Kit Connor, the beloved star of Netflix’s Heartstopper, has captured hearts worldwide with his portrayal of Nick Nelson, but his personal life remains largely shrouded in mystery. The 20-year-old British actor has become a subject of intense public fascination, not just for his acting prowess but also for questions surrounding his romantic relationships and personal identity. Despite playing one half of television’s most cherished teen couples alongside Joe Locke’s Charlie Spring, Connor has maintained strict privacy boundaries around his dating life.
The speculation intensified after Connor’s forced coming out as bisexual in October 2022, when he faced harassment and accusations of “queerbaiting” from some fans who questioned his sexuality while he portrayed a queer character. His straightforward Twitter response – “I’m bi.. Congrats for forcing an 18-year-old to out himself. I think some of you missed the point of the show” marked a pivotal moment that highlighted the problematic nature of public pressure on young celebrities to disclose their personal lives.
Since then, Connor has been even more protective of his privacy, particularly regarding romantic relationships. The actor has expressed concerns about being open about opposite-gender relationships due to previous queerbaiting accusations, stating he would be “more conscious and might be less open about it.” This careful approach to public disclosure reflects the complex challenges faced by young LGBTQ+ actors’ fame while maintaining authentic personal boundaries in an era of intense social media scrutiny.
Current Relationship Status: Single and Private
Kit Connor (Image via Getty)
Kit Connor is reportedly single as of 2025, maintaining his preference for keeping personal relationships away from public scrutiny. The actor has been particularly secretive about romantic matters, describing himself as “an extremely private person” who feels that “oversharing certain aspects of my life leaves me feeling bare.” This approach represents a conscious decision to protect his personal life from the intense media attention that accompanies his rising fame.
Connor’s commitment to privacy extends beyond mere preference – it’s a protective measure developed in response to the harassment he experienced in 2022. The actor temporarily quit Twitter due to speculation about his sexuality and has since maintained careful boundaries around personal disclosure. His decision to remain private about dating reflects both personal preference and a learned response to public pressure.
The Heartstopper star’s single status doesn’t diminish fan curiosity about his romantic life, but it does demonstrate his maturity in handling fame at a young age. By prioritizing his privacy, Connor sets an important example for other young celebrities under similar pressures while maintaining authentic personal boundaries.
Debunked Romance Rumors: Co-Star Connections
Joe Locke Speculation
The most persistent rumors have centered around Connor’s relationship with Heartstopper co-star Joe Locke, who plays his on-screen boyfriend Charlie Spring. Their undeniable chemistry and close friendship have repeatedly sparked dating speculation among fans. However, both actors have consistently shut down these rumors, emphasizing their platonic friendship.
Connor addressed these rumors directly in a May 2022 interview, explaining: “We are good friends. We are at a point in our friendship where we can take the mick out of each other. It would have been challenging to portray our on-screen characters if we were not as close as we are in real life.” This friendship-based chemistry has been crucial to the success of Heartstopper, but it remains strictly professional and platonic.
Kit Connor (Image via Getty)
Maia Reficco Connection
Another significant rumor involved Connor’s A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow co-star Maia Reficco. In 2022, photographs of the pair holding hands in Paris sparked widespread speculation about a romantic relationship. These images contributed to the harassment Connor faced regarding his sexuality, ultimately influencing his decision to temporarily leave social media.
Despite the speculation, neither Connor nor Reficco confirmed any romantic involvement. Reficco has praised Connor’s professional abilities, stating: “Working with Kit was awesome. We got along fast and soon became each other’s greatest cheerleaders.” The hand-holding incident appears to have been either friendly or promotional rather than romantic.
Rachel Zegler Broadway Partnership
More recently, Connor’s Broadway collaboration with Rachel Zegler in Romeo + Juliet generated new romance rumors. The pair’s behind-the-scenes photos and on-stage chemistry led some fans to speculate about a romantic connection. However, Zegler quickly addressed these rumors in December 2024, firmly stating, “No! Moving on” when fans suggested she was “obsessed” with Connor romantically.
Zegler’s direct response demonstrates how both actors prefer to maintain professional boundaries and shut down unfounded speculation. Their relationship remains strictly professional, focused on their successful Broadway collaboration rather than any romantic involvement.
The Impact of Forced Coming Out
Connor’s experience with forced disclosure has significantly shaped his approach to public relationships and personal privacy. In October 2022, at just 18 years old, he felt compelled to publicly come out as bisexual due to mounting pressure and accusations of queerbaiting. This experience was particularly traumatic, as Connor had previously expressed his preference not to label himself publicly, stating: “I’m not too big on labels and things like that. I don’t feel like I need to label myself, especially not publicly.”
The forced coming out incident highlighted broader issues within fan culture and celebrity privacy expectations. LGBTQ+ advocates criticized the pressure placed on young actors, with GLAAD’s Tony Morrison noting: “Coming out is a deeply personal decision and should be done on your own terms and timeline.” Connor’s experience became a cautionary tale about the dangers of public speculation regarding personal identity.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Connor later described his coming out as “empowering,” though he acknowledged he would have “preferred to do it another way.” This experience has made him more cautious about sharing personal information, particularly regarding romantic relationships that might face similar scrutiny.
Privacy in the Digital Age: Setting Boundaries
Kit Connor (Image via Getty)
Connor’s approach to privacy reflects broader challenges faced by young celebrities in the social media era. His decision to limit personal disclosure represents a mature response to invasive fan culture and media attention. The actor has learned to navigate fame while maintaining authentic personal boundaries, setting an important precedent for other young performers.
The Heartstopper star’s experience demonstrates the importance of respecting celebrity privacy, particularly regarding personal relationships and identity. His careful approach to public disclosure shows how young actors can maintain successful careers while protecting their personal lives from excessive scrutiny.
Connor’s privacy boundaries extend to his social media presence, where he focuses primarily on professional content rather than personal relationships. This strategic approach allows him to maintain fan engagement while protecting his private life from unwanted attention and speculation.
Meg Donnelly, the talented actress known for her roles in Disney Channel’s “Zombies” franchise and ABC’s “American Housewife,” has captured hearts both on and off screen. As a rising star in Hollywood, fans are naturally curious about her romantic life and relationship history. The 24-year-old performer has been relatively open about her dating experiences, sharing glimpses of her personal life while maintaining a balance between privacy and public interest.
Born on July 25, 2000, in New York City, Donnelly has built an impressive career that spans television, film, and music. Her breakthrough role as Taylor Otto in “American Housewife” launched her into the spotlight, but it was her portrayal of Addison in the “Zombies” series that truly established her as a Disney Channel favorite. Beyond acting, she has also pursued music and recently starred as Mary Campbell in The CW’s “The Winchesters,” a prequel to the popular series “Supernatural.”
Throughout her career, Donnelly has navigated several public relationships, each bringing its own set of challenges and learning experiences. From her early romance with Christian Valderrama to her current relationship with “The Winchesters” co-star Drake Rodger, her dating history reflects the complexities of maintaining personal relationships while living in the public eye. Her approach to love and relationships has evolved over time, showing a mature understanding of privacy, communication, and the pressures that come with celebrity romance.
Current Relationship: Drake Rodger
Meg Donnelly and Drake Rodger (Image via Getty)
Meg Donnelly is currently dating Drake Rodger, her co-star from “The Winchesters.” The couple officially confirmed their relationship in February 2024 during an appearance on The Zach Sang Show, though they had been dating since 2023. Their romance blossomed while working together on the CW series, where they portrayed love interests Mary Campbell and John Winchester.
The relationship represents a significant shift in how Donnelly approaches public romance. “We’re not trying to hide it at all,” she explained during the interview. “It’s just that, I feel like on my last couple of relationships it was very public, so now I’m kind of trying to keep it — not even private, because I’ll talk about it as much as possible because I love him so much.” This measured approach reflects her growth and desire for a healthier balance between public and private life.
Donnelly has been particularly vocal about how Rodger has positively influenced her personal development. “I feel like the past year or so, he has just been incredible even for music and acting and stuff, he just has such great advice, and I feel like my communication has gotten a lot better because of him, and I’m grateful for that,” she shared. The couple continues to support each other’s careers while maintaining their preference for keeping their relationship relatively low-key on social media.
Past Relationships and Dating History
Noah Zulfikar (2019-2022)
Before her current relationship, Donnelly’s most significant romance was with actor and dancer Noah Zulfikar. The couple dated for three years, from 2019 to 2022, meeting on the set of “Zombies 2” where Zulfikar played Jacey, a werewolf pack member. Their relationship was notably public, with both frequently sharing photos and heartfelt messages on social media.
The relationship with Zulfikar was characterized by their shared passion for dance and performance, often collaborating on projects and supporting each other’s careers. However, the public nature of their romance also brought challenges, as they had to navigate the scrutiny that comes with high-profile relationships in the entertainment industry. The couple eventually parted ways in 2022, though they maintained professionalism and respect for each other.
Christian Valderrama (2018-2019)
Earlier in her career, Donnelly dated Christian Valderrama from 2018 to 2019. This relationship occurred during her rising fame period, as she was establishing herself in the entertainment industry. While less publicized than her subsequent relationships, this romance was part of her journey in learning to balance personal life with a growing career in Hollywood.
Other Connections
Donnelly has also been linked to Logan Pepper in 2019, though this appears to have been a brief connection. Additionally, she had a relationship with Peyton Meyer, her co-star from “American Housewife,” though the timeline and details of this relationship remain less documented. These connections highlight the common occurrence of workplace romances in the entertainment industry, where actors often develop feelings for their co-stars during intense filming periods.
Evolution of Her Approach to Relationships
Meg Donnelly (Image via Getty)
Throughout her dating history, Donnelly has demonstrated significant personal growth in how she handles relationships in the public eye. Her current relationship with Rodger shows a more mature approach to privacy and communication. “Just on social media in general, I like having that privacy, because putting it all out there, it kind of becomes public too,” she explained.
This evolution reflects her understanding of the pressures that public relations can face. She noted that being an actress puts extra pressure on relationships, stating, “We’ve had conversations about it, but it’s nothing too — like if we feel like posting about each other, we can. It’s not off limits, it’s not like we’re hiding each other or anything, but just not every day publicly anymore, because I used to do that and I like the way things are now.”
The actress has also emphasized the importance of having a supportive partner who understands the demands of her career. She particularly appreciates Rodger’s calming presence at red carpet events, noting, “It’s very easy, he’s so great at keeping calm energ,y and I always get so nervous.”
Looking Forward
Meg Donnelly and Drake Rodger (Image via Getty)
As Donnelly continues to build her career with upcoming projects like “Zombies 4” and her music endeavors, her relationship with Rodger appears to be providing the stability and support she values. Their shared experience in the entertainment industry, combined with their commitment to maintaining healthy boundaries between public and private life, suggests a mature foundation for their relationship.
The couple’s willingness to work together again professionally, with Rodger expressing enthusiasm about collaborating with Donnelly in future projects, indicates a strong partnership that extends beyond romance into professional mutual support. As both continue to pursue their individual careers while supporting each other, their relationship represents a modern approach to celebrity romance that prioritizes communication, respect, and personal growth.
