On January 22, Dakota Johnson and singer Role Model openly showcased their growing romance during a dinner outing at Saffy’s restaurant in Los Angeles, confirming suspicions about their relationship. This sighting marks the first public acknowledgment of the couple’s affection, following earlier rumors that began in December, positioning Dakota Johnson romance confirmed as a trending topic.
Dakota Johnson, best known for her role in “Fifty Shades of Grey,” and Role Model, whose real name is Tucker Pillsbury and known for his work on
“Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,”
displayed undeniable chemistry by holding hands during their intimate evening together. Their stylish appearance matched the warmth of their interaction: Dakota wore a delicate lace camisole paired with an oversized wool coat and a bold leopard-print tote, while Role Model chose a sophisticated dark gray collared sweater, complemented by black pants and a matching scarf.
The Beginning and Background of Dakota Johnson and Role Model’s Relationship
The couple’s romance caught initial attention late last year, with insiders noting their affectionate behavior while out with friends. Dakota, 36, had been single since her split from ex-fiancé Chris Martin, the Coldplay frontman, after nearly eight years together. Although neither Dakota nor Chris has publicly discussed their breakup, Dakota has shed light on her ideals for future relationships. In a June interview with Craig Melvin on the Today show, she candidly remarked on what she seeks in a partner:
Just like, not an a–hole.
– Dakota Johnson, Actress
Role Model, 28, was previously in a relationship with Emma Chamberlain, which ended in 2023 after three years. His decision to return to his native Maine played a significant role in their split. Speaking on the Zach Sang Show in 2024, he explained,
That was the biggest thing—I just became the most homesick I’ve been in my life,
and added,
I was having this weird quarter-life crisis type of thing where I was just questioning everything in my life.
– Tucker Pillsbury, aka Role Model, Singer
He further described how frequently leaving Los Angeles and seeking time with family created confusion for his ex-partner:
I was going home a lot and creating space and leaving L.A. a lot and not really having a reason why to tell that person,
and noted,
I just wanted to go home and be with my friends and family and have some normalcy. I think that would be very confusing for the other person. Like, ‘Why are you running away from me?’
– Tucker Pillsbury, aka Role Model, Singer
Other Celebrity Couples Recently Making Their Relationships Public
Zara McDermott and Louis Tomlinson’s Relationship Milestone
Zara McDermott, the former Love Island contestant, and One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson reached a relationship milestone in August 2025 after dating for nearly six months. Zara commemorated the moment by posting a selfie bursting with PDA and a heart emoji, while Louis expressed his affection in the comments with, I love you x.
Luke Newton and Antonia Roumelioti Step Out as a Couple
British actor Luke Newton confirmed his romance with Antonia Roumelioti in a heartfelt Instagram post on May 9, 2025. The post featured a loving kiss on her cheek, marking the official confirmation after their romance rumors began mid-2024. The pair attended prestigious events such as the British Vogue and Netflix pre-BAFTA TV Awards party, spotlighting their togetherness.
Gigi Hadid Reveals Relationship Status with Bradley Cooper
Supermodel Gigi Hadid publicized her relationship with actor Bradley Cooper by sharing a photo of their kiss at her 30th birthday party on May 3, 2025, formally confirming their romance. Gigi expressed gratitude on Instagram saying,
I feel so lucky to be 30!
and further reflected,
I feel so lucky for every high and low- for all the lessons and gifts both have brought me. To get to feel it all! I’m so lucky to be a mom, friend, partner, sister, daughter, colleague to some of the most unbelievable humans!!
The couple began dating in 2023 but opted to reveal their relationship publicly only recently during a March Vogue interview.
Ice Spice and Sauce Gardner’s Emerging Romance
Rapper Ice Spice provided glimpses of her relationship with New York Jets player Sauce Gardner through an Instagram mirror selfie posted in April 2025. Their ties were first noticed in September, when Ice Spice attended a Jets game. Since then, the pair have appeared together publicly, including at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party of 2025.
Lucas Bravo and Shailene Woodley Celebrate Their Relationship
Actors Lucas Bravo and Shailene Woodley shared joyful moments from their getaway to Slab City, California, in April 2025, posting photos of playful desert scenes, including hand-holding, and enjoying time with Sofi Tukker’s Sophie Hawley-Weld. The couple’s relationship was confirmed publicly in March 2025 when Lucas expressed, I’m really happy. Romance speculation first began after candid photos of the pair strolling romantically in Paris emerged.
Channing Tatum and Inka Williams’ Instagram Reveal
Following their relationship confirmation at the 2025 Oscars after-party, Channing Tatum and Inka Williams made their romance Instagram official in April 2025. In a loving birthday tribute, Inka shared a photo of Channing with a forehead kiss and captioned,
Happy life to the handsomest, kindest, funniest, stoopidest most gorgeous human ever,
and added,
Merci for making life more beautiful.
– Inka Williams, Partner
Madelaine Petsch and Tyga’s Growing Relationship Shared Online
Madelaine Petsch and rapper Tyga went public with their relationship in an Instagram photo dump on April 21, 2025. The Riverdale star posted images highlighting intimate moments at Coachella and other tender embraces. Their relationship rumors ignited in February after sitting courtside at an NBA game and attending Vanity Fair’s Instagram Young Hollywood party.
Nicola Coughlan and Jake Dunn’s Romance Confirmed
“Renegade Nell” actor Jake Dunn and Nicola Coughlan dispelled doubts about their relationship with public Instagram posts in February 2025. Nicola’s birthday wishes featured a photo of Jake, while their connection first sparked during the All Points East music festival and subsequent appearances in London.
Sam Asghari and Brooke Irvine Announce Their Romance
One month after finalizing his separation from Britney Spears, Sam Asghari shared affectionate photos with Brooke Irvine welcoming the new year 2025 together, officially revealing their relationship.
Katie Maloney and Nick Martin’s Public Affection
Katie Maloney, known for Vanderpump Rules, confirmed her love for musician Nick Martin with a heartfelt Instagram birthday tribute in December 2024. Prior to revealing Nick’s identity, Katie shared her feelings candidly during a podcast episode, stating,
He just makes me feel really special, and he’s really special.
– Katie Maloney, Reality Star
Joe Manganiello’s Relationship Milestone with Caitlin O’Connor
Joe Manganiello made his relationship with actress Caitlin O’Connor official in February 2024, shortly after their red carpet debut. This followed his divorce announcement from Sofia Vergara after seven years of marriage. Joe commemorated moments with Caitlin including selfies at celebrations and heartfelt captions sharing his happiness.
Halsey and Avan Jogia Confirm Engagement
Halsey and actor Avan Jogia spooked fans and confirmed their relationship in a Halloween post from 2023, displaying intimate hand-holding. Their romance, first spotted in Hollywood, moved quickly to engagement. Halsey responded to fan speculation on X, confirming her status as
fiancé Avan Jogia.
Jana Kramer and Allan Russell’s Journey to Marriage
In January 2023, Jana Kramer publicly shared moments with soccer star Allan Russell on Instagram, captioning heartfelt messages about their start. The two, who share a son, Roman Russell, married in a private ceremony in Scotland in July 2024, having previously legally wed in January. Jana described the secrecy as
Just to have that little something for us,
and
that was special to us, that we didn’t announce to everybody.
– Jana Kramer, Actress and Singer
Charlie Puth and Brooke Sansone’s Romantic Reveal
Charlie Puth expressed being in love during a Howard Stern Show appearance in October 2022 but only revealed his partner, Brooke Sansone, publicly in December with an Instagram post on his 31st birthday. He wrote under a photo of their kiss,
Ohhhhh I’m NOT a loser… ‘cause I didn’t lose her!!!
The couple married in September 2024.
Significance and Future Outlook for Dakota Johnson and Other Celebrity Couples
Dakota Johnson and Role Model’s public exhibition of their romance after months of speculation highlights a trend among celebrities to gradually reveal their relationships following periods of privacy and personal growth. The openness, combined with candid remarks by both parties, signals a desire for genuine connection amidst past complicated relationships. The awareness of family roots and individual needs, expressed notably by Role Model, underlines how personal circumstances shape modern relationships.
For other celebrity couples mentioned, the public introductions of their relationships represent milestones embraced amid busy careers and media attention. These announcements often come after careful consideration, allowing fans insight into their partners and lives. As these relationships develop publicly, they continue to draw attention, setting the tone for new chapters both personally and in their professional spheres.
***fiancé Avan Jogia https://t.co/kVpslRfWBF
— halsey 🌸 (@halsey) September 12, 2024
