Jade Thirlwall has revealed an unexpected connection with Lily Allen that began long before the two British singers worked together. The former Little Mix star admitted she had already owned one of Allen's vibrators and enjoyed using it so much that she bought one for each of her friends as a Christmas present.
In a new interview, Thirlwall discussed her admiration for Allen, their musical collaboration and their shared interest in unconventional merchandise. The singers have since found themselves with more in common than their careers, including their decision to incorporate adult products into their respective music promotions.
Vibrators as Christmas Gift?
Speaking to People, Thirlwall revealed that she had purchased one of Allen's vibrators several years before they became collaborators. She was particularly enthusiastic about the product and decided to share her discovery with her friends during the Christmas season.
'I don't know if I told her this, but I actually had her vibrator before any of this happened', Thirlwall said. 'She brought out one a few years ago. It was so good. I bought all of my friends one for Christmas'. Allen first launched her own vibrator, called The Liberty, in October 2020 through a collaboration with German sexual wellness brand Womanizer.
The singer's admission came as she reflected on how Allen eventually approached her about working together. Thirlwall joked that the older collaboration request carried an unexpected personal connection because the former had already inspired her in ways Allen might not have realised.
'So when she messaged me, asking me to be on a song, I was like, "Wow, little do you know, hun, you've inspired me in so many ways",' she added.
These spicy Advent calendars include the sex toys Lily Allen said ‘changed her life’ https://t.co/r5S17I4CP1 pic.twitter.com/VbmvbimOU3
— New York Post (@nypost) September 10, 2026
How Jade Thirlwall and Lily Allen Connected
Thirlwall previously found herself looking up to Allen while developing her own musical ambitions. She used to perform songs by Allen and Florence + The Machine while working at a restaurant.
Seeing those same artists recognise her solo work has been particularly meaningful. Allen publicly praised Thirlwall's debut single, 'Angel of My Dreams', before inviting her to contribute to a remix of 'Beg for Me', a track from her album West End Girl.
Butt Plugs Become Part of Their Brands
The vibrator story was not the only surprising connection between the two musicians. Thirlwall and Allen have also incorporated adult-themed products into their merchandise, including butt plugs.
Thirlwall released butt plugs and other adult-themed merchandise to promote her disco-influenced single 'Fantasy'. Allen also introduced limited-edition USB drives shaped like butt plugs, inspired by the lyrics of her song 'Pussy Palace'. The novelty devices contained the album's tracks and became popular collector's items among fans.
Got another drop for you ✨ whatever floats your boat I’ve got it for you babe 👀💖😂🪩 Fantasy merch is available to pre-order now my lovelies xhttps://t.co/2v7Qa7EVBn pic.twitter.com/IdUrNq8C1H
— JADE (@jadethirlwall) October 22, 2024
In October 2026, Allen expanded her involvement in the adult wellness market through a collaboration with sexual wellness retailer Lovehoney. The six-piece Love, Lily collection featured products selected by the singer, including vibrators and a polka-dot butt plug inspired by her album.
The range included the Womanizer Enhance, Womanizer Peach, Heart Duo, Pleasure Trip Wand, Enjoy Advent Calendar and the West End Girl-inspired butt plug. Allen said the products carrying her approval had been personally tested.
Thirlwall joked about the similarities between their merchandise, saying: 'And here we are both with butt plugs as merch. I think that's quite fitting, really'.
