If you’ve spent any time on the internet lately, you know the vibe. One day Jonathan Bailey is looking longingly at Simone Ashley in Bridgerton, the next he’s basically rewriting the rules of chemistry with Matt Bomer in Fellow Travelers. It's a lot. Naturally, everyone wants to know who he’s actually going home to when the cameras stop rolling.
The short answer? He’s currently single. Or at least, "available," as he put it during a July 2025 appearance on Chicken Shop Date.
But honestly, with Jonny, it’s never just a simple "yes" or "no." This is a man who has mastered the art of being a public figure while keeping his actual life behind a very thick, very stylish curtain. People often confuse his onscreen passion with offscreen reality, but the truth is way more grounded.
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The "Lovely Man" Mystery
Back in December 2023, Bailey actually dropped a bit of a bombshell. He told the Evening Standard that he was seeing a "lovely man."
The internet, predictably, lost its mind. Who was he? Was it a co-star? A secret artist? A guy he met at a coffee shop? We never found out. He was super clear about one thing, though: "It’s not secret, but it’s private." He explained that having a life that isn't up for grabs is basically the only way he stays sane and confident enough to do his job.
Fast forward to late 2025 and early 2026, and things have shifted. That relationship seems to have run its course. While filming Jurassic World Rebirth and doing the massive press tour for Wicked: For Good, the "lovely man" mentions stopped. Then came that July 2025 interview where he told Amelia Dimoldenberg he was "available." He did joke that they weren't a match because of his "genetic predisposition"—a very Jonny way of saying he’s gay—but the "available" part stuck.
What About James Ellis?
If you've been a fan since his theater days, you probably remember James Ellis. This is the only person Bailey has ever been truly public with, even if they never did a formal "he's my boyfriend" Instagram post.
The big moment happened at the 2019 Olivier Awards. When Bailey won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Company, he kissed Ellis before heading to the stage. They were spotted together a few times after that, notably in Notting Hill in 2021. But by 2022, the trail went cold. Most people assume they split around then, especially since he started referring to his dating life in more general terms afterward.
The Co-Star Rumor Mill
Being 2025's "Sexiest Man Alive" comes with a side of constant shipping.
- Matt Bomer: Their connection in Fellow Travelers was so intense it felt real. It wasn't. Bomer has been married to Simon Halls since 2011. They’re just "bonded for life" as friends.
- Ariana Grande: Fans are currently "screaming" (their words, not mine) because of a recent photo Bailey posted with his Wicked co-star. People think they’re dating. They’re not. The big "secret" they’re actually teasing is likely a stage collaboration for Sunday in the Park with George.
- Scarlett Johansson: There was some chatter during the Jurassic World shoot because they looked close on red carpets. Again, totally platonic.
What He's Doing in 2026
Right now, dating seems to be taking a backseat to something much bigger. Bailey has been vocal about taking a "bit of a break" from acting in 2026.
He’s not quitting—he cleared that up after a misquote went viral. But he is shifting his focus to The Shameless Fund, his charity that supports LGBTQ+ causes. He told Esquire UK that he wants to be "present" for this.
There’s also the "dad" talk. At 37, he’s starting to think about fatherhood. He mentioned in a British Vogue profile that he’s reading up on adoption. He said he might coparent with a woman, but he’s leaning towards doing it with a man. It’s a "planets align" type of situation, but it shows where his head is at. He wants a family, but he’s not rushing into a relationship just to check a box.
The Actionable Takeaway
If you’re looking for a name to link to Jonathan Bailey right now, you won't find one. He's single and focused on his legacy. Here’s what to actually keep an eye on:
- The Shameless Fund: Follow his charity work if you want to see the "real" Jonathan. That's where his heart is in 2026.
- Bridgerton Season 4: He’s confirmed to return as Anthony, so the onscreen romance isn't going anywhere.
- Wicked: For Good: The sequel is out, and his chemistry with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo is strictly professional, despite the TikTok theories.
Basically, Jonathan Bailey is living his best life, buying beachside villas on the South Coast, and looking for someone "transparent" and "supportive" to eventually settle down with. Until then, we've just got the movies.