United Kingdom, Aug. 1 -- Jordan Stephens has spoken publicly for the first time about his split from Jade Thirlwall.

Describing the end of their six-year relationship as "complex and difficult" while saying he wants to protect those involved before speaking in greater detail, the 34-year-old Rizzle Kicks musician and writer spoke out after he separated from former Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall, 33, earlier this year after six years together.

Reports of the split emerged earlier this month, with the pair understood to have ended their relationship after what friends described as "frank discussions" about their future.

Jordan addressed the separation during the latest episode of the Miss Me? podcast, which he co-hosts with broadcaster ...