Simone Ashley Enters “Single Era” After Tino Klein Breakup
Bridgerton star Simone Ashley has confirmed her split from boyfriend Constantin “Tino” Klein after nearly two years together. The 29-year-old actress, who captivated audiences as Kate Sharma in the hit Netflix series, revealed the news during a recent podcast appearance while discussing her latest professional projects.
“It’s kind of ironic I’m promoting a rom-com,” Ashley shared on BBC’s Woman Hour podcast, “and as of January this year, I’ve been entering my single era.” The revelation came as the actress has been promoting her new film “Picture This,” creating what she described as a poignant contrast between her on-screen romantic storylines and real-life relationship status.
According to E! Online, the couple’s relationship began in 2022, with Ashley first alluding to the romance in November of that year. She told British Vogue at the time that they had met at the Monaco Grand Prix earlier in 2022, though she initially kept Klein’s identity private, saying they hadn’t “gone public yet.”
Embracing New Beginnings
Rather than dwelling on heartbreak, Ashley appears to be embracing this new chapter in her life with optimism and self-focus. “I’m focusing on me and focusing on my work and my inner confidence,” she explained during the podcast interview. “It feels like a different chapter from when Bridgerton came out, where things were just so crazy.”
The actress officially took their relationship public in March 2023, sharing an Instagram post of herself laughing with Klein at a BAFTA Awards after-party. She captioned the photo as “one of my favourite photos,” making their relationship social media official after several months of dating, as reported by Times of India.
The former couple made their final public appearance together in October 2024, approximately three months before their January 2025 split. They were photographed at a London art exhibition opening curated by fashion designer Marco Capaldo, showing no outward signs of their impending breakup.
Happy birthday to the incredibly talented Simone Ashley! pic.twitter.com/AjrVFb1JGQ
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) March 30, 2025
Bridgerton Cast Romances
Ashley’s announcement adds her to a growing list of Bridgerton cast members navigating public interest in their romantic lives. While some stars have found love off-screen, others maintain more private personal relationships away from public scrutiny.
Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington, has recently sparked romance rumors with actor Jake Dunn, while Phoebe Dynevor (Daphne Bridgerton) recently displayed her engagement ring from producer Cameron Fuller at the 2024 Met Gala. In another real-life coupling from the series, Sam Phillips and Bessie Carter, who play Lord Debling and Prudence Featherington respectively, have formed a real-world romantic connection despite their characters not being linked on screen.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Bailey, who plays Anthony Bridgerton (Ashley’s on-screen husband), has maintained a more private approach to his personal life. He confirmed to The Standard in December 2023 that he was in a relationship with a “lovely man” but emphasized the importance of privacy, stating, “Having a private life is, for me, completely critical.”
Career Focus
As Ashley navigates this personal transition, her career continues to flourish. Beyond her breakout role in Bridgerton, she has expanded her repertoire with film projects including the romantic comedy “Picture This,” which she was promoting during the interview where she disclosed her new relationship status.
The actress first gained recognition for her role in the Netflix series “Sex Education” before achieving international fame as Kate Sharma in Bridgerton’s second season. Her character’s enemies-to-lovers romance with Anthony Bridgerton became a central storyline that captivated viewers and established Ashley as a rising star in the industry.
As she embraces what she calls her “single era,” Ashley appears poised to channel her energy into professional growth and personal development while her global fanbase eagerly anticipates her next career moves both on and off the Bridgerton set.
