Why have Matt Smith and Lily James split and what are the rumours about him and Claire Foy?
ONCE seen as the British golden couple of film and TV, Doctor Who and The Crown star Matt Smith and Downton Abbey actress Lily James sensationally ended their long-term relationship together.
Here's what we know about what caused the two stars to part ways.
Why have Matt Smith and Lily James split?
Matt Smith and Lily James 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.
On December 3, 3019 The Sun revealed the couple called time on their romance a couple of months ago (around October 2019).
Matt and Lily 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.
Additionally, a discomfort over his friendships with female stars is said to be behind their breakup.
What are the rumours about Matt Smith and Claire Foy?
On December 2, 2019 it was reported that Matt has grown close to Claire Foy - his co-star and screen wife in The Crown.
Matt who played a young Prince Philip in the first two series of the Netflix drama is said to have been consoled by Claire, who starred as Queen Elizabeth, following his split from Lily.
The mum-of-one split from her husband, actor Stephen Campbell Moore, in February 2018, having been separated “for some time”.
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.
Could Matt Smith and Lily James be getting back together?
Matt and Lily were seen out on a tense lunch date together.
The former couple, who dated for five years, hung out in The Spaniards Inn, Highgate, London, before leaving together in a taxi.
However, things didn't seem to be very rosy as an onlooker said: “It clearly wasn’t a relaxed date — there was no hand holding or affection.”
An insider has said: “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.”
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Who else have Matt Smith and Lily James dated?
Lily previously dated actor Jack Fox, but they split shortly after the release of Cinderella in 2014.
Matt was also in a relationship with model Daisy Lowe, whom he met at Coachella in 2011.
They split after 18 months together, as it was reported work commitments made it hard to see one another.