
Tom Bateman's 'secret marriage' to Daisy Ridley as he lands 'coincidental' rom-com role
Tom Bateman is set to sizzle on screen in The Love Hypothesis, joining forces with Lili Reinhart to bring Ali Hazelwood's bestselling romance novel to life for Amazon MGM.
He's stepping into the shoes of Adam Carlsen, a professor entangled in a fauxmance with PhD candidate Olive Smith (portrayed by Reinhart), all to convince her friends she's not lacking in the love department.
The 2021 book that soared up the New York Times' bestseller list began its journey as Star Wars fanfiction before Hazelwood gave it a scientific makeover and turned it into the steamy rom-com we know today.
In an intriguing twist of fate - or perhaps a stroke of casting brilliance - Bateman happens to be the other half of Daisy Ridley, who played Rey, the character that sparked the original fanfic alongside her frenemy Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).
As the internet buzzes with excitement over Bateman's casting, it's worth delving into his off-screen romance with Ridley, his co-star from The Love Hypothesis, reports the Express.
The pair first crossed paths on the set of The Murder on the Orient Express back in 2017, but they've been rather tight-lipped about their relationship.
Despite their discretion, film producer Judy Hofflund couldn't help but drop hints about their chemistry during the movie's premiere, saying: "Something kinda happened with Tom and Daisy right?"
And then playfully adding, "That's public news. I should keep my mouth shut. Oh well."
They both kept mum about their personal lives until whispers emerged in February 2019 that they had co-signed a lease for a flat in Primrose Hill, London.
Later that year, Ridley was seen sporting what appeared to be an engagement ring but rebuffed any relationship talk with Bateman, even dismissing Marie Curie's probe about the ring's significance.
At last, in January 2023, Ridley acknowledged her nuptials during a chat with Rolling Stone, though she kept the finer details under wraps.
Despite their preference for privacy, the celebrated duo isn't shy about showcasing their union in their professional endeavours.
Their recent joint effort is the 2024 suspense film Magpie, penned and produced by Bateman, with Sam Yates at the helm, inspired by a story idea from Ridley herself.
The plot centres on a marriage teetering on the edge as their daughter, an actress, lands a role opposite a famed actor. Ridley steps into the shoes of Anette, whose spouse Ben (Shazad Latif) becomes smitten with his daughter's colleague.
The Star Wars lead has been keen to clarify that this gritty thriller doesn't mirror her real-life romance with Bateman.
In a conversation with Ralphie Aversa from USA Today, she clarified: "I feel like I must assure people that this is not a reflection of our marriage.
"I think you have to be in a very good marriage in order to make a film about a not very good marriage."
Ridley also shared insights into the creative journey, labelling it as "revealing" and an "amazing endeavour".
Fans have drawn comparisons between the thriller and Gone Girl, praising Ridley for one of her finest performances, although it's yet to hit UK screens.
Will there be another collaboration between Ridley and Bateman? Stay tuned.
The Love Hypothesis does not yet have a release date.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Furious Disneyland guest 'turned away' from iconic Star Wars bar… and the reason impacts thousands of visitors
An enraged Disneyland guest has claimed he wasn't served alcohol at an iconic Star Wars bar at the theme park despite showing his driver's license… but there's a very simple explanation as to why. The 26-year-old, who hails from Canada, had been attempting to buy a drink at the Star Wars-themed bar Oga's Cantina at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, when they said they were 'turned away' because their ID was no sufficient. Taking to the Disney Reddit thread, the guest complained they had showed the bartender their drivers' license and a copy of their passport, but was told it 'wasn't enough.' 'I guess the silver lining is that I don't have to pay for the overpriced drinks but it's just little frustrating,' they continued. 'They accepted my drivers' license when I entered the park ... but the bar must be as important as an airport with the level of scrutiny they give you.' According to the Disney website, Oga's specializes in 'fantastical drinks sourced with ingredients from across the galaxy that will delight even the youngest crew members.' The website also notes that to order selections with alcohol, guests will need to show photo identification. It turns out, the reason he was denied alcohol could impact thousands of others planning to visit the theme park from around the globe. The Canadian visitor had been attempting to buy a drink at the Star Wars-themed bar Oga's Cantina (seen) at the Disneyland Resort in California Because he's a non-US resident, original passports are the only form of identification deemed acceptable by California law. Non-US driver's licenses, ID cards, temporary ID cards, and copies of ID cards are not acceptable. However, for residents of the US, an identification card issued by a governmental agency is allowed, as is a valid original passport and valid active US Armed Forces ID. Temporary driver's licenses, temporary ID cards, and copies of passports, driver's licenses or ID cards are not accepted. The tough measures are down to California law, which states that foreigners are required to show a valid passport in order to buy alcohol. Many Reddit users pointed out the guest's mistake and noted that the requirements are laid bare on Disney's website. One asked: 'Why would they accept a scan? So easily altered.' Echoing a similar sentiment, another wrote: 'I have no idea why anyone would accept a 'scan' of a passport as proof of anything except that you are a bad forger.' 'I totally get why that was frustrating, but California has pretty strict laws when it comes to serving alcohol,' said a third. 'Bars are required to see a physical government-issued ID with your name, photo, birthdate, and physical description… 'This isn't just a Disney policy. It's state law, and the staff have to follow it, or they risk serious penalties.' Earlier this week, Daily Mail laid bare the sneaky way Disney World is making things more expensive for guests. For years, the site provided a long list of epic perks for those staying at a hotel at the beloved theme park - like free gifts and complimentary transportation. But recently, many of those bonuses have slowly started to disappear... and now, some avid Disney fans feel that the silent removal of the benefits, along with rising prices, is simply ruining the magic.


Daily Record
8 hours ago
- Daily Record
Downton Abbey star shares 'distinctive' change in third movie as filming 'rule' broken
The Downton Abbey franchise will come to a close with the Grand Finale later this year, which marks the final film in the franchise Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is set to arrive in cinemas in the coming weeks, and Elizabeth McGovern has disclosed what viewers can anticipate from the movie. It represents the third and concluding film in the Downton Abbey series, which will witness numerous beloved stars from the programme return to their characters for one final time. Elizabeth, 64, has disclosed that circumstances were altered on set during this production, with one particular regulation being abandoned. She explained how the new movie features some spontaneous acting, which had been strictly prohibited previously. "Most of the time, there was an absolute rule that not one syllable could ever be changed," she told Deadline. "Which, in a way, gives it its distinctive flavour." The forthcoming picture also represents the first Downton Abbey film without Maggie Smith, who portrayed Violet Crawley. The actress tragically died in September 2024, reports the Express. Maggie's loss was profoundly experienced amongst the ensemble, yet Elizabeth disclosed that the movie still succeeds in capturing the enchantment of Downton Abbey, where Maggie's spirit continues to linger. "She permeates everything, definitely," Elizabeth said. The performer, who portrays Cora in the beloved series, contemplated collaborating with the identical crew for more than ten years, with the inaugural episode of Downton Abbey having broadcast in 2010. She said: "You can't help but feel a real attachment," before confirming it is "definitely" the end of Downton Abbey. Despite her confidence, she did mention: "Unless they do something like go back in time and it's a different cast. You know, the young Maggie. There's been quite a lot of that sort of talk." Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale will see Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter and Joanne Frogatt reprising their roles. New additions to the cast include Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale and Arty Froushan.


Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Jeremy Vine forced to apologise after caller's 'disgusting' on-air remark to Ann Widdecombe
The Jeremy Vine Show was quickly halted on Friday after a caller made a rude and explicit comment to Ann Widdecombe during an intense debate about doctors' strikes Channel 5 viewers were left shocked when a caller made inappropriate remarks towards Ann Widdecombe live on the Jeremy Vine show last Friday. The host, Jeremy Vine, was joined by commentators Ann, aged 77, and James Schneider, a former Labour adviser to Jeremy Corbyn. The panel was discussing the latest doctors' strikes which began on July 25th. They spoke with a caller named Gregg from Tyne and Wear, who shared that he had previously worked as a junior doctor for five years before leaving the profession to earn five times more at another company. Gregg stated: "[Being a doctor] is not about the money for me. It's about the love of the job - it was the hardest decision I had to make. But I have just one thing I need to pose to Ann Widdecombe?" He then asked: "Hi Ann, how are you?" To which she responded: "How're you?" Gregg replied: "I'm good thanks for asking. I'm off to work soon but me and a few of the lads at the plant..." At this point, Jeremy interrupted, saying: "Hang on Greg. You're not going to be rude to Ann. I can just feel the storm coming." Ann retorted: "He can be rude to me," reports the Express. Gregg then made an inappropriate comment, saying: "I was just wondering if she was going to get her t**s out for the lads." Jeremy quickly intervened, halting the show and stating: "You see, I saw it coming. The guy's a clown." Ann agreed, saying: "You did see it coming." "I did see it coming. It's ridiculous. I could tell," Jeremy added. "And apologies for the language there. Let's move on." Viewers were left fuming after the inappropriate comment was aired, with many expressing their outrage on social media. One user vented: "Absolutely pathetic. 12-year-old ringing up. Horrible mysogny as well. #jeremyvine." Another seethed: "Pathetic man, doing that to Ann. These jokes are so old - he must have the IQ of a 10-year-old to think it's still funny #jeremyvine." A third chimed in: "What a twat! I'm no fan of Ann, but speaking to her like that is disgusting! #jeremyvine." Jeremy promptly issued an apology live on the show following the incident.