It is the love affair that not many saw coming, R&B singer Chilli from TLC and former child actor Matthew Lawrence.
Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas and Matthew Lawrence made their romance official in the fall of 2022.
The romance quickly heated up, and the duo spent Thanksgiving and Christmas together, where Lawrence was introduced to Chilli’s entire family, including her only son.
Chilli is mom to a 25-year-old son and artist Tron whom she shares with ex-boyfriend, Dallas Austin.
Lawrence, who divorced Cheryl Burke in early 2022, has since done multiple interviews where he spoke about his lady love.
He confirmed that the relationship is going well and dropped the confession that they are trying to have a child together.
Lawrence, 43, gushed about Chilli, 52, to reveal that she is a wonderful woman and that they are planning long-term.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Lawrence said this about the No “Scrubs” songstress: “My life is in complete bloom right now, and I get to spend time with an amazing woman like Chilli.”
And when asked if they want children, he replied: “I hope. That’s the game plan, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
During an appearance on The Most Dramatic Podcast Ever With Chris Harrison, Cheryl Burke spoke about her ex-husband’s desire to start a family with the singer/dancer.
The Dancing with the Stars alum, 38, said that she is happy for the couple and added: “I really, truly hope he can actually have a kid with Chilli. I think that’s amazing.”
She went on to make the heartbreaking confession that Matthew Lawrence has always wanted to be a father.
She emotionally stated: “I think he’s wanted that.”
Burke said that they discussed the matter, but she was not eyeing motherhood because, as a professional dancer, her body is her tool.
The TV personality said: “He comes from a huge family, and there were definitely conversations, but I always had said, “As long as I had to shove my body in a dance costume, me thinking about being pregnant probably isn’t something I can talk about at the moment. But yes, there were discussions about freezing my eggs.”
Cheryl Burke also revealed that while she is a huge fan of the legendary girl group TLC, she has no plans to go see them on tour.
She jokingly concluded by: “I’m not going to a concert, but I will still sing along to the song, No Scrubs.”
Chilli has not yet spoken about the burgeoning relationship, but her longtime rep, Christal Jordan, confirmed to PEOPLE that she is in love.
The spokesperson said: “I’ve been with Chilli since 2005, and I’ve never seen her this in love.”
Fans are happy for the new couple.
