Matt Smith and Lily James split after five years due to ‘hectic schedules and his friendships with female stars’
MATT Smith and Lily James have split up after their five-year relationship hit a rocky patch.
Hectic schedules and a discomfort over his friendships with female stars is said to be behind the breakup.
The Sun can reveal the couple called time on their romance a couple of months ago.
At the weekend it was reported that Matt, 37, has grown close to Claire Foy, 35, his co-star and screen wife in The Crown.
Matt and Downton Abbey star Lily, 30, started dating in 2014. But sources close to the pair said the relationship had been under strain for some time.
There were rows about their schedules which meant long periods away from each other — and often close to other stars.
An insider said: “Things haven’t been right for a while, and a few months ago they decided to finally end it properly.
“It has been difficult because they have many mutual friends, so hopefully it will all stay civilised. But for now the relationship is formally off.”
Tellingly, Lily was absent from photographs taken at Matt’s 37th birthday party in October, where the Doctor Who actor celebrated with close friends and family.
Meanwhile she has been on holiday to South Africa with her friends, including stylist Rebecca Corbin-Murray.
And this week she was spotted leaving a British Fashion Awards party in London in a taxi with hunky actor Max Ianeselli.
Last weekend at the British Independent Film Awards onlookers say Lily looked “visibly shaken” and “as though she was putting on a brave face”.
On fellow guest told how she appeared to be upset, even breaking off from a conversation with fellow star Kristin Scott Thomas — who she had presented with an award — to compose herself in the ladies’ loos.
The onlooker explained: “Lily was re-doing her eye make-up and just looked like she was a bit shell-shocked.
“At one point during a conversation she sort of glazed over and then apologised saying she had a lot on her mind.
“She doesn’t know what to believe — she still loves Matt of course, but it has been a very difficult period for her.”
Today Matt and Lily were seen together for the first time since August.
They looked tense at The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead, North London.
An onlooker said: “It clearly wasn’t a relaxed date — there was no hand holding or affection.”
Matt who played a young Prince Philip in the first two series of Netflix drama The Crown is said to have been consoled by Claire Foy, who starred as Queen Elizabeth.
The mum-of-one split from her husband, actor Stephen Campbell Moore, in February 2018 having been separated “for some time”.
MOST READ IN TV & SHOWBIZ
Now Matt and Claire are said to have been spending increasing amounts of time together near their homes in North London.
They also raised eyebrows with their intense chemistry during an acclaimed portrayal of a husband and wife in drama Lungs at The Old Vic theatre in the capital.
Sources close to Matt have played down the link.
GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]