You've likely seen the Instagram carousels. It’s January 2026, and instead of a cozy New Year’s Eve photo with a certain British actor, Olivia Rodrigo is ringing in the year with a "hi 2026!!!!!" caption and a series of photos featuring just her friends.
The silence is loud.
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For the last two years, the internet was basically obsessed with Olivia Rodrigo’s boyfriend, Louis Partridge. They were the "it" couple that actually seemed to like each other. No weird PR stunts, no messy public drama—just a pop star and an Enola Holmes actor looking genuinely smitten at gas stations and tennis matches. But as of late December 2025, reports have confirmed the two officially called it quits.
It's a bummer, honestly.
The Breakup We Didn’t See Coming
The news hit the fan right around December 21, 2025. Rumors started swirling that Olivia was spotted at Lily Allen’s Christmas party looking visibly upset, reportedly telling friends that she and Louis were over. While neither camp has released a formal "we have decided to go our separate ways" statement, the evidence is everywhere.
For one, Louis was notably absent from her holiday posts.
Experts who spend way too much time analyzing celebrity body language—like Judi James—had already pointed out some "rigidity" during their appearance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in November 2025. While fans were still swooning over their outfits, the cracks were apparently already there.
Louis is 22. Olivia is 22. They’re young. Sometimes, even the "Golden Retriever" boyfriends and "Black Cat" girlfriends just don't make it to the finish line.
Who Exactly is Louis Partridge?
If you've been living under a rock or just aren't a Netflix subscriber, Louis Partridge isn't just "Olivia Rodrigo’s boyfriend." He’s a massive star in his own right.
Born in Wandsworth, London, on June 3, 2003, Louis had his massive breakout playing Lord Viscount Tewkesbury in Enola Holmes alongside Millie Bobby Brown. He’s got that classic British charm that seems to make the entire internet collectively lose its mind.
Before the split, he was often seen as the ultimate supportive partner. He didn't just stand in the VIP tent; he was caught on camera filming her performances on his phone while holding a plastic cup in his mouth so he could use both hands. That's dedication.
His Career is Actually Exploding
Even without the "boyfriend" title, Louis is booked and busy.
- House of Guinness: He recently starred as Edward Guinness in this Netflix drama from the creator of Peaky Blinders.
- Pride and Prejudice: He’s taking on the role of the ultimate "soft boy" villain, George Wickham, in a new adaptation.
- Enola Holmes 3: Netflix recently confirmed he’ll be returning as Tewkesbury in 2026.
He’s not just a face in a paparazzi shot. He’s a Prada ambassador and a serious actor who’s worked with directors like Alfonso Cuarón in the series Disclaimer. Honestly, his career trajectory is pretty insane for someone who was doing his A-Levels over Zoom just a few years ago.
Why "So American" Hits Different Now
When Olivia dropped GUTS (spilled) in early 2024, the track "so american" became an instant favorite. It was the first time we heard her write a truly happy, head-over-heels love song.
"I don't wanna assume this stuff / But ain't it love? / Think I'm in love."
By the time she performed it in Dublin during her world tour, she changed the lyrics to "’Cause I’m in love." Everyone knew it was about Louis. The lyrics about him teasing her for her American slang and her "fixing her hair" while he joked around were so specific and sweet.
Now, listening to it feels a bit like looking at an old polaroid of a vacation you can't go back to. It’s a time capsule of that 2024-2025 era when they were inseparable, from the Venice Film Festival to the royal box at Wimbledon.
The "Golden Retriever" vs. The Public Eye
Louis once told British Vogue that dating shouldn't be done in the public eye. He wasn't wrong.
He mentioned that Olivia had it way worse than him—thousands of voices in her head, every move scrutinized. They tried to keep it low-key, but when you're a three-time Grammy winner and a Netflix heartthrob, "low-key" just means you're being chased by different photographers.
They lasted two years, which in celebrity years is basically a silver anniversary.
What’s Next for Olivia?
If we know anything about Olivia Rodrigo, it’s that she turns her life into art.
Her third album is one of the most anticipated releases of 2026. While SOUR was about the teenage heartbreak of being "replaced," and GUTS was about the messy transition into adulthood, this next project will likely reflect a more mature version of loss.
She’s 22. She’s single. She’s the biggest pop star on the planet.
As for Louis, he’s currently in London and Malta filming. The "L" necklace Olivia used to wear is gone, replaced by a fresh 2026 energy. It's the end of an era for the fans who called them "Mom and Dad," but it's also just the reality of being in your early twenties.
The best thing you can do now is stop refreshing her "Following" list and just wait for the lead single. It's probably going to be a masterpiece.
If you want to stay in the loop, keep an eye on official Netflix casting for Enola Holmes 3 and Olivia’s tour announcements for the new year. Both are moving on to massive things, even if they aren't doing them hand-in-hand anymore.