The romantic life of Lily James has been a frequent subject of fascination for fans and the press, often mirroring the high-profile drama of her on-screen roles in hits like Cinderella and Pam & Tommy. As of late December 2025, the English actress is officially reported to be single, following the end of her two-year relationship with musician Michael Shuman.
However, the rumor mill never stops spinning in Hollywood, and new speculation is constantly emerging about who the talented star might be linked to next. Her dating history is a concise but star-studded list, featuring fellow actors and rock stars, with each relationship adding a new chapter to her public narrative.
Lily James: Full Biography and Profile
Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson, known professionally as Lily James, is an acclaimed English actress whose career has spanned from period dramas to blockbuster films.
- Full Name: Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson
- Date of Birth: April 5, 1989
- Age (as of 2025): 36
- Place of Birth: Esher, Surrey, England, UK
- Occupation: Actress
- Education: Graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2010.
- Notable Roles: Lady Rose MacClare in Downton Abbey, the title role in Cinderella, Debora in Baby Driver, and Pamela Anderson in Pam & Tommy.
- Family Connection: She is the granddaughter of actress Helen Horton, who famously voiced the ship's computer in Alien.
The Definitive Timeline of Lily James' Public Relationships
Lily James has maintained a relatively private approach to her personal life, but her high-profile romances have inevitably made headlines. Her history includes some of the most recognizable faces in British and American entertainment.
1. Jack Fox (2011–2012): The Early Years
Lily James’s first public relationship was with British actor Jack Fox, a member of the renowned Fox acting dynasty. The couple reportedly dated early in her career, around 2011 to 2012, before she landed her breakout role in Downton Abbey. This relationship was kept largely out of the spotlight, marking a quiet start to her public dating life.
2. Matt Smith (2014–2019): The Long-Term Romance
The relationship between Lily James and Doctor Who and The Crown star Matt Smith is her longest and most significant to date. They first met while filming Pride and Prejudice and Zombies in 2014 and quickly became a beloved celebrity couple.
Their romance lasted for five years, with the two often spotted together at red-carpet events, including the BAFTAs and Met Gala. They were the epitome of a glamorous, young British power couple. The pair reportedly split in late 2019, though they briefly sparked rumors of a reconciliation in early 2020 before ultimately going their separate ways.
3. Chris Evans (2020): The Brief Summer Fling
In the summer of 2020, dating rumors exploded when Lily James was photographed multiple times with Marvel star Chris Evans, known globally as Captain America. The two were seen together in London, sharing a taxi and spending time at a private club.
While neither star officially confirmed the relationship, their public outings fueled intense speculation about a new Hollywood romance. The rumored fling appeared to be short-lived, as the pair were not seen together again after the initial sightings.
4. Dominic West (2020): The Italian Scandal
One of the most controversial chapters in Lily James's love life involved her married co-star, Dominic West. In October 2020, while filming the BBC adaptation of The Pursuit of Love, James and West were photographed looking intimate during a trip to Rome, Italy.
The photos showed the two sharing a scooter ride and a meal, where they were seen kissing and cuddling. The scandal was huge, as West is married to Catherine FitzGerald. Following the media storm, West and his wife publicly reaffirmed their commitment to their marriage. James never commented directly on the incident, but the photos remain a significant, albeit brief, moment in her dating history.
5. Michael Shuman (2021–2023): The Rock Star Romance
After the intense media scrutiny of 2020, Lily James found a new, more private connection with American musician Michael Shuman. Shuman is the bassist for the rock band Queens of the Stone Age and the frontman for Mini Mansions.
The couple was first linked in early 2021 and were often photographed together, though they kept their relationship largely out of the press. James and Shuman were a steady item for approximately two years, attending various events and being spotted on romantic getaways. Their relationship is reported to have quietly ended sometime in 2023.
Who is Lily James Dating Now in 2025? The Latest Rumors
Following her split from Michael Shuman, Lily James has maintained a low-key profile, focusing on her work and enjoying her single status. However, a recent sighting has sparked a fresh wave of dating speculation.
The Glen Powell Rumor: A New Hollywood Duo?
The most current rumor, circulating in late 2025, links Lily James to actor Glen Powell, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You. The speculation began after the two were reportedly spotted leaving a 2025 BAFTAs party together.
Powell, who has also been the subject of intense dating rumors with his co-star Sydney Sweeney, is a major box office draw, and a relationship with James would instantly create a new Hollywood "It" couple. However, as of this writing, neither James nor Powell has confirmed any romantic involvement, and their connection could simply be a friendly one. The status of this potential pairing remains the most talked-about question surrounding Lily James's love life today.
Topical Authority: Lily James on Love and Dating Apps
Despite her celebrity status, Lily James has revealed that she has never actually used a dating app herself, a surprising fact given her role in the film Swiped, which is based on the life of Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd.
When asked about modern dating and what she looks for in a partner, James has spoken about the importance of "green flags" in a relationship. Her public dating history, though dramatic at times, shows a clear pattern of dating men within the creative industries—actors and musicians—who share her passion for the arts and high-profile careers. This consistency suggests that she values a partner who understands the unique pressures of life in the spotlight, regardless of whether she is actively searching for a new sweetheart or enjoying her current single life.
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