Sometimes cupid’s arrow goes a little off-course and strikes where it is least expected to – and this is certainly the case within the world of celebrity.
Over the years, there’ve been plenty of famous couplings that have had us saying “really?! Those two?” out loud.
Here are just a few of our favourites...
Cheryl and Liam Payne
Liam Payne and Cheryl Tweedy’s relationship may have been a regular fixture in the press over the years, but it’s easy to forget just how much of a shock it was to fans when it was first reported they were together in 2016.
They went on to have a son, Bear, together, but ultimately called time on their relationship in 2018, although have remained close friends.
Liam Payne and Naomi Campbell
The pair made headlines in 2019 when they were seen exchanging a string of flirty comments on Instagram, with reports later claiming they’d been on a series of dates.
While neither Liam or Naomi ever spoke out to confirm or deny the rumours, Liam is now in a relationship with model Maya Henry.
Katie Price and Gareth Gates
While they never actually dated as such, squeaky-clean Pop Idol star Gareth had his cherry popped by the artist formally known as Jordan in 2002, when he was 17.
She went on to tell about their encounter in the press, but he initially maintained her story was not true, only admitting to their liaison in later years.
Lisa Snowdon and George Clooney
British model Lisa Snowdon reached international fame when she began dating Hollywood star George Clooney in 2000.
They enjoyed an on-off romance for five years, before finally calling off their love affair in 2005.
Brad Pitt and Sinitta
These days Sinitta may be best known for fabulous appearances on The X Factor, but back in her pop days, she dated Brad Pitt.
Following his split from Angelina Jolie in 2016, she jokingly suggested he should get back in touch to rekindle their two-year romance. While there’s no update on that as of yet, stranger things have happened...
Charlie Brooker and Konnie Huq
The public personas of TV cynic Charlie Brooker and smiley former kids TV presenter Konnie Huq may be like chalk and cheese, but the pair have been happily married since 2010, and also have two children.
Lembit Opik and Gabriela Irimia
You really couldn’t make this kind of pairing up. The former MP Lembit and Cheeky Girls singer revealed they were dating in 2005, after he ended his romance with TV weather presenter Sian Lloyd.
They later announced their engagement before splitting in 2008, following a “difficult period” in their relationship.
Catherine Tate and Jason Orange
Former Take That singer Jason and comedy star Catherine were romantically linked in 2011, after being spotted on a number of dates together.
While they soon went their separate ways, Catherine embarked on an equally unexpected romance shortly after, dating TV presenter Adrian Chiles until 2013.
Cher and Tom Cruise
Back in 2013, Cher revealed to the world she shared a romance with Tom Cruise during the 80s, describing him as “just the most adorable man you can imagine”.
Chloe Green and Marc Anthony
Jennifer Lopez’s ex-husband and Latin singer Marc Anthony went public with Topshop heiress Chloe Green back in 2013, but split just a year later.
Chloe went on to date Jeremy “Hot Felon” Meeks, proving that “random celebrity couple” lightning does occasionally strike twice...
Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Martin
While everyone was still reeling from Jennifer Lawrence’s break-up from her Hollywood sweetheart Nicolas Hoult in 2014, she was soon linked to another British star, dating Coldplay’s Chris Martin for a year.
Emily Blunt and Michael Bublé
Before her marriage to John Krazinski, Mary Poppins actor Emily used to date everyone’s favourite crooner, Michael Bublé.
Channing Tatum and Jessie J
A recent addition into the Surprise Celebrity Lovers Hall Of Fame are Jessie and Channing, who started dating in 2018, after he’d split from wife Jenna Dewan and she’d won Chinese talent show Singer.
Kelly Brook and Jason Statham
Our very own Kelly Brook was with Hollywood hardman Jason from 1998 until 2004.
The pair were even engaged before they called off their romance, before Kelly then began dating another actor, Billy Zane, to whom she also became engaged.
Stephanie Davis and Zayn Malik
Shortly after Zayn rose to fame on X Factor and before his higher-profile relationships with Perrie Edwards and Gigi Hadid, he dated Hollyoaks actor Stephanie.
Despite calling things off with him in 2011 after a five-month relationship, Stephanie claimed she was still in contact with Zayn shortly after her Celebrity Big Brother stint in 2016.
Billie Piper and Chris Evans
When 18-year-old Billie tied the knot with DJ Chris Evans during a trip to Las Vegas in 2000, many said it wouldn’t last. And, well, it didn’t.
However, despite ending their relationship three years later, the pair still remain great friends and they even attended each other’s subsequent weddings.
Mel B and Eddie Murphy
When the Spice Girls hung up their platform shoes the first time around, Mel headed Stateside where she had a relationship with the Nutty Professor star.
After the pair had broken up in 2007, Mel revealed she was carrying Eddie’s child, prompting him to order a paternity test, only to discover he was the father of Angel Iris after all.
In her recent autobiography, Mel named the comedy actor as the love of her life.
Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton
Ange’s union with Billy Bob was actually her second time down the aisle.
Angelina wed the Armageddon star who was 20 years her senior in 2000, only to divorce three years later.