Jacqueline Jossa has made no secret of her adoration for the Kardashian-Jenner clan, and it seems the feeling is mutual, as insiders reveal she and Khloé Kardashian have formed a shock new friendship.
Appearing to confirm their newfound bond, Khloé – who, like Jacqueline, has been cheated on by a partner and opened up about the mental toll of fat-shaming – has commented on a string of her British pal’s Instagram snaps in recent weeks.
Reacting to a recent pic of the mum-of-two modelling her new In The Style activewear range, Khloé, 36, posted a string of heart emojis, while under another, she wrote “Beautiful”.
And pals say the former Jungle Queen – who formed a close bond with Khloé’s stepmum, Caitlyn Jenner, 71, during their stint on I’m A Celeb! in 2019 – has credited her new friend for not only boosting her confidence, but helping strengthen her turbulent marriage to Dan Osborne, 29.
A source says, “Jac really looks up to Khloé and she’s always been one of her idols, so when she secretly reached out and directly messaged her following one of her body- positivity posts on Instagram, she was shocked – and admittedly star-struck!
“Having been through similar personal experiences, Khloé told Jac how Caitlyn suggested they connect, and they hit it off immediately.
“Khloé is full of wisdom so has been sending supportive messages. She’s told her how worthy and beautiful she is, as well as being such a good mum, and it’s really helping boost Jac’s confidence and lift her spirits.
“They have both had heartbreak in relationships over the last few years, but seeing how Khloé has navigated her way through it and come out stronger the other end has confirmed to Jac that she can do the same with her marriage, too.”
Last year, Jac, 28, admitted therapy had “saved” her three-year marriage, which had been rocked following a storm of cheating allegations.
Despite Jac and Dan’s troubles, the pair – who share daughters, Ella, six, and Mia, two – have recently bought a new “forever home” with insiders telling Closer the couple are “happier than ever”. And last week she told fans it’s unlikely they’ll have more kids as their “family is complete.”
Enduring similar heartache, Khloé was left heartbroken when snaps appeared of her boyfriend, Tristan Thompson, 30, kissing two women at a nightclub just hours before she gave birth to their now three-year-old daughter, True.
Less than a year later, her world further imploded amid claims the basketball player had kissed close family friend, Jordyn Woods, 23, at a boozy party.
It’s alleged the pair are now back together – they have even revealed plans for another baby after quarantining together during the pandemic – and Khloé admits she has forgiven the basketball star for upsetting her “mental wellbeing”.
And pals say it’s a main reason why Khloé connected with Jac, and why they have bonded.
The source says, “They have been through very similar experiences, and Khloé wanted to help Jacqueline in any way she could because she knows all too well the pain she has felt with the cheating claims.
“Jac knows she’s been called a ‘doormat’ for taking Dan back, and it’s been a huge risk to try to make a go of things with him. But having Khloé confirm that it can happen against all odds is really reassuring. Instead of holding the past against Dan, it is allowing her to let things go, which has really brought them closer together as a couple.”
Khloé isn’t the only Kardashian-Jenner sibling Jac’s had reach out to her. Shortly before the world was plunged into lockdown last March, Caitlyn told Closer how her billionaire daughter, Kylie Jenner, 18, “couldn’t wait” to meet Jacqueline, who at the time had planned a girls’ trip to LA.
The former Olympian said, “The girls are excited to meet her too – especially Kylie, who’s already insisted she gets an invite for dinner when she’s in town!”
Kylie also sent Jac a congratulatory message following her I’m A Celeb! win.
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And much like Khloé, Jacqueline has struggled with her body confidence in recent years after cruel trolls sent her messages calling her “fat” and pointing out a “double chin”.
But since the last lockdown, the former soap star has felt “confident and positive”, last week revealing she has dropped from a size 14 to a 12 thanks to “loads of water, a little bit of what you fancy, and walking a lot.”
Khloé is no stranger to body-shaming either, revealing how her insecurities stem from childhood after a teacher made comments about her weight and she was constantly labelled “the fat sister”.
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But following her divorce from Lamar Odom in 2013 – after he also confessed to cheating on her – she lost 3st and fronted her own makeover show, Revenge Body.
And pals say Jacqueline’s latest goal to achieve her dream body was sparked by Khloé.
The source says, “Khloé’s influence has had a huge impact on Jac. It has prompted her to really embrace her workouts not only for the physical benefits, but for the mental impact, too.
“She’s given her lots of motivation and told her how, although it takes hard work, feeling good about yourself really helps you love yourself more, and in turn it has a positive impact on relationships. It’s helped Jac keep going and focus on the end result, which she’s been working so hard to achieve.
“Jac just hopes that their friendship continues to thrive – just as her marriage and her confidence have ever since she’s been in contact with Khloé.”
Get the best celeb interviews in Closer magazine each week.