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The Man Who Won Penelope Featherington's Heart: Everything About Nicola Coughlan's Boyfriend, Jake Dunn

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The question of who has captured the heart of one of television's most beloved stars, Nicola Coughlan, has finally been answered with definitive, current details. As of late 2024 and confirmed in early 2025, the Irish actress, globally famous for her transformative roles as Penelope Featherington in Netflix's *Bridgerton* and Clare Devlin in *Derry Girls*, is in a confirmed relationship with British actor and producer, Jake Dunn. This article dives deep into the couple's relationship timeline, Jake Dunn's complete profile, and addresses all the persistent rumors that surrounded the star's famously private personal life.

The confirmation of their romance has delighted fans worldwide, especially as Nicola Coughlan steps into the spotlight with the highly anticipated *Bridgerton* Season 3, which focuses on her character's love story with Colin Bridgerton (played by Luke Newton). Unlike the fictional "Polin" romance, Nicola's real-life relationship with Jake Dunn is a fresh, public development, having been made "Instagram official" in February 2025, solidifying their status as one of the newest power couples in the entertainment industry.

Nicola Coughlan: Complete Biography and Profile

Nicola Coughlan's journey from a small-town Irish girl to a global television icon is a testament to her talent and perseverance. Her personal life, though often kept private, has become a subject of intense public curiosity, especially since her rise to fame on two major hit series.

  • Full Name: Nicola Mary Coughlan
  • Date of Birth: January 9, 1987
  • Age (as of late 2025): 38 years old
  • Hometown: Galway, Ireland
  • Early Life: Grew up in Oranmore, County Galway. She began acting at a young age, inspired by her older sister's performances.
  • Education: Attended the National University of Ireland, Galway, and later trained at the Birmingham School of Acting and the Oxford School of Drama.
  • Career Breakthroughs:
    • Theatre: Gained critical acclaim for her role in the play *Jess and Joe Forever*.
    • Derry Girls (2018–2022): Starred as the anxious and endearing Clare Devlin, a breakout role that brought her widespread recognition.
    • Bridgerton (2020–Present): Plays Penelope Featherington, who is secretly the mysterious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown. Season 3 focuses on her character's central romance.
    • Other Roles: Appeared in *Harlots* and is set to star in the film adaptation of the play *Seize Them!*
  • Activism: Known for being a vocal advocate for body positivity and LGBTQ+ rights.

The Confirmed Romance: Who is Jake Dunn?

The speculation surrounding Nicola Coughlan's love life came to a clear and exciting conclusion with the emergence of Jake Dunn. The couple has transitioned from being spotted together casually to making their relationship official on social media and the red carpet, a significant step for the notoriously private actress.

Jake Dunn’s Profile and Career

Jake Dunn is a talented British actor and producer who has been steadily building an impressive career in the industry. He is not just "Nicola Coughlan’s boyfriend," but an accomplished artist in his own right.

  • Full Name: Jake Dunn
  • Date of Birth: February 12, 2000
  • Age (as of late 2025): 25 years old
  • Hometown: Nottingham, England, United Kingdom
  • Education: Graduated from the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2022.
  • Notable Roles:
    • *Get Even* (BBC series)
    • *The Bastard Son & the Devil Himself*
    • *Big Boys*
    • *Renegade Nell* (Disney+ series)
  • Career Focus: Primarily an actor, but also has credits as a film producer.

The age difference between the couple—Nicola at 38 and Jake at 25—has been noted by some fans, but their public appearances show a strong, loving connection that transcends the numbers.

The Relationship Timeline: From Rumors to Red Carpet

The romance between Nicola Coughlan and Jake Dunn unfolded over several months, starting with quiet sightings before their official public confirmation in 2025. This timeline highlights the key milestones of their relationship:

  • August 2024: The first public sightings of the couple occurred. They were spotted together at the All Points East festival in London, sparking the initial dating rumors.
  • October 2024: Rumors intensified as they were seen together more frequently, though neither confirmed the relationship at this time.
  • January 2025: The couple was photographed during a casual, smiling outing in North London, further fueling the speculation that they were a serious item.
  • February 12, 2025: Nicola Coughlan officially confirmed the relationship. She shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to Jake Dunn on her Instagram Stories, making them "Instagram Official." Her simple caption, "Happy Birthday ♥️," spoke volumes.
  • Early 2025: Nicola and Jake made their highly anticipated red-carpet debut as a couple. They attended a BAFTA Television and Craft Awards nominees' party together, confirming their status as a public couple and showing off their undeniable chemistry.

Interestingly, the couple was reportedly connected by a mutual friend and co-star, Louisa Harland, who starred with Nicola in *Derry Girls* and with Jake in *Renegade Nell*. This common link within the close-knit acting community may have been the catalyst for their initial meeting and romance.

Addressing Past Dating Rumors and Co-Star Chemistry

Before her relationship with Jake Dunn was confirmed, Nicola Coughlan’s private life was a constant source of media speculation, largely due to her on-screen chemistry with co-stars and a few prior rumored connections. Addressing these rumors is essential to providing a complete picture of her dating history.

The Luke Newton (Colin Bridgerton) Speculation

The most persistent and widespread rumor involved her *Bridgerton* co-star, Luke Newton, who plays her love interest, Colin Bridgerton. The pair, dubbed "Polin" by fans, share an intense, slow-burn romance on the show, which led many to believe their chemistry extended off-screen.

  • The Rumor: Fans pointed to their frequent public appearances, playful interviews, and affectionate social media posts as proof of a real-life romance.
  • The Reality: Both Coughlan and Newton have consistently maintained that their relationship is strictly platonic and professional. They are very close friends who have worked together for years, fostering an incredibly strong bond that translates into believable on-screen chemistry. Nicola has commented on the persistent nature of the "Polin" dating rumors, acknowledging the fans' enthusiasm while clarifying their friendship.

The Laurie Kynaston Rumor

Another name linked to the actress in the past was actor Laurie Kynaston. The two were rumored to be dating back in 2021.

  • The Connection: Laurie Kynaston is also a British actor, known for roles in *The Feed* and *The Last Kingdom*. He and Nicola were reportedly linked after spending time together, though like many celebrity rumors, it was never officially confirmed or denied by either party.
  • Current Status: There has been no public connection between Nicola Coughlan and Laurie Kynaston in recent years, making the current relationship with Jake Dunn the only confirmed and most relevant news.

In conclusion, Nicola Coughlan's personal life is now firmly centered on her relationship with Jake Dunn. As she continues to dominate the entertainment landscape with her powerful acting roles, fans can celebrate her success both on-screen and in her newly confirmed real-life romance with the talented British actor. The couple’s decision to go public marks an exciting new chapter for the *Bridgerton* star.

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