In November 2025, Jonathan Bailey was crowned People’s Sexiest Man Alive, a title that catapulted him into a new stratosphere of fame and public interest. As the first openly gay man to receive this honor, it’s only natural that fans are curious about the man who has captured his heart. The Bridgerton and Wicked star navigates the spotlight with a mix of charming openness and firm boundaries, leading many to wonder about the details of his personal life. So, who is the lucky person Jonathan Bailey calls his partner?
The answer, much like the actor himself, is both clear and beautifully private. Jonathan Bailey is not married, but he has confirmed he is in a committed relationship. He has masterfully carved out a private space for his love life away from the glare of the public eye, choosing to share his professional achievements while keeping his romantic partnerships respectfully guarded. This deliberate choice allows him to live authentically while protecting the sanctity of his closest relationships.
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A Private Partnership with a “Lovely Man”
When it comes to his current relationship status, Jonathan Bailey has provided a glimpse, but not a full reveal. In a December 2023 interview with the Evening Standard, he confirmed that he was dating a “lovely man.” He was quick to clarify the nature of this privacy, stating, “It’s not secret, but it’s private.” For Bailey, maintaining this separation is essential. He explained, “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.”
He has not publicly disclosed the identity of his partner, and this mystery was playfully amplified in mid-2025. During an appearance on the YouTube show Chicken Shop Date, he responded to host Amelia Dimoldenberg’s comment that he wasn’t available by quipping, “I’m available.” While this off-the-cuff remark sent a wave of speculation through his fanbase, it stands in contrast to his earlier confirmation of a relationship.
Jonathan Bailey photographed by Jason Hetherington for People Magazine’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive Issue. 📷 pic.twitter.com/GTWEfReeJE
— Film Crave (@_filmcrave) November 4, 2025
This suggests that, true to his word, he intends to keep the specifics of his dating life, including its status at any given moment, away from the public ledger. His focus remains on his thriving career, which recently includes starring roles in Jurassic World: Rebirth and the film adaptation of Wicked.
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Past Relationships and Future Family Dreams
While his current partner remains unnamed, the only person Jonathan Bailey has been publicly linked to in the past is James Ellis, described in reports as an actor and theatre professional. Their rumored relationship began around 2019, and a defining moment of their association was captured at the Olivier Awards that same year.
After winning the award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Company, Bailey was seen sharing a sweet kiss with Ellis before heading to the stage. In his acceptance speech, he thoughtfully highlighted the importance of queer representation, saying his show presented a “celebratory snapshot of gay love.” The pair were reportedly together until around 2022, though they never officially commented on their relationship.
Although he keeps his relationships private, Bailey has been surprisingly open about his desire for a family in the future. In an interview with British Vogue, he shared that he is thinking seriously about fatherhood. “Yes, 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,” he explained. He revealed that he is already “reading books on adoption” and is considering co-parenting, most likely “with a man.” This forward-looking perspective shows that while he guards his present relationship, he dreams openly about a future filled with love and family in a different form.
So, to answer the burning questions: Jonathan Bailey does not have a husband, but he does have a partner—a “lovely man” he chooses to protect from the spotlight. He is not married, but he has thoughtfully laid the groundwork for a future family. By being openly gay and successful in Hollywood while insisting on personal boundaries, Jonathan Bailey continues to redefine what it means to be a leading man, both on-screen and off.
