Duncan James, 47, said his new partner, Alexander Roque, has already met his mum and the other Blue members – and they have all given him their seal of approval
Duncan James has confirmed his romance with stripper Alexander Roque after splitting from his long-term boyfriend, Rodrigo Reis.
The Blue singer and his ex went their separate ways after dating for six years – but weeks later it emerged that Duncan, 47, had moved on with Alexander, who is currently performing on stage at the strip show Forbidden Nights and once appeared on Britain’s Got Talent. Last month, a source said the pair’s romance was still in its “early days” but things were going well between them.
Now, Duncan himself has opened up about his new partner, describing Alexander as a “love bug” and “real sweetheart” who has already got the seal of approval from his mum and bandmates. While attending the Children with Cancer UK Gala at The Peninsula in London last night, the actor and TV presenter praised Alexander, describing him as “really considerate, respectful and kind”.
READ MORE: Duncan James in ‘early days of romance’ with stripper after split from ex of six years
Duncan told the Daily Mail: “He is a very handsome boy. It’s new and it’s exciting. He’s a real sweetheart. He’s a bit of a love bug, which is sweet. And he’s showering me lots of love.
“And he’s like a big gentle giant. So it’s just really, he’s really kind, really considerate. And it’s just been fun.” He said Alexander has already his mother, Fiona Inglis, and the other Blue members – Simon Webbe, Antony Costa, and Lee Ryan – and they all like him.
He added that Alexander understands the public interest in their relationship – however, he was keen to stress that he is not just a stripper, but also an actor. Rumours of a relationship started spreading after Duncan attended the Hollyoaks party with Alexander and then shared a photo featuring the model, drag queen Danny Beard and Ruby O’Donnell.
When he was still dating Rodrigo, Duncan revealed how he met his ex while in Belgium for a gig with Blue. Speaking on ITV’s Loose Women, he said, “We met a couple of years ago in Belgium. I was doing a gig with the boys and I met Rodrigo at the after-party. I saw him across the bar and […] he was very much my type. I was like: ‘He’s hot.'”
However, the pair split over the summer, with the boyband star confessing to starting a “new chapter” as he wrote on social media: “Summer 2025 – a season of sea, sun, and soul-soothing magic. Grateful for family, friends, and adventures that filled my heart. From quiet healing to laughter under golden skies, and neon lights … this chapter was one of growth, love, magic and light. Here’s to carrying the glow into every season ahead.”
A source told The Sun at the time: “Duncan and Rodrigo have gone their separate ways after six years. A break-up is never easy but Duncan has been throwing himself into the band and keeping his mind occupied with music.”
Duncan has previously admitted that he struggled with coming out as gay while being a boyband star was extremely difficult. Recalling the intense scrutiny during his time with Blue, he said, “I remember when I was in Blue the first time around, there were all these rumours I was dating my friends Geri, Martine and Tara [Palmer- Tomkinson] and I used to feel relieved.”
