Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton may have gifted fans with one of the best slow-burn romances as Penelope and Colin on Netflix’s Bridgerton, but unfortunately, the pair are just friends IRL. However, that doesn’t mean she hasn’t experienced romance offscreen. As a matter of fact, Nicola has been dating fellow actor Jake Dunn since 2024—and she recently opened up about navigating a long-distance relationship with him during a chat with Elle UKin March 2026.
“We try our best. I send him annoying videos all the time and then, you know, a lot of FaceTime, but he’s super busy,” she explained, adding that she loves when people “have their own stuff going on.”
Noted! In true Lady Whistledown fashion, I’ve got the scoop on these two lovebirds and when their romance started. So, dearest gentle reader, scroll ahead for Nicola Coughlan and Jake Dunn’s full relationship timeline (and get ready to swoon at their sweetness).
June 2024
Jake’s Renegade Nell costar Alice Kremelberg fueled dating rumors when she posted a pic with the pair at the show’s UK premiere.
July 2024
A DeuxMoi source reported that Nicola and Jake played Scrabble together at a local pub in London on July 20, nearly a month after they were spotted together at the Renegade Nell premiere.
According to the tipster, the Bridgerton actor attempted to lay low while playing the board game. The gossip site also reported that the pair went on two outings at a theater and another London pub.
August 2024
According to pics obtained by the Daily Mail, Nicola and Jake got cozy at the All Points East Festival in London. Iiiinteresting.
September 2024
Jake posted a photo dump on Instagram, which includes a pic of his friend wearing a hat that reads Nicola’s name and a shirt that says, “And her perfect breasts,” in the second slide.
Ofc, this calls back to a quote the Bridgerton star said when she was asked about her bravery for representing people with her body type.
At the time, she playfully responded, “You know, it is hard, because I think women with my body type, women with perfect breasts, we do not see ourselves onscreen enough. I am very proud to be a member of the perfect breasts community. I hope you enjoy seeing them.”
’Nuff said!
October 2024
The couple was photographed taking a stroll through London, although nothing had been confirmed about their relationship status at this point.
February 2025
Nicola breaks her silence and soft-launches Jake on her Instagram Stories as she wishes him a happy birthday. Cute-cute-cute.
April 2025
Nicola and Jake went red carpet official at the BAFTA Television and Television Craft Nominees’ Party on April 24.
December 2025
During an interview with The Guardian, Nicola reacted to photos of her and Jake being published in the early days of their relationship, telling the outlet, “Imagine if you had an evening at the pub and then you walked around, talking, having a lovely time. And a few days later, you see pictures of that. The violation is immense.”
It’s no wonder they keep their relationship so private—who can blame them?
March 2026
Nicola discussed how she navigates long-distance with Jake during an interview with Elle UK, saying, “We try our best. I send him annoying videos all the time and then, you know, a lot of FaceTime, but he’s super busy.”
As for the origin of their relationship, she added, “Before we were together, I just thought he was a really talented actor. But I love when people have their own stuff going on.”
The actor also gave a rare glimpse into their super low-key relationship dynamic. “He doesn’t have slippers, but he’s always like, ‘10 p.m. is bedtime,’ and I’m like, ‘Let’s stay up until 2!’” she quipped, adding, “I think I felt old when I was young and I feel young now. I didn’t know [who] I would be at 39.”
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