Fans of the perennial Christmas favourite Love Actually might be in for a surprise this festive season. The film's young star, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, is now a married man, and his spouse has a notably famous former partner.
From Child Star to Established Actor
Thomas Brodie-Sangster, now 35, shot to fame as the lovelorn schoolboy Sam in Richard Curtis's 2003 classic. Far from being a one-hit wonder, he has since built a formidable acting career. His impressive portfolio includes major roles in the Maze Runner film franchise, a memorable turn as Jojen Reed in Game of Thrones, and widespread acclaim for his performance in the Netflix phenomenon The Queen's Gambit.
Recently, he delighted audiences by reprising a version of his Love Actually persona for a clever Google Pixel Christmas advertisement. The ad, which went viral on social media, saw him revisiting iconic locations from the film, with fans praising it as "very clever" and "brilliant."
A Romance Forged on Set
The actor's personal life took a significant turn in 2022 while filming the Sex Pistols miniseries, Pistol. It was on this set that he met English actress and author Talulah Riley, 40. The couple are believed to have fallen for each other during production.
Riley herself is a well-established figure in British film and television, with credits including Pride and Prejudice and the St Trinian's series. However, she is perhaps equally known for her previous marriage to the world's richest man.
A Link to a Billionaire Ex
Talulah Riley was famously married to Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk twice. Their relationship timeline was a rollercoaster: they first married in 2010, divorced in 2012, remarried in 2013, and finally separated for good in 2016.
Brodie-Sangster announced their engagement in July 2023 with a charming Instagram post from a gondola, captioned: "Happy to announce that Talulah and I are engaged. Love is all around X." The caption was a witty nod to the classic song from Love Actually. The couple then tied the knot in the summer of 2024.
Fan Reaction to the Union
The news of their marriage sent fans to social media platforms in droves. Many expressed joyful disbelief at the connection. "How did I not know that the kid from Love Actually was married to Elon Musk's ex????" wrote one astonished follower.
On TikTok, tribute videos celebrated the pair, with comments like, "I watch Love Actually every year and still can't believe this is the little boy, all grown up, and so happily married." The consensus among supporters is one of delight for the couple, who are frequently described as looking "perfect together."
From a lovestruck child in a Christmas film to a celebrated actor married to a figure from the world's most scrutinised circles, Thomas Brodie-Sangster's journey continues to captivate audiences two decades after his breakout role.
