4 minute readBridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey has electric chemistry with almost everyone he’s paired with on screen. Season 2 of Netflix’s hit series saw him and Simone Ashley fall passionately in love, sparking 1,000 GIFs on social media. Fans cheered for him alongside actor Matt Bomer after seeing them co-star in the miniseries “Fellow Travelers.” The guy knows how to look like he’s in love.
However, as far as anyone knows, Bayley has never dated any of her co-stars. He has also not revealed his relationship status publicly, choosing to keep it private.
During an appearance on Chicken Shop Date in July 2025, he hinted at being single, telling host Amelia DiMoldenburg that he was “open” to a relationship in response to her question. “I just think there’s a genetic predisposition,” he added.
The gay actor spoke about his sexuality and his struggle with homophobia in Hollywood. In a 2022 interview with GQ, the Clash star said another actor told him, “There are two things I don’t want to know: If you’re an alcoholic or if you’re gay.”
“It only takes one person in a position of power to say that, and it starts to ripple out,” Bailey said. “So, yeah, of course I thought that. Of course I thought I needed to be straight to be happy…I got to a point where I was like, ‘Fuck it.’ I’d much rather hold hands with my boyfriend in public or post a picture of myself on Tinder and not worry about it than get a role. ”
That being said, Bailey tends to keep her personal life private. In December 2023, he told the Evening Standard that he was dating a “lovely man” without giving his name.
“It’s not a secret, but it’s private,” he explained. “For me, having a private life is extremely important. I don’t know if I would have the same confidence to speak out about other things if I felt like my whole life was up to me.”
In a December 2024 interview with British Vogue magazine, Bailey opened up a little more about her thoughts on starting a family and was asked about having children.
“Yes, it’s a great honor for a man, but he can’t bring children into his lifestyle right now,” he replied, referring to his busy career. He continued, “I definitely want to be present…I’m reading books about adoption…I might co-parent with a woman, but I think it’s a man.”
In November 2025, People magazine named Bailey the Sexiest Man Alive of 2025. In her cover story, Bailey opens up about her thoughts on romance, her ideal date night, and the traits she values most in a partner. On his dream date, he said: “Yeah, it totally depends. I love walks, I love dinner, I love going to the theater, I love movies. It depends on how many dates it is. You know, if it’s a date like the 100th, I like Lego, too. British people say ‘Lego’ in the singular, but pizza too. Some of my best dates have been Lego dates.”
Bailey said of the qualities she values most in a lover: “Communication, and being clear. Transparency is absolutely maximum, maximum, maximum. And to really support, to really cheer, to watch someone grow, it should be really uplifting.”
His dealbreakers are “the opposite of those. Bad communication, lack of transparency. I don’t like Lego. In fact, I’m only with people who speak three languages. That’s right, and they have seven degrees and a Ph.D. Otherwise, they’re not good enough,” he joked.
Here’s what we know about Jonathan Bailey’s dating life.
Details about Jonathan Bailey’s projects Bridgerton and Wicked
james ellis
Bailey is dating actor James Ellis, and it is believed they started dating around 2019. The rumored couple apparently confirmed their relationship at the same year’s Olivier Awards, which Bailey won for her role in Company. He kissed Ellis before going to collect his award.
During his speech, he talked a bit about queer identity and the company’s role in LGBTQ+ storytelling.
“As a company, we were able to present a wonderful, celebratory snapshot of homosexuality at a time when the very presence of LGBTQ people in schools is being questioned,” Bailey said. “LGBTQ people aren’t really that different. We’re not that different either. We’re insecure, flawed, and desperate to fall in love just like everyone else. Thank you to the cast. This is for you!”
