Is Jonathan Bailey in a Relationship? All About the ‘Sexiest Man Alive’s Dating Life
What To Know
- Jonathan Bailey was named People’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2025.
- Bailey rose to fame as Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s Bridgerton.
- The actor has kept his dating life out of the public eye.
Jonathan Bailey has quite a bit to celebrate this month. Not only does Wicked: For Good hit theaters later this month — which will see him take his final bow as the swoonworthy Prince Fiyero — but he was also just named People’s Sexiest Man Alive and made history as the first openly gay person to receive the title.
This honor comes after a meteoric five years for the actor, who rose to prominence as Anthony in Bridgerton. Shortly after leading Season 2 of Netflix’s Regency era drama, he took on another romance role with LGBTQ+ series Fellow Travelers. And who can forget Bailey (and those internet-famous glasses) in this summer’s Jurassic World: Rebirth?
With all the buzz surrounding the 37-year-old — and his propensity for romantic roles — it makes sense that you’d be curious about the Bridgerton star’s dating history. Keep reading for everything we know about Bailey’s relationship status below.
Is Jonathan Bailey is a relationship now?
Bailey, who came out to his loved ones as gay in his early 20s, made his sexuality known to the public shortly before his career took off. “I reached a point where I thought, F**k this, I’d much prefer to hold my boyfriend’s hand in public or be able to put my own face picture on Tinder and not be so concerned about that than getting a part,” he told GQ in 2022.
As open as he’s been on that front over the past half-decade, Bailey has kept the majority of his romantic life private. As of now, the actor isn’t known to be dating anyone — but knows what he wants in a partner.
During his Sexiest Man Alive interview, Bailey told People that communication and being clear are the most important traits one can have in a relationship. “Transparency is absolutely utmost, utmost, utmost. And really supporting, really cheerleading and watching someone thrive, should be a real turn-on,” he said.
Who has Jonathan Bailey dated in the past?
Bailey hasn’t shared the identities of any of his past partners, though when speaking to GQ, he mentioned going out with a girl for two years before realizing his sexuality. “It’s interesting with the binary where you’re perceived to be either this or that,” he said. “That’s how I saw it at the time, but there are so many nuances to it. My experience of that relationship was not that I was in the shadows. She remains one of my best friends.”
He told The UK Standard that he had a boyfriend in 2023 but didn’t go into specifics about the “lovely man” who had captured his heart. “It’s not secret, but it’s private,” he added. “Having a private life is, for me, completely critical. I don’t know if I would be able to be as confident to speak out on other things if I felt that my whole life was up for grabs.”
In 2019, the actor was linked to advertising director James Ellis, according to The Mirror US. The outlet reported that Bailey kissed Ellis before accepting a 2019 Olivier Award, and that they were spotted together in 2021. Neither has confirmed the romance speculation.
Even though he didn’t reveal his relationship status to People, Bailey did describe his ideal date. “I love a walk, I do love dinner, theater, films. It depends what number date,” he said. “You know, if it’s like date 100, then like Legos, although we Brits say it singular ‘Lego,’ and pizza. Some of my best dates have been Lego dates.”
