Jake Dunn and Nicola Coughlan: how their romance unfolded
The budding romance between Jake Dunn and Nicola Coughlan's has captured the attention of fans. The couple, who were reportedly connected by a mutual friend and co-star, Louisa Harland, started dating in 2024 and went public in early 2025. Despite their age gap, the Bridgerton stars are enjoying their found love.

Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Jake Dunn and Nicola Coughlan were first spotted together in August 2024.
- The Bridgerton stars made their relationship Instagram-official in February 2025.
- Jake Dunn and Nicola Coughlan walked the red carpet as a couple on 25 April 2025 at the BAFTA TV Craft Awards nominees' party.
Profile summary
Real name | Jake Dunn | Nicola Mary Coughlan |
Gender | Male | Female |
Date of birth | 12 February 2000 | 9 January 1987 |
Age | 25 years old (as of 2025) | 38 years old (as of 2025) |
Zodiac sign | Aquarius | Capricorn |
Place of birth | Nottingham, England, UK | Oranmore, Galway, Ireland |
Current residence | London, England, UK | Oranmore, County Galway, Ireland |
Nationality | British | Irish |
Ethnicity | White | White |
Religion | Christianity | Christianity |
Sexuality | Straight | Straight |
Height in feet | 5'10" | 5′1″ |
Height in centimetres | 178 | 155 |
Weight in pounds | 190 | 132 |
Weight in kilograms | 86 | 60 |
Hair colour | Brown | Blonde |
Eye colour | Blue | Blue |
Relationship status | Dating | Dating |
Girlfriend | Nicola Coughlan | Jake Dunn |
University | Guildhall School for Music and Drama | National University of Ireland |
Profession | Actor | Actress |
@jakeldunn | @nicolacoughlan |
Jake Dunn and Nicola Coughlan's relationship journey
Jake Dunn and Nicola Coughlan have made their relationship official. While the two did not star together on the Netflix TV series, Bridgerton, they have been seen together in numerous events.

Source: Getty Images
Dunn and Coughlan have faced criticism due to their 13-year age gap, but a source close to them say they are very happy together. A source exclusively told Life & Style:
The age difference is the main issue. She’s 38 and he’s 25 and while that’s not a huge deal for some couples, Nicola’s got a few friends warning her that Jake will eventually break her heart.
Nicola Coughlan is an Irish actress best known for her roles as Clare Devlin in the sitcom Derry Girls and Penelope Featherington in Netflix's Bridgerton. Jake Dunn is an English actor best known for portraying the villain Thomas Blancheford in Renegade Nell and Liam in the series What It Feels Like for a Girl.
Jake Dunn and Nicola Coughlan's love story has intrigued fans. From dancing to walking the red carpet, these moments have defined their romance. Below is a closer look at their relationship timeline.
March 2024: Jake and Nicola’s first public outing
Nicola and Jake were first spotted together in March 2024 when they attended the premiere of Renegade Nell, sparking dating rumours. They posed with a mutual Renegade Nell co-star, Alice Kremelberg, who posted the photo on Instagram.

Source: Getty Images
August 2024: Dancing at a music festival
Dunn and Coughlan appeared happy at the London All Points East music festival in August. The couple attended London's All Points East music festival, which intensified speculation about their romance. The blonde actress blended in with the rest of the crowd as she shielded her face with a black bucket hat while watching Mitski headline.
September 2024: Instagram post hints at romance

Source: Getty Images
Jake Dunn shared a funny post to Nicola on Instagram. He posted a photo of a friend wearing a hat with the words "Nicola Coughlan" on it and a shirt that read, "and her perfect mammary glands."
The photo referenced Coughlan's response to an interviewer's comment about Dublin being "brave" for stripping down in Bridgerton. She replied:
It’s hard, because I think women with my body type—women with perfect bre*sts—we don’t get to see ourselves on screen enough.
October 2024: Date at an Irish pub
Jake and Nicola were spotted leaving a date at the Auld Shillelagh Irish pub in October. The two appeared to be deep in conversation and showed PDA as they strolled through the streets in North London. Jake took off his baseball hat and placed it on Nicola's head to hide her from prying eyes as they walked together with interlocked fingers.
The same month, Nicola addressed rumours about other relationships. Speaking to Time, she shut down rumours about dating co-star Luke Newton, saying:
A lot of people really want me to marry Luke. We have this gorgeous friendship... Isn’t it gorgeous that a man and woman can have that sort of relationship with one another?
12 February 2025: Birthday tribute confirms love

Source: UGC
Nicola Coughlan went Instagram official with their relationship on Jake's birthday. She posted a birthday tribute and a photo of Jake sitting on what appears to be a set and looking at the sky with the caption:
Happy Birthday.
25 April 2025: Walking the red carpet together
Nicola and Jake made their first public red carpet appearance as a couple at the BAFTA TV Craft Awards nominees' party. They wore matching outfits, making their relationship red-carpet official.
FAQs
- Who is Jake Dunn? He is an English actor, best known for portraying Thomas Blancheford in Renegade Nell.
- Who is Nicola Coughlan? She is an Irish actress best known for playing Penelope Featherington in Netflix's Bridgerton.
- Is Jake Dunn in a relationship with Nicola Coughlan? Jake and Nicola are in a relationship.
- How did Jake Dunn and Nicola Coughlan meet? They were introduced by a mutual friend and co-star, Louisa Harland.
- What is the age gap between Jake Dunn and Nicola Coughlan? The two have an age gap of 13 years. Jake is 25 years old, while Nicola is 38 years old.
- Who does Jake Dunn play in Bridgerton? Dunn does not star in Bridgerton.
- Did Nicola Coughlan date Luke Newton? The two Bridgerton stars have never dated, but are good friends.
Jake Dunn and Nicola Coughlan have been dating for a year now. The two movie stars are enjoying their new romance despite their age gap.
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Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng