He’s the internet’s boyfriend – but the internet might not be his…
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It’s official: 2025 is the year of Jonathan Bailey.
After smouldering his way onto our screens (and into our hearts) as the brooding Anthony Bridgerton, the British actor has become unstoppable. From playing Fiyero in the screen adaptation of Wicked to taking on Jurassic World Rebirth, Jonathan Bailey’s light is showing no sign of dimming (plus those James Bond rumours certainly aren’t hurting the allure…)
Now Jonathan has another accolade to add to his belt, having been revealed as PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive 2025. He’s in good company, joining the likes of 2024’s John Krasinski and 2020’s Michael B. Jordan.
Of course, there’s another reason why Jonathan’s big win is so special. While the actor is far from the first man to take home the title, he is the first openly gay man to be voted. Unveiling the news on Jimmy Fallon, Jonathan said, ‘In 2025, I’m sort of thrilled that People magazine have invited someone in, to bestow this honor on someone who can really cherish the value of a sexy man.’
Needless to say, this latest honour has left the world urgently wondering about Jonathan Bailey’s love life. Is the official Sexiest Man Alive single? Does he have a husband? And if he’s not dating us, then just who is Jonathan Bailey dating? Here’s everything we know…
Is Jonathan Bailey married?
Although Jonathan tends to keep his love life rather private, it doesn’t appear that the Bridgerton actor is married to anyone at the moment.
Talking to GQ back in 2022, Jonathan revealed how someone in the industry had told him that there are two things that should not be known about an actor: whether they’re an alcoholic, and whether or not they’re gay.
Opening up about the moment, Jonathan said, ‘All it takes is for one of those people in that position of power to say that, and it ripples through. So yeah, of course I thought that. Of course I thought that in order to be happy, I needed to be straight… I reached a point where I thought, “F*ck 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.’
Who has Jonathan Bailey dated?
Jonathan Bailey is the internet’s boyfriend, but it appears we may not be his…
2023: Jonathan confirms he’s not single
In 2023, the actor confirmed to the Evening Standard that he is not single. Revealing he was dating a ‘lovely man,’ Jonathan explained, ‘It’s not secret, it’s private. 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.’
Since then, Jonathan has never spoke of his ‘lovely man’ ever again. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve split, per se, with the couple clearly preferring to keep any relationship away from the spotlight.
2019: James Ellis
Jonathan has only ever been linked to one man in recent years, reportedly striking up a romance in 2019 with James Ellis. Equally private, not much is known about James online. Some outlets describe him as a theatre professional and actor, with others noting he works as a brand manager.
©David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images
The pair seemed to confirm speculation at the Olivier Awards that same year, when Jonathan took home the award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Company. Jonathan was seen poking his head into frame as camera’s hilariously focused on James instead of him, before planting a kiss on James before heading up to accept his award.
In his speech, Jonathan touched on queer identity in Company, saying ‘At a time where acknowledging the very existence of LGBTQ people in our schools is being questioned, we have been able to, as a company, show a lovely and celebratory snapshot of gay love, that LGBTQ people really aren’t that different. We’re not that different. We are just as anxious, and we’re just as flawed and desperate to fall in love as everyone else. Thank you to the cast, this is for you.’
James and Jonathan never officially confirmed they were dating, but they were spotted on a dinner date in Notting Hill in 2021. In 2022, Jonathan also referred to a ‘boyfriend’ during an interview with GQ, however he never announced his partner’s name.
Did Jonathan Bailey date Scarlet Johnansson?
Let’s clear this one up. Earlier this year, Jonathan and his Jurassic World Rebirth co-star Scarlett Johansson sent the internet into meltdown after kissing at a premiere. Following the scenes, search boomed on whether Scarlett and Jonathan were dating – particularly given Scarlett is happily married to comedian Colin Jost.
In case it weren’t clear enough, Scarlett and Jonathan are not dating. With Jonathan an openly gay man – and Scarlett’s husband Colin stood mere steps away from them both, utterly unphased – the actor later explained, ‘I believe in being able to show love in all different ways, and if you can’t kiss your friends… life’s too short not to.’
Does Jonathan Bailey have children?
Despite keeping his love life on the down low, Jonathan has been very open about his hopes to one day become a dad. During an interview with Vogue, he shared, ‘It’s such a privilege for a man. But I can’t bring children into my lifestyle now. I want to make sure I’m going to be present. I’m reading books on adoption. I might co-parent with a woman, but I’m thinking it will be with a man.’
Charlotte Roberts is a writer at Grazia UK, specialising in SEO. She spends her days covering everything celebrity, culture, and entertainment – from film review roundups to cast explainers.
