the squad in July 2024), Ella stepped into the National League with the intention of rebuilding momentum after a challenging run of injuries. Ipswich saw exactly what she could offer: vision, composure, and the ability to dictate the rhythm of a match. Under manager Joe Sheehan, she’s found a system designed to bring out her best qualities.
Before Ipswich, Ella became a familiar name in the Championship, marking strong spells with clubs such as Millwall Lionesses, Bristol City, Crystal Palace, and later a defining four-year run at Charlton Athletic. Across these moves, one theme remained constant — her standout technical ability and calm leadership on the pitch.
Fans new to her story often discover her through GK Barry, but those who’ve followed her career know she has been a rising figure long before she became part of a viral couple. Her discipline, her football IQ, and her grounded personality all contribute to why she resonates not only with Ipswich supporters but with a wider audience now eager to know the woman behind the name.
In every sense, Ella Rutherford is more than “GK Barry’s girlfriend.” She is a professional footballer with pedigree, ambition, and a career that continues to gain well-deserved attention.
Football Career Breakdown
Ella Rutherford’s football journey is a story of steady growth, resilience, and standout performances across some of England’s most competitive women’s leagues. Her early breakout came at Millwall Lionesses, where she not only impressed coaches but earned the Young Player of the Year award — a signal that she was quickly becoming one to watch.
Her next steps took her into the Championship, where she gained valuable experience with Bristol City and later Crystal Palace. These seasons were formative, exposing her to faster play, stronger physicality, and the tactical discipline required at higher levels of the game.
But it was her four-year spell at Charlton Athletic (2020–2024) that truly shaped her senior career. Ella became a fan favourite, known for her creativity in tight spaces and her ability to unlock defences. Despite injury setbacks toward the end of her time there, she continued to show flashes of the playmaker she had always been.
In July 2024, Ella made the move to Ipswich Town Women, a club eager to rebuild its attacking identity. Under the guidance of manager Joe Sheehan, she stepped into a role designed for her strengths — operating between the lines, linking midfield to attack, and dictating tempo.
Her international résumé is just as impressive, having represented England at U15, U16, U17, and U19 levels. These early international caps highlight a player who has long been recognised for her potential.
Ella Rutherford Club Career Table
| Club | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Millwall Lionesses | 2017–2018 | Breakout season; Young Player of the Year |
| Bristol City | 2018–2019 | Championship development years |
| Crystal Palace | 2019–2020 | Continued growth in attacking roles |
| Charlton Athletic | 2020–2024 | Fan favourite; key attacking midfielder |
| Ipswich Town Women | 2024–Present | Current club; creative number 10 |
Net Worth & Earnings
Ella Rutherford’s financial trajectory is becoming one of the most compelling storylines surrounding her rise into the public eye. Not because she projects wealth — she doesn’t — but because she represents a new era where professional athletes in the women’s game merge sporting credibility with influencer appeal. Her earnings, visibility, and long-term potential now place her in a uniquely evolving financial category.
The Economic Reality of Women’s Football
Women’s football in England is still developing financially compared to the men’s leagues. Players competing in the Championship and National League typically earn £20,000–£40,000 annually, depending on club resources, seniority, and performance bonuses. Ella’s earnings across Millwall, Bristol City, Crystal Palace, and Charlton sit firmly within this bracket. The income is respectable but far from the high-profile salaries associated with top-tier men’s football.
Despite this, Ella has always prioritised stability and development over financial pursuit. Her early career choices were driven by football philosophy and coaching environments, not salary inflation. This mindset has shaped her into a grounded, strategically minded athlete.
Ipswich Town Move: Strategic Growth Over Salary
Ella’s 2024 signing with Ipswich Town Women wasn’t a financial upgrade — it was a tactical reset. After injury setbacks, Ipswich presented an opportunity to revitalise her creativity in a formation built to highlight her technical strengths. The club wanted a playmaker capable of dictating tempo, and Ella wanted a platform to rebuild form in a supportive setting.
This decision reflects a career-long pattern: Ella consistently prioritises environments where she can evolve as a footballer. Monetary benefits will follow naturally as her value rises.
The GK Barry Effect: How Visibility Became Revenue
The turning point in Ella’s financial potential arrived not on the pitch — but online.
When the mysterious partner nicknamed “Eyelashes” was finally revealed to be Ella Rutherford, her digital footprint exploded. Grace Keeling’s massive platform meant Ella was instantly introduced to millions of followers who were already invested in the storyline.
This surge in engagement transformed Ella from a respected Championship talent into a crossover public figure. Brands suddenly saw:
- a credible athlete,
- a viral relationship partner, and
- a marketable personality with natural fan appeal.
Ella now sits in a rare position where sponsorship income may soon rival — or surpass — her football salary.
Projected Net Worth & Long-Term Earning Outlook
While still early in her commercial journey, Ella’s estimated rising net worth is fuelled by:
- consistent player wages,
- emerging brand collaborations,
- potential couple-based marketing,
- higher engagement-driven social media monetisation.
As Grace’s career ascends into mainstream UK television, Ella’s visibility expands in parallel. Public interest in them as a couple has elevated their earning potential significantly.
Ella’s long-term financial outlook is bright — not because she chases fame, but because authenticity and professionalism resonate strongly with audiences.
Net Worth & Earning Comparison Table
| Category | Estimated Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s Championship/National League Salary | £20,000–£40,000 per year | Typical for Ella’s career clubs; modest but stable income |
| Sponsorship & Social Media Potential | £15,000–£60,000+ annually | Rapidly rising due to GK Barry visibility boost |
| Combined Estimated Net Worth (2024/25) | £80,000–£150,000 | Growing through dual income streams and brand appeal |
| Projected Future Net Worth (2–3 years) | £200,000–£350,000+ | Based on TV exposure, brand collaborations, and football development |
Why Ella’s Earning Model Represents the Future
Ella embodies a shift in modern sports culture. Players are no longer defined solely by their on-pitch performance — their digital presence, public relationships, and personal branding now influence earning potential dramatically.
Unlike influencers who rise purely from lifestyle content, Ella brings sporting legitimacy. Unlike athletes who stay strictly within their discipline, she has organically crossed into entertainment spaces through her relationship with GK Barry.
This intersection — sport meets digital culture — positions Ella Rutherford as one of the most promising hybrid earners in UK women’s sport.
The “Eyelashes” Story: How It All Started
The love story between GK Barry (Grace Keeling) and Ella Rutherford didn’t unfold quietly — it evolved in public, escalated on TikTok, and became one of the most compelling slow-burn reveals in recent UK pop culture. Witty, chaotic, romantic, and at times mysterious, their relationship blended humour and authenticity in a way that fans immediately connected with.
The Nickname That Sparked a National Guessing Game
Grace first introduced her girlfriend to the world through a nickname — “Eyelashes.” Not a name, not a clue about her career, just an eye-catching detail about her lash extensions. It was the perfect breadcrumb. Listeners of Saving Grace became obsessed, replaying episodes and dissecting every story for hints. Grace’s chaotic delivery didn’t help; she teased without revealing, hinted without confirming, and fans fell into a spiral of speculation.
The nickname evolved into a cultural moment. On TikTok, creators analysed her voice in background audio. Reddit threads debated whether she might be in entertainment, modelling, or even behind-the-scenes production. Nobody imagined she was a professional athlete — which made the eventual reveal even bigger.
Soft Launch Mastery: The Almost-Reveal Era
Grace’s soft-launch era deserves its own chapter in influencer history. She posted:
- selfies with someone cropped out of frame,
- date-night clips where only a sleeve or silhouette appeared,
- POV vlogs featuring two drinks but one visible person,
- fleeting reflections that people screenshotted and zoomed into with forensic commitment.
Ella, true to her grounded personality, gave nothing away. No soft launches. No cryptic hints. No cheeky dual posts. Her silence contributed to the tension — two personalities playing two very different games, yet both unintentionally fuelling the hype.
The Hard Launch Heard Across TikTok
When the day finally came and Grace posted Ella’s face, TikTok went into collective meltdown. Not only because the guessing game had ended, but because the reveal overturned every theory.
Fans expected an influencer or comedian. Instead, they got Ella Rutherford — a professional footballer, stylish, composed, and instantly likeable. The shock factor amplified the post’s virality. Within hours:
- Ella’s following exploded,
- fan edits flooded the For You Page,
- and Ipswich Town suddenly gained a new wave of supporters.
It wasn’t just a reveal — it was a digital event.
The Real Story: How They Met
Despite the theatrics of the public reveal, the relationship itself began quietly and organically. Grace followed Ella on Instagram first — a move she later joked about. Ella followed back. Messages were exchanged. The vibe was instant.
Their personalities fit in a way that felt almost scripted: Grace, loud and comedic; Ella, steady and understated. What might have seemed like opposites turned out to be perfect complements.
Friends later said the chemistry was immediate — that Ella grounded Grace, and Grace brought Ella out of her quiet bubble.
Moving In Together: The Domestic Era Takes Over TikTok
Shortly after the reveal, the couple took the next step: moving in together. Their shared home has since become the backdrop for countless viral moments.
Grace’s content features her characteristic chaos — bizarre cooking attempts, shouted stories, and comedic overshares. Ella often appears in the background, casually doing something normal, like tying her boots or making breakfast, unintentionally stealing the show with her calm presence.
The contrast between them has become a beloved dynamic online. Grace is the storm; Ella is the stillness.
Why Their Relationship Captivates Audiences
Their story resonates because it feels warm and human. Nothing about it is polished for perfection. They tease each other, support each other, and let fans see real glimpses of their personalities.
There’s also something infectious about the pairing of a comedian and a footballer — two worlds that rarely collide yet harmonise effortlessly here.
The “Eyelashes” arc wasn’t just a reveal; it was a cultural moment. It showcased a modern queer love story shaped by humour, mystery, authenticity, and two people whose differences make them magnetic together.
And now that the reveal is old news, fans are more invested than ever — not in the mystery, but in the connection that makes Grace and Ella one of the internet’s favourite couples.
Viral Moments & Controversy: Why Ella Rutherford and GK Barry Are Everywhere Right Now
The pairing of Ella Rutherford and GK Barry didn’t just trend — it dominated social feeds, triggered debates, and cemented them as one of the UK’s most-watched modern couples. Their dynamic blends comedy, sport, chaos, and tenderness in a way that feels unpredictable but deeply genuine. And in the age of TikTok, that combination is rocket fuel.
The TikTok Chemistry: Chaos Meets Calm
Grace is famously unfiltered, comedic, and always a beat away from saying something outrageous. Ella, meanwhile, radiates quiet confidence — the grounded athlete who seems both amused and unbothered by Grace’s whirlwind energy.
Fans have become obsessed with:
- Ella’s subtle eye rolls during Grace’s chaotic rants,
- their contrasting morning routines,
- Ella’s dry humour slipping out at unexpected moments,
- and the way Grace melts into a softer version of herself around her.
Their chemistry isn’t curated; it feels caught in real time, like fans are watching two people learn each other’s rhythms.
The League Cup Draw Controversy: A Viral Turning Point
One of the most explosive moments in their public journey happened during the Women’s League Cup draw, which the couple co-hosted. What should have been a standard football broadcast quickly became a cultural flashpoint.
Grace’s humour — beloved on TikTok — clashed with traditional football audiences expecting formality. Some viewers were amused. Others were outraged. A few football purists felt the jokes were inappropriate for the setting.
But controversy breeds attention. Within 24 hours:
- clips circulated everywhere,
- mainstream outlets covered the backlash,
- Grace trended on X (Twitter),
- and Ella’s fanbase tripled.
What could have been a PR setback instead became the moment that pushed them into national conversation. Grace’s unapologetic personality paired with Ella’s composed professionalism created a juxtaposition people couldn’t stop talking about.
The “Loose Women” Era: Ella’s Behind-the-Scenes Support
As Grace’s TV career expanded — particularly her run on Loose Women — viewers noticed a subtle constant: Ella’s presence in the wings. She rarely appears on camera, yet she’s always there backstage, a supportive figure whose presence Grace openly credits.
This has led fans to adore their partnership even more. It’s not loud. It’s not performative. It’s steady, loyal, and real.
Ella’s occasional appearances — whether walking into frame accidentally or being mentioned in passing — routinely become highlights. Fans describe her as:
- “the calm girlfriend we all want,”
- “Grace’s emotional support athlete,”
- “the woman soft-launching from the other side.”
The Viral Couple Edits & Fan Culture Explosion
Once the internet decided they were the new chaotic-romantic duo to follow, fan edits became unavoidable. Entire TikTok compilations are dedicated to:
- their funniest podcast references,
- Ella’s rare but iconic lines,
- Grace blushing whenever Ella is mentioned,
- their matching outfits, dog walks, and travel clips.
The fandom is invested not just in their romance but in their dynamic. Grace brings entertainment; Ella brings relatability.
Why This Moment Matters in UK Pop Culture
Ella and Grace represent something refreshingly modern in queer celebrity culture. They’re neither sanitized nor overly curated. They’re not trying to project a perfect image or brand. Their relationship is allowed to exist in shades — messy, playful, chaotic, loving.
This resonance has made them powerful figures, intentionally or not. Football fans, comedy fans, TikTok teens, and LGBTQ+ audiences all find something magnetic about them.
Their viral moments and controversies haven’t hindered their rise — they’ve strengthened it. Because at the core of every clip, every debate, every trending moment, one truth keeps emerging:
People believe this relationship is real. And that authenticity is what keeps Ella Rutherford and GK Barry at the center of the cultural conversation.
Social Media Presence: The Rise of Ella Rutherford Online
Ella Rutherford’s online presence has evolved rapidly — from a quiet footballer with a modest following to a recognisable digital personality with her own fanbase. And while her relationship with GK Barry undeniably accelerated that rise, Ella’s authenticity is what keeps people watching.
The GK Barry Effect: A Surge in Followers
Before the reveal, Ella’s social media was understated, focusing primarily on football, training updates, and occasional personal photos. Her posts reflected her personality: calm, consistent, and grounded.
But once she was confirmed as the mystery “Eyelashes,” everything changed.
Within days:
- thousands of new followers flooded her profiles,
- engagement rates skyrocketed,
- and she unintentionally became a micro-influencer.
What makes this surge unique is that Ella didn’t chase it — the attention came to her.
Ella’s Instagram Style: Clean, Athletic, and Effortlessly Soft-Launch
Unlike Grace, whose Instagram oscillates between comedy, chaos, and showmanship, Ella’s aesthetic is more refined. Her feed balances:
- professional football photos,
- matchday visuals,
- training ground snapshots,
- subtle couple moments,
- and soft, candid glimpses of her life off the pitch.
She doesn’t overshare, and that restraint has become part of her charm. Fans appreciate that she remains true to her personality despite the growing spotlight.
TikTok: Where Fans Truly Fell in Love
Ella is less active on TikTok than Grace, but the platform loves her regardless. The most viral clips featuring Ella often aren’t even posted by her — they’re moments where she appears in Grace’s videos.
These usually show her:
- quietly reacting to Grace’s chaotic storytelling,
- offering dry one-liners that instantly become memes,
- playing with their dogs,
- or simply existing in the background with unintentional star power.
It’s the effortless humour and understated presence that make TikTok fans obsessed.
Fan Response: The Calm to Grace’s Chaos
Fans frequently comment on how grounding Ella feels. In a world dominated by loud personalities and over-the-top content, Ella’s gentle energy offers a refreshing contrast.
Popular comments include:
- “She’s literally the human version of a soft blanket.”
- “Ella is the emotional support girlfriend.”
- “Grace brings the chaos; Ella brings the stability.”
Their dynamic online mirrors their relationship offline — complementary, balanced, and genuinely affectionate.
A Growing Digital Identity Beyond the Relationship
While many fans first followed Ella because of the relationship, she’s now developing her own identity online. Brands have begun noticing her:
- athletic credibility,
- natural aesthetic appeal,
- relatability,
- and quiet sense of humour.
Ella is becoming a rare type of influencer: someone rising organically without forcing a persona.
Her social media presence now reflects a broader truth — she is no longer just GK Barry’s girlfriend; she is becoming a cultural figure in her own right.
Personal Life: Pets & Home
Life at home for Ella Rutherford and GK Barry (Grace Keeling) is a delightful mix of warmth, routine, and the kind of domestic chaos only Grace could bring. Their shared space has become a favourite backdrop for fans, offering glimpses into a relationship that balances Grace’s unpredictability with Ella’s steady calm.
A major part of their life together revolves around their fur family. Noodle, Grace’s original toy poodle, is the unofficial mascot of the household — energetic, needy, and endlessly featured in Grace’s TikToks. In July 2024, the couple expanded their family by adopting Sherry-Baby, a Korean Maltese puppy whose fluffy appearance and shy demeanour instantly won fans over. The two dogs have not only strengthened their bond but also become a symbol of their commitment.
Their home feels like a blend of their personalities: sporty touches from Ella, theatrical chaos from Grace, and a soft, cosy aesthetic that fans adore. Whether it’s Grace causing small-scale kitchen disasters or Ella patiently tidying up after training, their domestic life offers the kind of authentic content that keeps followers invested.
Comparison: The Power Couple
The pairing of Ella and Grace creates a contrast so striking that it has become part of their public identity.
Grace Keeling: The Internet Personality
- Loud, fast-talking, unfiltered comedic genius.
- Thriving on TikTok, podcasting, and now mainstream television.
- A magnet for viral moments and bold opinions.
Ella Rutherford: The Athlete
- Calm, strategic, quietly confident.
- A professional footballer with deep tactical understanding and leadership.
- Values stability, discipline, and focus.
Why Fans Love Them Together
The power couple dynamic works because neither overshadows the other. They occupy different spaces, build different kinds of influence, and support each other without blending identities. Their relationship normalises queer partnership in modern UK pop culture, offering representation that feels honest, joyful, and refreshingly imperfect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is GK Barry’s “Eyelashes”?
A: “Eyelashes” is the nickname Grace gave her girlfriend, Ella Rutherford, inspired by Ella’s lash extensions.
Q: Who is GK Barry’s girlfriend?
A: Professional footballer Ella Rutherford, currently playing for Ipswich Town Women.
Q: How did Grace and Ella meet?
A: They connected through Instagram DMs — Grace followed first, Ella followed back, and the conversation blossomed.
Q: Who does Ella Rutherford play for?
A: She plays as an attacking midfielder/forward for Ipswich Town Women.
Q: What is GK Barry’s real name?
A: Her real name is Grace Eleanor Keeling.
Q: How old is Ella Rutherford?
A: As of the 2025 season, Ella is 25 years old, born in April 2000.
Conclusion
Ella Rutherford and GK Barry have become one of the UK’s most fascinating public couples — not because they are polished or curated, but because their authenticity shows through every moment shared online. Ella’s grounded athleticism and Grace’s high-energy comedic presence create a contrast that feels magnetic, modern, and deeply human.
Their relationship continues to shape conversation across football, social media, and entertainment circles, proving that the blend of sport and digital influence can create powerful cultural moments. As their careers grow and their partnership evolves, one thing is certain: fans will be watching every step of the journey.
Follow MagzineCelebs for more updates on GK Barry’s next move — and every new chapter in the Ella & Grace story.
