Jonathan Bailey is People’s Sexiest Man Alive and he’s opening up about being the first openly gay man to earn the title.
While announcing the news on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday night (November 3), Jonathan noted, “In 2025, I’m sort of thrilled that People Magazine has invited someone in, to bestow this honor on someone who can really cherish the value of a sexy man.”
So, does Jonathan have a sexy man in his life right now?
Keep reading to find out more…
Jonathan made one slight mention during the Fallon interview that seemingly implied he has a boyfriend or a partner.
While talking about his dog, featured in his People cover shoot, Jonathan said, “This is Benson! This is our dog.” The mention of “our” seemingly implies that Jonathan shares the dog with someone.
Jonathan discussed dating in the People interview.
On a perfect date night: “Oh God, it totally depends. I love a walk, I do love dinner, theater, films. It depends what number date. You know, if it’s like date 100, then like Legos, although we Brits say it singular “Lego,” and pizza. Some of my best dates have been Lego dates.”
On the most important traits for a relationship: “Communication — and being clear. Transparency is absolutely utmost, utmost, utmost. And really supporting, really cheerleading and watching someone thrive, should be a real turn-on.”
On deal-breakers: “The opposite of those. Bad communication, lack of transparency. Doesn’t like Lego. Actually, I’ll only be with somebody who can speak three languages. Yeah, and they’ve got seven degrees and a doctorate. Otherwise they’re just not good enough.”
So, who is Jonathan‘s possible boyfriend? We don’t know! But we do know some of his dating history.
Jonathan kissed then-boyfriend James Ellis on TV in 2019!
Back in 2019, Jonathan won an Olivier Award for his work in the West End stage production of the musical Company. At the show, he was joined by his then-boyfriend, advertising director James Ellis.
Jonathan and James shared a kiss on live TV after he won the award and the actor talked about LGBTQ+ love stories during his speech.
“You know, at a time where acknowledging the very existence of LGBTQ people in our schools is being questioned, we have been able to, as a company, show a lovely and celebratory snapshot of gay love,” he said. “LGBTQ people really aren’t that different … we’re just as flawed and desperate to fall in love as everyone else. Thank you to the cast, this is for you!”
Jonathan and James Ellis were spotted again in 2021
It’s unknown if Jonathan is still with James, but they were spotted together again back in July 2021. The couple was seen having lunch at a restaurant in London’s Notting Hill neighborhood.
A late 2023 update on his dating life
Back in December 2023, Jonathan confirmed that he was dating a “lovely man.”
“It’s not secret, but it’s private,” he told the Evening Standard. “Having a private life is, for me, completely critical. I don’t know if I would be able to be as confident to speak out on other things if I felt that my whole life was up for grabs.”
But did he imply he was single earlier this year?
Jonathan appeared on viral host Amelia Dimoldenberg‘s Chicken Shop Date in summer 2025.
At the end of the interview, Amelia says to Jonathan, “Obviously, I know you’re not available, but… it’s fine.”
Jonathan replied, “I’m available. It’s just… I think there’s like, a genetic predisposition.”
Watch his Fallon interview below.
