CELEBRITY First Dates star Keegan Hirst has revealed he’s split from his boyfriend of three years.
announced he and partner Joel Wood have gone their separate ways in a heartfelt Instagram post.
Keegan Hirst and Joel Wood have split up
The pair celebrated their third anniversary last year
Alongside a selfie taken while on a jog, Keegan wrote: “Quick update. A few weeks ago Joel and I decided to end our relationship.
“No drama and nothing bad happened — it was just the right decision for us. I’ll always have a lot of love and respect for him and I’m grateful for the time we shared.”
“Thanks for all the lovely messages and for checking in. I really appreciate it.”
His followers sent him their support in the comments.
One person wrote: “The greatest act of love is letting go.”
Another said: “Thinking of you.”
A third shared: “Thinking of you both Keegan. Lots of love.”
It came as a surprise to many after the pair seemed more loved-up than ever last year as they celebrated their third anniversary.
Alongside a collection of happy snaps, Joel said: “Today @keeganhirst and I have been together 3 years. I don’t normally do soppy relationship posts, but it blows my mind that we’ve been together this long (my longest relationship before this was 6 months ) and it feels like an eternity but also 5 minutes… anyway ILY.”
Keegan, who was the first professional rugby league player to come out as gay, ended his career at Batley Bulldogs in 2023.
He played more than 300 games in a distinguished 18-year career, including in the .
After stepping away from the game, he told us: “I’m okay with being remembered as the ‘gay one’. I’m okay with that.
“I’m not a legend of on the field. I’m not . I’m not Sean O’Loughlin. I’m not Jamie Peacock. And I’m okay with that.
“I’m not deluded into thinking I was some great on the field. I’ve had a decent career. I’ve played in all the leagues in Britain.”
The 6ft 5ins prop forward appeared on Channel 4 dating show Celebrity First Dates in 2018.
His date with Paddy didn’t lead to anything, even though they had a laugh, they chose not to see each other again.
Paddy said: “We’re at different places in our lives. You win some, lose some.”
Keegan Hirst’s First Dates appearance didn’t lead to loveCredit: Channel 4
Keegan retired from rugby in 2023Credit: PA:Press Association
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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