Even years later, Tom Hiddleston can’t completely escape the spotlight of his short-lived romance with Taylor Swift.

A radio interview from August has resurfaced on social media, showing the Thor star navigating questions about his former flame while promoting his latest film, The Life of Chuck.

A Flashback to 2016

Tom and Taylor dated for just three months back in 2016, but their relationship made headlines around the world.

During that time, he was spotted wearing an I [heart] T.S. tank top, sparking speculation and fan frenzy.

Their public outings, including mutual family introductions in Nashville and England, only amplified the attention.

The Radio Interview Reignites Memories

In the resurfaced interview on Heart Radio, host Dev Griffin drew a comparison between Tom’s quirky habits and Taylor’s own specific tastes.

While discussing his tendency to read sports highlights online, Tom jokingly referenced her love for a sourdough recipe blog.

“Taylor Swift, big fan of a sourdough recipe blog, it’s very, very specific, but I can see how you can get into that,” he said.

Tom’s co-star Karen Gillan quickly jumped in, trying to redirect the conversation: “That is specific! Wait, that feels like an Easter Egg for something though… no I think it might be something to do with the Superbowl!”

Fans quickly flocked to social media, branding the exchange “painful” while also praising Karen for easing the awkwardness. Comments included:

“Karen totally doing Tom a solid gold favour by taking the focus off him.”
“This is so painful to watch… it’s been nine years, do better.”
“Nice one Karen! She saved Tom talking about something uncomfortable or something he doesn’t even want to remember.”

The “I [Heart] T.S.” Tank Top Explained

Tom has long addressed the infamous tank top incident.

During a July outing in 2016, he explained to GQ that the shirt was a lighthearted joke among friends.

“The truth is, it was the Fourth of July and a public holiday, and we were playing a game and I slipped and hurt my back.

I wanted to protect the graze from the sun and said, ‘Does anyone have a T-shirt?’” he recalled.

A friend of Taylor’s provided the tank top, and the moment was all in good fun, he insisted.

Moving On: Lives After the Romance

By September 2016, the couple had parted ways amicably, and Taylor soon began a long-term relationship with Joe Alwyn, which lasted seven years.

She recently got engaged to NFL star Travis Kelce after two years together.

Meanwhile, Tom has been engaged to actress Zawe Ashton since May 2022.

The couple welcomed their first child five months later and joyfully announced in June 2025 that they are expecting their second, coinciding with Zawe’s debut baby bump at the London premiere of The Life of Chuck.

Looking Back With Humor

Despite the public attention and occasional awkward references to the past, Tom seems to handle it with humor and grace.

The resurfaced interview serves as a reminder of just how closely the actor’s brief romance with Swift captured the world’s attention—and how, even nearly a decade later, fans still enjoy revisiting it.