Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old Golden Globe-winning actress and star of the West End’s Evita, is turning heads both on and off the stage in 2025. Recently spotted cozying up with her new boyfriend, Nathan Louis-Fernand, a talented dancer and her Evita co-star, Zegler appears to be embracing a new chapter of love and professional triumph. On July 22, 2025, the couple was photographed strolling through London’s Primrose Hill with Zegler’s beloved pup Lenny, just hours before taking the stage at the London Palladium for their acclaimed production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita. Their romance, which blossomed during rehearsals for the musical, has captured fans’ hearts, offering a bright spot amid Zegler’s tumultuous year following the Snow White controversy. Here’s a deep dive into their whirlwind romance, their dynamic collaboration in Evita, and what this means for Zegler’s career moving forward.
@thesun Snow White’s Rachel Zegler dating Evita co-star as they’re spotted kissing at Sabrina Carpenter gig. Click on the link to read more. #celebnews #bst #rachelzegler
A Showmance Born on the West End
Rachel Zegler and Nathan Louis-Fernand’s romance first sparked public attention on July 6, 2025, when they were spotted kissing and holding hands at Sabrina Carpenter’s BST Hyde Park concert in London. The pair, who met during Evita rehearsals in May 2025, quickly became the talk of the town, with photos capturing their undeniable chemistry. Zegler, who stars as Eva Perón in the Jamie Lloyd-directed revival, and Louis-Fernand, a versatile swing dancer in the ensemble, reportedly “had an instant connection,” according to a People source. Their shared passion for musical theater and the high-energy environment of Evita’s rehearsals provided the perfect backdrop for their relationship to flourish.
Zegler made their romance Instagram official on July 8, 2025, with a 20-photo carousel that included intimate snaps of her leaning against Louis-Fernand’s chest and a blurry shot of them embracing. Captioned playfully, “hello little baddies in my phone,” the post confirmed what fans had suspected after their PDA-filled concert outing. The couple’s chemistry was further evident during a July 22 dog walk in Primrose Hill, where Zegler beamed as she grabbed Louis-Fernand’s arm, and he wrapped his muscular arm around her, both clearly smitten. Their relaxed outing, with Zegler in a plunging polka-dot crop top and Louis-Fernand in a casual white polo, showcased their easygoing dynamic ahead of their evening Evita performance.
Louis-Fernand, 27, is no stranger to the stage. A professional dancer trained at London’s prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School and Urdang Academy, he has an impressive résumé that includes roles in Hamilton, The Lion King, Romeo & Juliet, and Magic Mike Live, as well as a background dancing role in the 2023 film Wonka starring Timothée Chalamet. His versatility as a swing in Evita, covering multiple ensemble roles, has earned him praise for his athletic stage presence and adaptability. Zegler, in a July 2 Instagram post, lauded the Evita cast, calling the swings like Louis-Fernand “wildly inspiring” for keeping the show running with “ease.” Their professional synergy, combined with their shared love for theater, has clearly translated into a personal connection that’s resonating with fans.
A New Chapter After a Quiet Split
Zegler’s romance with Louis-Fernand comes after her reported split from longtime boyfriend Josh Andrés Rivera, her co-star in West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. The former couple, who went public in 2021, were last photographed together at the Variety New York Party in October 2024. According to Us Weekly, Zegler and Rivera “quietly split” late in 2024, with no public confirmation from either party. Zegler had previously spoken warmly of Rivera, telling People in 2023 that having a “familiar face” on set was a “biggest form of comfort.” Her new relationship with Louis-Fernand suggests she’s found that same comfort on the Evita set, with sources noting that Louis-Fernand is drawn to Zegler’s “energetic and passionate energy” in the production.
The timing of Zegler’s new romance aligns with a period of professional highs and personal growth. Her West End debut as Eva Perón in Evita, which opened on July 1, 2025, and runs through September 6, has garnered rave reviews. The New York Times praised Zegler’s “impeccable” singing and “arch quality” in portraying Evita’s bold persona, particularly in her balcony performance of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” which has gone viral on TikTok for its “goosebumps-inducing” delivery. The production’s innovative staging, including Zegler’s exterior balcony performance beamed to audiences inside, has generated significant buzz, with fans and critics alike hailing her as a standout. Elle UK quoted Zegler calling the role a “dream come true,” reflecting her deep connection to the project.
Navigating Career Challenges
Zegler’s Evita success comes at a critical juncture, following a challenging year marked by the commercial failure of Disney’s live-action Snow White, released in March 2025. The film, which cost $270–350 million, grossed only $181.6 million worldwide, resulting in a projected $115 million loss for Disney. Zegler faced significant backlash for her 2023 comments calling the original 1937 Snow White “weird” and emphasizing the remake’s feminist reimagining, which alienated some traditional Disney fans. Her outspoken political posts, including a call for a “free Palestine” and a post-election rant against Donald Trump, further fueled controversy, leading to death threats against co-star Gal Gadot and Disney assigning Zegler a social media monitor. While Zegler apologized for her heated comments, the polarized response underscored the scrutiny she faces as a young, Latina actress in Hollywood.
Social media narratives, particularly on X, have exaggerated Zegler’s struggles, with claims of her being in a “complete meltdown” over Snow White’s flop and alleged $0 ticket prices for Evita. These claims, often spread by accounts like @Draculordx, lack credible evidence, as Evita has been well-received, with strong ticket sales reported for its 12-week run. Supporters, including journalist Mark Harris and actress Melissa Barrera, have defended Zegler, arguing that she’s been unfairly scapegoated for broader industry issues, such as Disney’s remake fatigue. Her ability to shine in Evita and maintain a positive public presence with Louis-Fernand suggests resilience in the face of adversity.
A Bright Future for Zegler and Louis-Fernand
Zegler and Louis-Fernand’s romance has added a feel-good narrative to her Evita journey. Their public appearances, from the Sabrina Carpenter concert to casual dog walks, paint a picture of a couple enjoying their time together amidst the demands of a high-profile production. X posts have celebrated their chemistry, with @AaronRFernandes humorously calling them a “Power Couple” and noting their “Clear” connection, referencing their shared stage work and Lenny the pup’s adorable presence. The Sun reported that during the BST Hyde Park concert, Zegler and Louis-Fernand “only had eyes for each other,” joined by Evita co-stars Bella Brown and Mia Mullarkey, highlighting their integration into the tight-knit cast.
Beyond Evita, Zegler’s career shows no signs of slowing down. She’s set to voice a role in Netflix’s Spellbound and star in A24’s Y2K, while rumors swirl of Evita transferring to Broadway, which could elevate both her and Louis-Fernand’s profiles. Louis-Fernand, with his extensive dance credits and charismatic stage presence, is gaining attention as a rising talent, with IBTimes UK calling him “one to watch” for his theatrical prowess and newfound spotlight. Their shared weekends away with the Evita cast and Louis-Fernand’s preference for yoga over late-night partying suggest a grounded partnership that complements Zegler’s vibrant energy.
A Love Story in the Spotlight
Zegler and Louis-Fernand’s romance is a classic showmance, reminiscent of theater camp love stories, as Betches noted. Their connection, forged in the high-stakes world of Evita, reflects the magic of musical theater, where long rehearsal hours and shared creative passion often spark personal bonds. Zegler’s ability to navigate public scrutiny while embracing this new relationship demonstrates her strength as a young star. As she told Vogue Mexico in March 2025, she views public criticism as “passion,” channeling it into her performances. Her Evita role, coupled with her romance with Louis-Fernand, has shifted the narrative from controversy to celebration, with fans on X and Instagram cheering her on.
As Evita continues its run through September 6, 2025, Zegler and Louis-Fernand are making the most of their time in London, balancing stage performances with romantic outings. Whether their relationship endures beyond the final curtain remains to be seen, but for now, they’re captivating audiences both on the Palladium stage and in the headlines. With Zegler’s star power and Louis-Fernand’s rising profile, this couple is proving that love and talent can shine even under the brightest spotlight.
