Ariel Winter Opens Up About Luke Benward Breakup, Confirms They Remain Close Friends

Following news that Ariel Winter and Luke Benward have parted ways, the actress is setting the record straight about where they stand.

The 28-year-old and 31-year-old actor quietly ended their relationship in August 2025 after six years of dating. According to sources close to the pair, they came to realize they functioned better as friends, though their bond remains intact.

Winter responded directly to coverage of the split, commenting on a post about the news. "he's still one of my best friends, a great human being and a great pup coparent," she wrote. "just because sometimes people aren't meant to be doesn't mean you don't still appreciate the time spent and retain the friendship you shared … still a big luke fan over here!!!"

The two first became a couple after being spotted together with friends in December 2019. Prior to their breakup, Winter had shared that she and Benward were relocating away from Los Angeles.

On the professional front, Benward is set to appear in the Lifetime original film Faith and Forgiveness: A Duck Dynasty Love Story alongside Haley Ramm and Mary Hollis Inboden. The movie airs Saturday, May 16 at 8pm ET/PT on Lifetime.

Winter, meanwhile, is returning to voice the character of Sofia in the new series Sofia the First: Royal Magic, premiering Monday, May 25 on Disney Jr, with streaming availability on Disney+ beginning May 26, featuring the first eight episodes. She's also set to star in the Nickelodeon movie Clash of the Thundermans.