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The Bridgerton Star's Secret: 5 Shocking Facts About Nicola Coughlan's Partner And 13-Year Age Gap

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The question of who has captured the heart of Nicola Coughlan, the beloved actress known for her iconic roles as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton and Clare Devlin in Derry Girls, has been a source of intense fan speculation for years. As of early 2025, the mystery is officially solved, with the star confirming her relationship with a fellow British actor.

The current buzz surrounding the actress’s personal life centers on her romance with actor Jake Dunn, a dynamic that has generated significant discussion due to their notable age gap and the surprising way their paths initially crossed. This article delves into the most up-to-date information on Nicola Coughlan's partner, offering a deep dive into their relationship timeline, her previous romances, and the biographical details of the stars involved.

Nicola Coughlan: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Nicola Coughlan has emerged as one of the most recognizable and critically acclaimed Irish actresses of her generation, celebrated for her versatility, powerful stage presence, and unwavering advocacy for body positivity and privacy in the entertainment industry.

Here is a detailed profile of the star:

  • Full Name: Nicola Mary Coughlan
  • Date of Birth: January 9, 1987
  • Place of Birth: Galway, Ireland
  • Hometown: Grew up in Oranmore, County Galway
  • Age (as of December 2025): 38 years old
  • Education: Graduated with a degree in English and Classical Civilization. She also received formal training at The Oxford School of Drama and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's School of Acting
  • Breakthrough Roles: Clare Devlin in the Channel 4 sitcom Derry Girls (2018–2022) and Penelope Featherington in the Netflix period drama Bridgerton (2020–present)
  • Awards & Recognition: Nominated for numerous awards, including the Irish Film & Television Awards. She is highly regarded for her work in theatre, including her performance in the play Jess and Joe Forever.

Coughlan’s career trajectory, moving from the regional comedy of Derry Girls to the global phenomenon of Bridgerton, has placed her firmly in the international spotlight, which in turn has drawn intense scrutiny to her private life, particularly her romantic relationships.

The Confirmed Partner: Who Is Jake Dunn and Their 13-Year Age Gap

The biggest news in Nicola Coughlan’s personal life came in early 2025 with the confirmation of her relationship with fellow actor Jake Dunn. Their romance has quickly become a hot topic, not least because of the 13-year age difference between the two stars.

Jake Dunn: A Rising British Actor

Jake Dunn is a talented British actor who has been steadily building a career in television. Born on February 12, 2000, in Nottingham, England, he is 25 years old as of early 2025.

Dunn is known for his roles in:

  • Get Even (2020): A BBC series that brought him initial public attention.
  • The Ballad of Renegade Nell (2024): A Disney+ series where he played the character Thomas Blancheford.

He is a graduate of the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

A Romance Connected by a Co-Star

The connection between Coughlan and Dunn is a fascinating web of co-stars and mutual friends within the tight-knit world of British and Irish acting. The couple was reportedly introduced by Nicola’s close friend and Derry Girls co-star, Louisa Harland (who played Orla McCool).

Louisa Harland and Jake Dunn worked together on the Disney+ series, The Ballad of Renegade Nell. This overlapping professional circle is believed to be the catalyst for the couple meeting and starting their relationship in 2024.

Timeline of the Relationship Confirmation

The couple kept their romance relatively private for several months before making it public in a series of high-profile appearances and social media posts:

  • August 2024: The two were first spotted together at the All Points East festival in London, sparking the initial dating rumors.
  • October 2024: They were seen getting cozy on a date night in London, further fueling speculation.
  • February 2025: Nicola Coughlan seemingly made the relationship Instagram-official by sharing a heartfelt post celebrating Jake Dunn’s 25th birthday, confirming their status to the world.
  • April 2025: The couple made their official red-carpet debut at the BAFTA Television and Television Craft Nominees’ Party in London, coordinating their outfits and posing together for photographers.

The Age Gap and Public Scrutiny

The 13-year age gap between the 38-year-old Coughlan and the 25-year-old Dunn has become a significant talking point, with some sources noting that the dynamic represents a modern "Gen Z-millennial romance."

While the couple appears happy and committed, the intense focus on their age difference highlights the persistent scrutiny placed on women in the public eye when dating younger partners.

Coughlan, who is fiercely protective of her privacy, has previously spoken out about the "immense" violation she feels from constant media and fan pursuit, particularly following the global success of Bridgerton.

Her decision to go public with Dunn, despite the guaranteed scrutiny, suggests a comfortable and serious phase in their relationship, moving past the need for secrecy.

Nicola Coughlan’s Dating History and Debunked Rumors

Prior to her confirmed relationship with Jake Dunn, Nicola Coughlan’s dating life was a subject of much speculation, though she has consistently maintained a high level of privacy.

The Reported Past Partner: Laurie Kynaston

Nicola Coughlan’s only other widely reported relationship was with actor Laurie Kynaston.

  • Connection: Kynaston is a fellow actor who appeared in an episode of Derry Girls as a Protestant student who briefly dates Coughlan’s character, Clare Devlin.
  • Timeline: Their relationship was reportedly brief, with rumors circulating around 2021.
  • Status: The relationship was never officially confirmed by Coughlan, but it remains the most frequently cited previous romance in her dating history.

The Bridgerton Rumors: Luke Newton

The chemistry between Nicola Coughlan and her Bridgerton co-star, Luke Newton (who plays Colin Bridgerton), was so palpable on-screen that it led to widespread speculation that the two were dating in real life.

The 'Polin' storyline, which took center stage in Season 3, fueled countless articles and fan theories about a real-life romance between the two lead actors.

Coughlan directly addressed these rumors, confirming that she and Newton are simply very close friends and professional colleagues, effectively debunking any speculation of an off-screen romance.

In a world where celebrity dating news is currency, Nicola Coughlan has managed to maintain a boundary between her professional life and her private relationships. However, the confirmed romance with Jake Dunn marks a new, public chapter for the Irish star, with the couple becoming one of the most talked-about pairs in the industry as of late 2025.

nicola coughlan partner
nicola coughlan partner

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