Nicola Coughlan and Jake Dunn looked completely smitten as they made their red carpet debut together at the Bafta TV and Craft awards nominees party this past Thursday.
The couple, who were all smiles, couldn’t seem to take their eyes off one another as they arrived at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, proving that their relationship is as strong as ever.
A Chic Fashion Moment
Nicola, 38, turned heads with her elegant outfit for the evening.
She wore a figure-hugging black jacket dress that featured a striking tulle bow at the back.
The dress was paired with black tights and towering platform heels, adding a touch of glam to the ensemble.
Completing her look, the Bridgerton star accessorized with a small satin micro bag.
Meanwhile, Jake, 25, kept things more casual with a two-piece navy suit layered over a burgundy wool jumper and a white shirt with the top button left open.
His white trainers added a relaxed vibe to the look.
Going Public with Their Romance
The couple first made their relationship public in February when Nicola shared a heartfelt post on Instagram celebrating Jake’s 25th birthday.
In the photo, Jake is seen gazing up at the sky while sitting on what looks like a film set.
The caption simply read, “Happy Birthday ♥️,” marking the first time the two had gone public with their relationship.
From Friends to Lovers
Nicola and Jake’s romance blossomed after being introduced by Nicola’s close friend and co-star from Derry Girls, Louisa Harland.
After months of keeping their relationship under wraps, the couple confirmed they were dating in October, when they were spotted walking hand-in-hand after a pub visit in North London.
A source close to them shared that the pair are “absolutely besotted with each other” and enjoy spending time together despite their busy schedules.
They’ve also become part of a tight-knit group of mutual friends, which has helped the relationship flourish.
Shared Interests and Close Friendships
Jake, who graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2023, has worked alongside Nicola’s Derry Girls co-stars, Louisa Harland and Dylan Llewellyn, 32.
Like Nicola, Jake has appeared in a period drama, starring in Disney’s Renegade Nell alongside Louisa.
A source close to the couple explained that after Derry Girls ended, the trio remained incredibly close, supporting one another’s careers, which naturally led to Nicola meeting Jake.
A Social Circle of Rising Stars
Jake, still fresh out of drama school, has already landed major roles, including starring in the Channel 4 show Big Boys, opposite Dylan Llewellyn, and Renegade Nell for Disney, where a second season is already in the works.
Despite being early in his career, Jake has quickly become a rising star, with appearances in stage shows, a Netflix series, and even a feature film.
His growing fame has brought him into contact with other notable actors, including Ellie Bamber from The Trial of Christine Keeler and Connor Swindell from Sex Education.
The couple, along with their close-knit group of friends, often spends time together in North West London, where Nicola lives in the trendy Stoke Newington area.
Jake’s Instagram posts hint at the fun-loving dynamic between their group, showcasing light-hearted moments like a photo of Jack, 31, sporting a baseball cap that read “Nicola Coughlan” and a t-shirt with the words “And her perfect breasts.”
A Summer of Festivals and Fun
Throughout the summer, Nicola and Jake were frequently seen at music festivals, including London’s All Points East, where they were spotted dancing together, arms wrapped around each other.
They’ve also been spotted enjoying a more low-key lifestyle, hanging out at Nicola’s local pub in Stoke Newington, playing Scrabble, and sharing pints of Guinness.
Despite their rising fame, they’ve kept their relationship grounded and filled with fun.
A Growing Bond in the Spotlight
In October, the couple made an appearance in New York, attending a taping of Saturday Night Live, where Jake proudly stood by Nicola’s side as fans approached her.
While Nicola has been in the acting industry for over a decade, making her breakthrough in Derry Girls, Jake is just beginning his journey but is already making waves with his talent and charm.
It’s clear that the two share a strong connection and are excited about their future together, both professionally and personally.
What’s next for Nicola and Jake? It’s clear they’re enjoying every moment of their journey together, both in the spotlight and in private.