Since the release of "Bridgerton" season two on Netflix in 2022, fans have been eagerly anticipating the unfolding romantic tales of the Bridgerton clan, particularly fixated on the alluring male leads like Jonathan Bailey. In the highly praised series, Bailey steals the show as the dashing and irresistible Anthony Bridgerton, whose quest for a worthy viscountess forms the cornerstone of the second season's narrative. This intense fascination has piqued the curiosity of fans, prompting them to inquire about the 35-year-old actor's romantic interests and whether he's currently single or in a relationship.
With his appearances in eagerly anticipated projects such as the Showtime miniseries "Fellow Travelers" and the dual "Wicked" films, Bailey's dating history and current status have become subjects of intense speculation. Despite his notoriety for keeping his dating life under wraps, here's a glimpse into what we do know about it.
Bailey may be a bona fide sex symbol thanks to his transformation into the leading man of "Bridgerton," but in real life, he shrouds his personal and romantic life in secrecy. The actor is openly gay, having come out to his loved ones in his twenties, as revealed by GQ. Bailey has shared how navigating the film and theater industry as an openly gay man hasn't always been a walk in the park.
In a 2022 interview with GQ, Bailey opened up about grappling with his sexuality while pursuing a career and reflected on the career advice a friend once received. He recounted, "At the time he was told, 'There's two things we don't want to know: if you're an alcoholic or if you're gay.' All it takes is for one of those people in a 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."
He continued, "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 get a part."
Since the early 2010s, when he embarked on a professional acting career, Bailey has remained steadfastly focused on his work, rarely being romantically linked to anyone. While the "Bridgerton" star has never officially confirmed whether he's in a relationship, he kissed a man, seemingly actor James Ellis, after winning the Laurence Olivier Award in 2019, hinting at a romantic entanglement at that time.
Later, in July 2021, Bailey was photographed enjoying a lunch date with Ellis in London, further fueling speculation about their relationship. However, given Bailey's penchant for privacy, it remains unclear whether he and Ellis are still seeing each other.
