As the world emerged from a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic this year, it seems we moved to make up lost time at whiplashing speed. Certainly 2021 was the year of unexpected romances; Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker; Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson; Olivia Wilde and Harry Styles. Then there were the romances that were long-rumoured and we hoped to be true; Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck as well as Tom Holland and Zendaya.

While we don’t mean to end the year on a low, we can’t help but reminisce on the relationships that eventually perished. Some were expected (sorry Khloé) and others just broke our hearts (sorry Gigi). Below we breakdown all the breakups of 2021.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West

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After reports that a split was “imminent” in January, Kim Kardashian officially filed for divorce from Kanye West in February 2021. It arrived after West ran for US office in 2020 and embarked on a series of embarrassing rants.

According to the reality star, the reason for the split wasn’t because of “one specific” thing, but rather a “difference of opinion”. “In no way I would want someone not to think I didn’t give it my all or try,” Kardashian said during the Keeping Up with the Kardashians reunion.

Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik

Gigi Hadid Zayn Malik
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It’s true, Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik had a tumultuous on-again off-again relationship at the best of times. But after Hadid gave birth to baby Khai last year, we thought that this time it might actually stick. Instead, the couple split after the former One Direction singer was accused of physical and emotional abuse against Hadid and her mother, Yolanda.

“They are not together right now. They are both good parents though,” a family friend told E! News at the time. “They co-parent. Yolanda is of course very protective of Gigi. She wants the best for her daughter and grandchild.”

kaia Gerber And Jacob Elordi

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After one year of dating, Kaia Gerber and Jacob Elordi split last month. The 20-year-old American model and 24-year-old Australian actor ended their relationship due to scheduling conflicts and were unable to spend quality time together. Luckily, we’re told there is no “bad blood”. Could a reunion be possible in the future? We can only hope.

Dua Lipa And Anwar Hadid

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While it is not officially confirmed, several sources believe that Dua Lipa and Anwar Hadid split in December after two years together. A few weeks ago The Sun reported that their relationship was “on the rocks” due to their busy schedules and the difficulties of a long-distance relationship.

Earlier this month, sources spoke to the publication, saying, “The couple floated the idea about putting the brakes on their romance last month as travelling so much and being apart is proving tough. Their relationship is going through a crisis and appears to be on the rocks.”

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez

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This breakup had us shocked. Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez announced they split in April. The seemingly tight-knit couple had been dating for two years before they became engaged in March 2019. The pop star hinted that cracks were beginning to show in their relationship when she admitted they had undergone couple’s therapy during lockdown in 2020.

In a joint statement, the couple revealed, “We have realised we are better as friends and look forward to remaining so. We will continue to work together and support each other on our shared businesses and projects. We wish the best for each other and one another’s children.”

Now she’s dating Ben Affleck and we couldn’t be more thrilled!

Camila cabello and shawn mendes

Shawn Mendes Camila Cabello
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Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes were certainly, er, loved-up when it came to any public appearance. The PDA was a lot so we were naturally shocked when out of nowhere, they announced they would part ways in November. On their respective Instagram stories, they released a statement saying, “Hey guys, we’ve decided to end our romantic relationship but our love for one another as humans is stronger than ever.”

“We started out relationship as best friends and will continue to be best friends,” the statement continued. “We so appreciate your support from the beginning and moving forward.”

Scott Disick and amelia hamlin

Amelia Hamlin Scott Disick
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In all honesty, it felt like it would never last the distance. In September, Scott Disick became embroiled in controversy after he sent a series of DMs dissing Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker to the reality star’s ex, Younes Bendjima. Those messages were made public and Disick’s current girlfriend Amelia Hamlin was pretty unhappy. They quickly split.

“Amelia’s done with Scott for now. She wants to be strong and to move on. She had had enough and it was time. Her friends are all rallying around her and supporting her through this. Everyone knows she deserves better. She knows it too,” an insider shared to E! News.

pete davidson and phoebe dynevor

Pete Davidson Phoebe Dynevor
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Due to the strains of a long-distance relationship, SNL regular Pete Davidson and actress Phoebe Dynevor split after a five month-long summer fling.

“Pete and Phoebe’s romance was a real whirlwind and from the start they were both totally committed,” a source for The Sun said. “It was pretty telling when Phoebe headed to Croatia with her mates this week rather than going to see Pete in America. It was wild while it lasted… But the distance has put a strain on them. They will remain close but unless something drastic changes their relationship won’t recover.”

KHLOÉ kARDASHIAN aND tRISTAN tHOMPSON

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After reuniting romantically in 2020 during lockdown, Khloé Kardashian and Tristan Thompson broke up again in June, after he was caught cheating with another woman. Just recently the NBA player admitted to having a months-long relationship which has now resulted in a newborn baby.

Khloé, you can do so much better.

elon musk and grimes

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Tesla CEO Elon Musk and musician Grimes ended their three-year relationship in September. The businessman told Page Six that they still “see each other frequently and are on great terms” as they co-parent son X Æ A-Xii.

“It’s mostly that my work at SpaceX and Tesla requires me to be primarily in Texas or traveling overseas and her work is primarily in LA,” he added. “She’s staying with me now and Baby X is in the adjacent room.”

Shia LaBeouf And Margaret Qualley

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After Shia LaBeouf was accused of “relentless abuse” and emotional distress by FKA Twigs, his current girlfriend at the time, Margaret Qualley, swiftly ended the relationship.