Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old star of Disney’s Snow White and the West End’s Evita, has captured headlines not just for her powerhouse performances but for her blossoming romance with Nathan Louis-Fernand, a British actor and dancer who shares the stage with her in Evita. The couple’s public debut at Sabrina Carpenter’s headlining set during the BST Hyde Park festival on July 6, 2025, sent fans into a frenzy, with photos of their affectionate moments—holding hands, sharing kisses, and Zegler resting her head on Fernand’s shoulder—going viral. But who is Nathan Louis-Fernand, the man who has seemingly won Zegler’s heart? And how did their love story unfold amidst the bright lights of London’s theater scene? From their shared passion for performance to their undeniable chemistry, this is the tale of a romance that’s as captivating as a West End musical.
Who Is Nathan Louis-Fernand?
Nathan Louis-Fernand, a 27-year-old London-based performer, is no stranger to the stage, though his name has only recently entered the global spotlight thanks to his relationship with Zegler. A versatile dancer and actor, Fernand has built a solid career in the UK’s theater circuit, known for his athleticism and charisma. His resume boasts roles in high-profile productions such as The Lion King, Hamilton, and & Juliet, showcasing his ability to adapt across musical theater genres. He also performed in Magic Mike Live, a London stage show co-directed by Channing Tatum, where his dance skills and stage presence earned him a loyal following. His Instagram, filled with shirtless photos and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his theater life, reflects a confident performer who thrives in the spotlight.
Currently, Fernand serves as a swing in the West End revival of Evita at the London Palladium, a role that requires him to master multiple ensemble tracks and step in as needed—a testament to his skill and versatility. According to LW Theatres, he is part of a vibrant cast supporting Zegler’s lead role as Eva Perón, directed by Jamie Lloyd. His background in breakdancing, rooted in his hometown of Nottingham, adds a dynamic edge to his performances, making him a standout in the competitive world of musical theater. As The Cut noted, “He’s a really jacked breakdancer who appreciates musical theater. That’s the kind of boyfriend they make up on Sex and the City.”
The Setting: Evita and a Shared Stage
Zegler and Fernand’s romance likely began in the rehearsal rooms of the London Palladium, where Evita’s cast prepared for its June 2025 opening. The production, a revival of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1978 musical about Eva Perón, has been a critical success, with Zegler’s performance earning praise for its emotional depth. The New York Times described her as balancing Eva’s “egoism and manipulation” with a “Snow White smile,” while Deadline quoted her saying, “Evita has been such an important musical to me since I was a little girl, when my dad and I would sing ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’ together on my back patio.”
The intense rehearsal process, coupled with the cast’s close-knit dynamic, provided fertile ground for Zegler and Fernand’s relationship. Rehearsals began in April 2025, and by May, Zegler was sharing Instagram posts of cast outings, including a countryside getaway where she referred to Fernand as “the darling man.” These moments, filled with laughter and camaraderie, suggest a gradual build-up of their connection. An insider told The Sun, “Rachel and Nathan were with their Evita co-stars Bella Brown and Mia Mullarkey during Sabrina’s set, but they only had eyes for each other.” Their shared passion for theater, long hours spent perfecting choreography, and the electric atmosphere of Evita likely sparked their romance.
The Public Debut: BST Hyde Park
The couple’s relationship became public knowledge during Sabrina Carpenter’s performance at the BST Hyde Park festival on July 6, 2025. Photos published by The Sun, People, and E! News captured Zegler and Fernand in the VIP section, lost in their own world as they held hands and shared kisses. Zegler, dressed in a black leather jacket, leaned into Fernand, who wore a navy jacket, light-wash jeans, and a white baseball cap with the initials “PL.” TMZ described Fernand as exuding “smooth operator vibes,” a nod to his Magic Mike Live days, while E! News noted Zegler’s “puppy dog eyes” as she gazed at him.
The event was a star-studded affair, with Evita castmates Bella Brown and Mia Mullarkey joining them, but Zegler and Fernand’s affection stole the show. Social media erupted, with X users like @AaronRFernandes posting, “Rachel Zegler and British bae Nathan Louis-Fernand were caught looking extra emotionally invested at Sabrina Carpenter’s show like it was the last episode of a teen drama.” Fans celebrated Zegler’s happiness, with one writing, “Good for Rachel, she deserves this after all the Snow White hate.”
The Backstory: Zegler’s Split from Josh Andrés Rivera
Zegler’s romance with Fernand follows her breakup with Josh Andrés Rivera, her West Side Story and Hunger Games co-star, with whom she was in a relationship from 2021 to late 2024. The couple, who confirmed their romance in February 2021, was a Hollywood darling, often seen together at events like the 2022 Oscars and Grammys. Zegler’s heartfelt tributes to Rivera, including a May 2024 Instagram post celebrating his 29th birthday, painted a picture of deep love. “I love him so very much,” she wrote. However, their last public appearance was at the Variety New York Party in October 2024, and Us Weekly confirmed they “quietly split” later that year.
The breakup’s timing has raised eyebrows, particularly with Zegler’s rapid transition to Fernand. While neither Zegler nor Rivera has commented on the split, their relationship faced challenges due to Zegler’s relocation to London for Evita and Rivera’s commitments to American Sports Story in the U.S. Reddit users on r/popculturechat speculated about an imbalance, noting Zegler’s frequent public support for Rivera compared to his more reserved presence. “Rachel was commenting on every single post of Josh on Insta to the point it became a gag,” one user wrote.
How They Fell in Love: A Theater Romance
While the exact timeline of Zegler and Fernand’s romance remains private, their connection likely grew organically through their shared work on Evita. The musical’s demanding rehearsals, which began in April 2025, required intense collaboration, fostering a bond among the cast. Zegler, who has spoken about the comfort of familiar faces on set, likely found solace in Fernand’s presence as she navigated her first West End role far from home. “Having a familiar face on any set is the biggest form of comfort,” she told People in 2023 about working with Rivera, a sentiment that may apply to Fernand.
Their romance blossomed in London’s vibrant theater scene, with late-night rehearsals and cast outings providing opportunities to connect. Zegler’s Instagram posts from May 2025, featuring Fernand and other Evita castmates, suggest a playful, supportive dynamic. The BST Hyde Park outing was a natural extension of this camaraderie, with their affection spilling into public view. Hola noted that Zegler appeared “smitten,” and their casual, tactile interactions—holding hands, sharing drinks—reflected a relationship rooted in mutual admiration and shared experiences.
Public Reaction and Speculation
The public response to Zegler and Fernand’s romance has been largely positive, though not without controversy. Fans on X and Reddit have celebrated Zegler’s new chapter, with comments like “Rachel looks so happy with Nathan, it’s giving theater romance vibes.” However, some have questioned the timing, given her recent split from Rivera. “Did she move on too fast?” one X user asked, while another defended her, saying, “She’s 24 and living her best life in London. Let her love.”
Media outlets have leaned into the narrative, with The Irish Sun calling Fernand Zegler’s “Prince Charming” and TMZ highlighting his Magic Mike credentials. The story has also sparked interest in Fernand, whose Instagram following has grown from 3,800 to over 5,000 since the July 6 photos. IBTimes UK noted, “It’s unclear whether this summer romance will last beyond curtain call, but Nathan Louis-Fernand has definitely entered the spotlight.”
The Bigger Picture: Love in the Limelight
Zegler and Fernand’s romance reflects the timeless allure of theater love stories, where shared passion and creative synergy often lead to real-life connections. For Zegler, fresh off a high-profile breakup and navigating Snow White’s mixed reception, Fernand represents a fresh start in a city that has embraced her talent. Her Evita role, running through September 6, 2025, and upcoming projects like She Gets It from Me with Marisa Tomei, signal a bright future, with Fernand by her side as both a partner and a fellow performer.
For Fernand, the relationship has thrust him into a global spotlight, amplifying his career as a dancer and actor. Their story, born in the rehearsal rooms of Evita and celebrated under the lights of Hyde Park, is a testament to the magic of connection in the world of theater. As one X user put it, “Rachel and Nathan are giving us the musical romance we didn’t know we needed.” Whether their love story endures beyond the stage, it’s clear that Zegler and Fernand are writing a chapter that’s as captivating as any musical number.
