MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The internet has been buzzing for weeks, with fans everywhere asking one burning question: Are “It’s Showtime” host Jackie Gonzaga and singer Darren Espanto the newest power couple in entertainment? Their undeniable on-screen chemistry has fueled a firestorm of speculation, but in a revealing new interview, Jackie has finally spoken out, putting the rumors to the test—and her answers are not what anyone expected.

The speculation reached a fever pitch after Jackie and Darren’s electrifying performance during the “Magpasikat” segment for the noontime show’s 15th-anniversary special. Viewers couldn’t deny the sparks flying between them, and the constant, playful teasing from their co-hosts only added more fuel to the fire. The sweet interactions had many convinced that a secret romance was blossoming behind the scenes.

The moment of truth came during Jackie Gonzaga’s guest appearance on the popular talk show “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” on October 2nd. Faced with the direct question that has been flooding social media—”Are you and Darren Espanto a couple?”—Jackie didn’t hold back.

In a statement that silenced the room, Jackie clarified the true nature of their relationship. “Tito Boy, we are not,” she stated firmly, directly addressing the host. She made it unequivocally clear, “Darren and I are not a couple.” She further explained that the closeness people see is a hallmark of the entire “It’s Showtime” family. “On Showtime, we are all incredibly close,” she explained, emphasizing that their bond is special but platonic.

However, just when fans thought the mystery was solved, the interview took a shocking turn. When asked if the person she is currently dating is younger or older, Jackie admitted with a smile that she is dating someone younger. This bombshell confession has sent fans into a frenzy, as they know Darren is younger than her. While she denied he was the one, the revelation that she is indeed dating a younger man has only deepened the mystery and kept the rumor mill spinning.

Despite her clarification that nothing is going on between them, some fans remain hopeful, commenting that if they were to date, there would be nothing wrong with it, championing the phrase “age doesn’t matter.” But for now, Jackie has stated they are just friends, and has asked that the issue not be sensationalized any further.