Dearest, gentle reader, we are excited to inform you that Nicola Coughlan has been snapped with a new boyfriend. The Bridgerton star was seen standing arm-in-arm with a mystery man at a music festival in the UK. Naturally, the internet spared no time tracking down the identity of the gentleman, who is actor and produce Jake Dunn.
And while this is the first clear—and clearly romantic—photo of the two together, it’s possible they’ve been actually been an item since February. With that, only two questions remain then: Who is Jake Dunn and is he worthy of our queen?
Who Is Nicola Coughlan’s Boyfriend, Jake Dunn?
Jake Dunn is a British actor and producer, best known for starring in the series Renegade Nell. In the 2024 period drama, Dunn, 24, stars alongside Nicola’s Derry Girls alum, Louisa Harland (Orla). This is the second time Dunn has found himself sharing the screen with a Derry Girls star, having previously appeared in two episodes of Big Boys alongside Dylan Llewellyn, who played James in the Irish comedy which starred Coughlan as the perpetually paranoid Clare.
While neither Nicola nor Jake has commented on a relationship, it’s possible the two have been an item for a while, having appeared in a photo together at the premiere of Renegade Nell in March 2024. Although Nicola was subsequently traversing the globe promoting her leading turn in season three of Bridgerton in May and June, the two were then spotted by gossip site Deux Moi playing Scrabble in a London pub on July 20.
Now, the new pictures obtained by Backgrid and shared on multiple news outlets have the couple embracing and dancing together at the All Points East festival in London on August 26, 2024.
What Is The Age Gap Between Nicola Coughlan & Her Boyfriend?
In what appears to be a trend in Hollywood, Nicola is older than her new beau, with whom she has a 13-year age gap. As of August 2024, Nicola is 37 years old, and Jake Dunn is 24.
Who Has Nicola Dated In The Past? A History Of Her Ex Boyfriends
Not much is known about Nicola’s dating history. However, Bridgerton hopefuls wondered if she’d struck up an off-screen romance with her on-screen leading man, Luke Newton. Unfortunately for fans of the series, Nicola shut down any rumours of a dalliance between the two actors.
“[Luke and I] think it’s really sweet; I think because we truly love each other,” Nicola told Extra, adding. “I’ll never get to do something like [Bridgerton] again, on this scale. It’s so nice having such a lovely friend that I can do all this with.”
Stay tuned for updates on Nicola’s new love match!
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.