Lily Allen shares kiss with Jonah Freud at star-studded Christmas party in revenge-dress display

Lily Allen made headlines again on Friday night, sharing a kiss with Jonah Freud at her Christmas party in London, as she arrived in a dress many observers branded a fearless “revenge dress.” The 40-year-old pop singer arrived at Stringfellow's wearing a halterneck red velvet mini dress with white fur edging, paired with white stockings and suspenders, a dramatic long red velvet cloak and white fur-trimmed platform heels. The ensemble, described by onlookers as bold and festive, contrasted with her past Christmases and signaled a new, high-profile social moment for the London-born artist.

Photos acquired by TMZ show Allen and Freud with their arms around each other in several frames before they were photographed kissing in front of other guests, in a sequence that underscores the star-studded nature of the party held at the legendary venue. The moment, captured amid a rollercoaster year for Allen, immediately drew attention from fans and media outlets covering the entertainment circuit.

The Christmas bash at Stringfellow's brought together a host of names from music and pop culture. Olivia Rodrigo, the three-time Grammy winner, wore a black lace mini dress that showcased her legs, while Lola Young appeared in a plunging leather top and tiny matching hotpants. Ella Eyre chose a sheer red dress that left a hint of lingerie visible beneath the fabric. The mix of bold silhouettes highlighted a season of daring partywear among celebrities who gathered to celebrate the holidays at one of London’s most storied nightlife venues.

Freud, the son of public-relations luminary Matthew Freud and nephew of the late artist Lucian Freud, has been linked to Allen in recent weeks after the couple were seen on a date night in Notting Hill. The two were photographed together at the Michelin-starred Dorian restaurant, where they reportedly chatted and laughed for more than two hours before leaving separately. The sighting followed weeks of media speculation about their relationship, which Allen has been navigating in a year that has seen personal revelations and public music releases.

The party came after a year in which Allen has publicly reflected on heartbreak and resilience. Her latest album, West End Girl, has drawn attention for its candid treatment of relationship challenges, including references to a former partner. Some observers have interpreted the material as drawing on Allen’s experiences with infidelity, with the artist alluding to a broader personal narrative that fans have followed closely. The Mail on Sunday recently identified a figure linked to the project as “Madeline,” a name believed by readers to refer to costume designer Natalie Tippett, who has collaborated with Allen on stage and screen productions. In any case, the year’s public discourse around Allen’s love life and career has kept her in the spotlight well beyond music charts.

Meanwhile, Allen’s ex-husband, Stranger Things star David Harbour, has continued his high-profile acting career. Harbour is known for his portrayal of police chief Jim Hopper in the Netflix series, and the final run of the show has brought additional media attention to his work. He is also set to reprise a heroic role in the big-screen action-comedy Violent Night, with a sequel anticipated in the coming year. The contrast between Harbour’s on-screen Santa Claus persona and Allen’s festive, nightclub-ready image at the party underscores the year’s ongoing pop-culture dialogue around the pair.

The Christmas party, which drew a panoply of fans and photographers, underscored Allen’s willingness to reclaim a celebratory public image after a turbulent year. Her decision to host a star-studded event at Stringfellow’s—a club long associated with spectacle and a certain flamboyance—served as a focal point for coverage of celebrity life in London’s entertainment scene. Attendees and onlookers described an atmosphere of festive camaraderie, punctuated by moments of flirtation and public affection that quickly became the talk of social feeds and entertainment outlets.

As the year closes, Allen’s career remains as dynamic as her personal life, with new music and public appearances continuing to generate headlines. The event at Stringfellow’s stands as a vivid snapshot of a season when pop stars blend performance with personal narrative, inviting widespread discussion about love, fame, and the ever-evolving image of a modern celebrity. The public’s fascination with the interweaving of romance, fashion, and media coverage shows no sign of cooling as the holiday period progresses and performers roll into a new year with further releases and appearances on the calendar.