GK Barry is one of nine new stars joining Soccer Aid 2026. Here is everything you need to know about the TikTok star and presenter.
Who is GK Barry?
Internet personality, presenter, and TikTok star GK Barry – real name Grace Eleanor Keeling – rose to fame by creating TikTok videos while studying for a film studies degree at university. She adopted the name GK Barry because she was initially embarrassed about people from school and university discovering her online content. Grace explained: 'It's ironic. When you're small, a lot of people will judge you for the content you are putting out. But as soon as you start getting bigger, all those people who judged you want to become your best friend.'
Since then, she has launched a successful podcast, Saving Grace, which attracts 1.5 million listeners, and has appeared on ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.
Relationship with footballer Ella Rutherford
GK Barry is currently in a relationship with Ipswich Town footballer Ella Rutherford. The couple initially kept their romance private, but Ella confirmed their partnership with a heartfelt Instagram post celebrating Grace's 25th birthday. Ella wrote: 'Happy Birthday babe. I love you more and more every day.'
Bonnie Blue controversy
In 2024, Grace faced backlash after interviewing adult content creator Bonnie Blue on her podcast. During the episode, Bonnie discussed having sex with 158 people in two weeks and visiting student areas in Australia and the UK. Despite criticism, Bonnie defended Grace, telling Metro: 'They're annoyed she gave me a platform, but in terms of her interviewing style, it wasn't an interview, it was never meant to be an interrogation. She has a podcast, where you can share your stories and experiences, which is exactly what I did.'
Making Loose Women history
Grace made television history in 2024 by becoming the youngest-ever panellist on Loose Women at age 25. She regularly appears on the ITV daytime show, speaking candidly about modern relationships and her own experiences. She told Heat magazine: 'Loose Women is very light-hearted and we're all so supportive of each other. There's no swearing, of course, as it's more of a, 'We will support you, queen!', kind of space with the audience.'
Acting debut in Netflix thriller
Grace recently made her acting debut with a cameo role in the 2025 Netflix thriller Missing You, based on a Harlan Coben novel. The series stars Richard Armitage, Lenny Henry, Steve Pemberton, and Lisa Faulkner. Missing You follows a police detective who discovers her 'missing' fiancé on a dating app a decade after his disappearance. Grace's appearance caused excitement among her fans.
Soccer Aid 2026 kicks off tonight (Sunday, May 31) at 6:30 PM BST at the London Stadium, broadcast on ITV and ITVX. The charity event celebrates its 20th anniversary, featuring celebrities like Joe Marler, Jill Scott, and Owen Cooper.
