GK Barry, born Grace Eleanor Keeling on August 12, 1999, is one of the UK’s brightest rising stars. With her genuine personality, humor, and relatability, she has carved a niche for herself in the crowded world of social media. Over the past few years, she has gone from a TikTok sensation to a podcast host, TV personality, and now, an influential figure in entertainment. But what is behind the rise of this star, and who is she beyond her viral content?
In this article, we will dive into GK Barry’s background, her career, her relationship life, including her partner, girlfriend, and the latest updates about her.
1. Who Is GK Barry?
GK Barry, whose real name is Grace Eleanor Keeling, was born in Cambridge, England on August 12, 1999. Growing up, Grace lived in a working-class environment before pursuing her studies in digital marketing and film at Nottingham Trent University. Early on, she developed an interest in content creation, which led her to explore social media platforms, eventually becoming a full-time influencer.
Grace initially took on the name GK Barry after using her initials “GK” and borrowing the surname “Barry” from a close friend, making her professional persona both creative and personal. Her journey in the digital world started on TikTok, where her hilarious and authentic videos quickly made her an online sensation. But it wasn’t just her humor that attracted followers—it was her relatability and openness in discussing personal and societal topics, which set her apart from many others in the influencer space.
2. GK Barry Rise to Fame: The TikTok Star
GK Barry’s big break came during the COVID-19 pandemic when, like many others, she turned to TikTok as a way to stay connected and entertained. She started posting relatable, funny skits about everyday life, focusing on relationships, self-deprecating humor, and cultural observations. Her ability to speak directly to the camera, combined with a laid-back, unfiltered style, earned her a following almost immediately.
In 2020, Grace’s TikTok following exploded, gaining millions of views and catapulting her into the spotlight. With videos that varied from comedic commentary to personal vlogs, she gained a reputation for being candid, humorous, and effortlessly engaging. By 2022, she had amassed over 4 million followers on TikTok, and her fanbase continued to grow across other platforms, including Instagram and YouTube.
Her success on TikTok was propelled by the relatability of her content. GK Barry wasn’t just showing off a glamorous lifestyle—she was sharing real, unfiltered moments, which resonated with a vast audience. Whether talking about awkward situations or her take on relationships, she built a connection with her followers that made her stand out in a crowded influencer market.
3. Podcast Career: Saving Grace
Grace Barry’s career took a leap forward in 2022 when she launched her podcast, Saving Grace. The podcast has since become one of the UK’s most popular podcasts, with listeners tuning in weekly for Grace’s conversations about relationships, personal growth, mental health, and pop culture. The podcast features a mix of solo episodes, interviews with other influencers, and celebrity guests, all infused with Grace’s signature humor and authenticity.
What is Saving Grace?
- Host: GK Barry
- Genre: Comedy, lifestyle, and interviews
- Launched: April 2022
- Audience: Primarily 18-30-year-olds
- Produced By: The Fellas Studios
In the podcast, Grace discusses everything from funny anecdotes about her own life to serious discussions about self-esteem, navigating relationships, and what it means to live in the public eye. Her ability to balance humor with vulnerability has made Saving Grace incredibly popular. The podcast became a natural extension of her TikTok persona, but with a more in-depth and nuanced approach.
4. TV Appearances: From Loose Women to I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Grace’s growing fame wasn’t limited to digital platforms. In 2024, she made her debut as the youngest-ever panellist on Loose Women, one of the UK’s most-watched daytime talk shows. Grace’s open, approachable style made her a fan favorite, and she quickly became known for her candid takes on topics ranging from relationships to pop culture.
Additionally, in 2025, she competed on the popular reality TV show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, which further boosted her visibility. Her time in the jungle was marked by her ability to stay calm and humorous, even under pressure, which won her the respect of viewers and the other celebrities on the show. Though she didn’t win, her performance brought her even more recognition as a versatile personality.
5. Love Life: GK Barry Partner and Relationships
One of the most talked-about aspects of Grace Barry’s life is her love life. As someone who has always been open about her relationships, she has become a relatable figure for many people who appreciate her honesty. Over the years, Grace has shared personal stories about her dating experiences, mental health, and navigating love in the public eye.
5.1 GK Barry’s Partner: Ella Rutherford
In 2024, Grace publicly confirmed her relationship with Ella Rutherford, a professional footballer who currently plays for Ipswich Town in the FA Women’s Championship. Before joining Ipswich, Ella had played for Millwall and Bristol City, making her a well-known name in the UK women’s football scene.
Their relationship has garnered significant attention, and the couple has been very open about their life together. They have shared photos from holidays, birthdays, and other personal moments, which has made them a beloved couple among @GK Barry’s followers. In 2025, Grace celebrated their one-year anniversary on social media with a heartfelt post, thanking Ella for supporting her through the ups and downs of life.
5.2 GK Barry’s Girlfriend: Ella Rutherford and Their Love Story
Ella and Grace’s relationship is built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared interests, and a love for adventure. Grace often mentions how Ella’s positive energy and confidence have brought balance and joy to her life. Their relationship has sparked conversations about LGBTQ+ love in the public sphere, with many fans praising Grace for being a strong, visible representation of love in the LGBTQ+ community.
The couple enjoys spending quality time together, whether it’s attending football matches, traveling to new places, or just relaxing at home. Their connection is one that feels genuine and supportive, and their openness about their relationship has earned them admiration from fans and the broader public.
5.3 Missing You and the Emotional Side of GK Barry’s Love Life
Grace’s acting debut came in 2025, when she appeared in the Netflix drama series Missing You, where she portrayed a character who is deeply affected by the complexities of love and loss. While her role was not directly based on her real-life experiences, fans couldn’t help but draw parallels between her character’s emotional journey and Grace’s personal life.
In one particular scene from Missing You, her character struggles with long-distance love, and many viewers saw echoes of Grace’s own relationship. Her ability to convey such emotions on screen further solidified her acting potential, making her more relatable to audiences who are also navigating the ups and downs of relationships.
6. GK Barry Career: Net Worth, Business Ventures, and Future Prospects
As one of the top influencers and rising stars in the UK, GK Barry’s net worth is estimated to be between £1 million to £2 million, thanks to her numerous revenue streams, including her podcast, brand partnerships, social media content, and television appearances. Grace has proven that she is not just a content creator but a businesswoman who knows how to leverage her platform.
6.1 Business Ventures and Brand Collaborations
As a social media personality, Grace has collaborated with several major brands in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors. Her partnerships include sponsored posts on Instagram, clothing lines, and even limited-edition products launched through her podcast’s fanbase.
Her entrepreneurial mindset has made her a role model for other influencers looking to build lasting careers in the digital space. She continues to expand her brand, and there are likely even bigger opportunities on the horizon as she grows her audience across various media platforms.
7. The Legacy of GK Barry
Grace Barry is a perfect example of how the influencer culture has evolved into something much bigger than just social media stardom. She has successfully branched out into mainstream media, becoming a sought-after TV personality and entrepreneur. With her podcast Saving Grace, her ventures into TV shows, and her partnership with Ella Rutherford, Grace is not only building her career but also leaving a significant impact on the entertainment industry.
7.1 GK Barry’s Future
Looking ahead, the future is bright for Grace. Whether she continues to thrive as a media personality, expands her acting career, or even delves further into entrepreneurship, Grace has proven time and time again that she can adapt and grow. Her social media presence, podcasting, and TV appearances will continue to make her a fixture in the entertainment world.
Conclusion
GK Barry’s rise from a TikTok creator to a mainstream media figure is a testament to the power of social media and authenticity. From her relationship with Ella Rutherford to her growing acting career in Missing You, Grace continues to break barriers and defy expectations. As she takes on new projects, her influence is set to grow even more, inspiring millions with her humor, vulnerability, and passion.
Grace’s story is one of hard work, dedication, and the ability to connect with people through genuine emotion. Her continued success will undoubtedly set new standards for how digital creators can transition into multifaceted entertainment careers.
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