8 Things You Didn't Know About Simone Ashley: From Viscountess Kate To Her New 2025 Rom-Com Role

Simone Ashley, the breakout star who captivated audiences globally as Kate Sharma—now Viscountess Kate Bridgerton—has firmly established herself as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents. The British actress of Tamil Indian descent continues to make headlines, not just for her pivotal role in the *Bridgerton* universe but also for a slate of exciting new projects and a very public new romance in late 2025.

The current date is December 2025, and Ashley's career is accelerating into a new phase, moving beyond the period drama that made her a household name. From her highly anticipated 2025 romantic-comedy to her evolving high-fashion status, here is an in-depth look at the latest, most current, and intriguing facts about the actress.

Simone Ashley: Complete Biography and Profile

Simone Ashley, born Simone Ashwini Pillai, has had a determined trajectory from her early training in London to global stardom. Her commitment to acting was so strong that she left formal schooling at a young age to pursue her passion, a decision that has paid off handsomely in her career.

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• Full Name: Simone Ashwini Pillai
• Date of Birth: 30 March 1995
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 30 years old
• Place of Birth: Camberley, Surrey, England
• Nationality: British
• Ethnicity: Tamil Indian descent
• Education: Redroofs Theatre School (Maidenhead), Arts Educational School (ArtsEd) in Chiswick, London.
• Known For: Kate Sharma / Viscountess Kate Bridgerton (*Bridgerton*), Olivia Hanan (*Sex Education*).
• First Role: Wolfblood (2016)
• Upcoming Projects (2025/2026): *Picture This*, *The Devil Wears Prada 2* (rumored/reported).
• Current Partner: Tim Sykes (rumored/reported).

The 2025 Career Pivot: From Period Drama to Rom-Com Star

While fans adore her as the formidable Viscountess in *Bridgerton*, Simone Ashley has strategically used her fame to branch out into major film roles. Her 2025 projects signal a clear move toward establishing herself as a leading lady in contemporary cinema.

The Highly Anticipated Rom-Com: 'Picture This' (2025)

Ashley is set to star in the new Prime Video romantic comedy, *Picture This*, which is scheduled to premiere in March 2025. This role marks a significant shift from the corsets and carriages of the Regency era, allowing her to showcase her versatility in a modern setting. In the film, she stars alongside Hero Fiennes Tiffin, in a story focused on a character's internal journey and a love for '90s rom-coms.

Her Role as Viscountess Kate Bridgerton in Season 3

Following the massive success of Season 2, which focused on the love story of Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton, Ashley returned for *Bridgerton* Season 3. Although she is no longer the central leading lady—a torch she gracefully passed to Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Featherington)—her character, Viscountess Kate Bridgerton, remains a key figure in the Ton. Her presence in Season 3 is crucial as she navigates her new life as the Viscountess, providing support and guidance within the family.

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The Hollywood Buzz: Scrapped Roles and Sequels

The year 2025 brought both opportunities and setbacks. While she wrapped filming on the reported sequel *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, she was also notably cut from the highly anticipated *F1 The Movie*. Despite the latter, her name being attached to such high-profile projects, even in a scrapped capacity, highlights her rising status in the film industry.

A New Romance and Evolving High-Fashion Style

Simone Ashley has kept her personal life relatively private, but recent public appearances have confirmed a significant shift in her relationship status and her growing influence in the fashion world.

Who is Simone Ashley's New Boyfriend, Tim Sykes?

After reportedly breaking up with her former partner, Tino Klein, in January 2025, Ashley sparked a new, highly public romance. She was spotted sharing a kiss with New York businessman and restaurateur Tim Sykes at the US Open in September 2025. The romantic date at the tennis tournament confirmed the dating rumors, solidifying Sykes as her rumored new boyfriend. Sykes is a successful New York-based figure, and their public display of affection has become a major talking point among fans.

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Dominating the Red Carpet: The 'Mob Wife' Update

Ashley's fashion profile has soared since her *Bridgerton* debut. She is known for taking red-carpet dressing seriously, viewing it as an opportunity for self-expression. Her style is a blend of romantic silhouettes and modern finishes, often featuring looks from top-tier luxury brands like Prada, Valentino, Versace, and Chloé. In spring 2025, she notably debuted a 'Mob Wife' inspired outfit, showcasing a dramatic, less 'Kate Sharma-coded' evolution in her style file, proving she is a true fashion chameleon.

The Journey to Stardom: From ArtsEd to 'Sex Education'

Before she became the Viscountess, Simone Ashley built a solid foundation through dedicated training and smaller, but memorable, roles. Her early career is a testament to her determination.

Leaving School at 16 to Act

Ashley's commitment to her craft was evident early on. She left traditional schooling at the age of 16 to fully pursue acting, a bold move that led her to receive training at the prestigious Arts Educational School (ArtsEd) in London. She also attended the Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead, further honing her skills.

The Pre-Bridgerton Roles

Her first credited role was in the CBBC fantasy drama *Wolfblood* in 2016. However, her most recognizable role prior to *Bridgerton* was as Olivia Hanan in the critically acclaimed Netflix series *Sex Education*. Playing the popular, often judgmental, student Olivia gave her significant exposure and demonstrated her ability to handle complex characters, setting the stage for her global breakthrough as Kate Sharma. She also appeared in the 2023 live-action Disney film *The Little Mermaid* as the mermaid Indira.

Net Worth and Influence

As of late 2025, Simone Ashley's net worth is estimated to be around $4 million, a significant increase from earlier career estimates of around $400,000, reflecting her successful transition to a major leading role. Her rising influence is also measurable on social media, where she ranks highly among global influencers, generating substantial estimated income through her engagement and endorsements. She was also recognized by Forbes on their 2022 30 Under 30 - Europe - Entertainment list.