Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old actress celebrated for her roles in West Side Story and Disney’s upcoming Snow White, has set tongues wagging with the public debut of her new romance. On Sunday, July 6, Zegler was spotted cozying up to Nathan Louis-Fernand, a British actor and dancer who performs as an ensemble member in the West End revival of Evita, where Zegler stars as Eva Perón. The couple was photographed holding hands and sharing kisses during Sabrina Carpenter’s electrifying headlining set at the American Express presents BST Hyde Park festival in London. This high-profile outing, blending love and music under the summer sky, marks a new chapter for Zegler, who has been navigating a whirlwind of professional triumphs and personal transitions.

A Romantic Night at BST Hyde Park

The annual BST Hyde Park festival, one of London’s premier music events, drew thousands to its vibrant lineup on July 6, with pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter delivering a sold-out performance. Amid the sea of fans, Zegler and Fernand stood out, their affectionate moments captured by onlookers and shared widely across platforms like X and major media outlets. Photographs show Zegler, dressed in a chic black leather jacket, leaning into Fernand, who sported a navy jacket, light-wash jeans, and a white baseball cap. The couple’s chemistry was undeniable, with Zegler resting her head on Fernand’s shoulder as they swayed to Carpenter’s hits like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.”

An eyewitness 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. When Sabrina was performing, Rachel was leaning back into Nathan, and he looked really happy.” The relaxed, romantic vibe of their date night contrasted with Zegler’s intense professional schedule, offering a glimpse into her personal life as she balances stardom with newfound love.

Who Is Nathan Louis-Fernand?

Nathan Louis-Fernand, though not yet a household name, is a rising talent in London’s theater scene, known for his versatility and athletic stage presence. Trained in musical theater and classical dance, Fernand has built an impressive resume with roles in high-profile productions such as The Lion King, Hamilton, and & Juliet. He also performed in Magic Mike Live, a London stage show co-directed by Channing Tatum, showcasing his skills as a dancer. Currently, he is part of the ensemble in Jamie Lloyd’s acclaimed revival of Evita at the London Palladium, where he met Zegler during rehearsals that began in April 2025.

Fernand’s background as a break dancer from Nottingham adds a dynamic edge to his performances. His work as a backing dancer for artists like KSI and EVE highlights his adaptability, making him a fitting match for Zegler, whose own career spans film, stage, and music. While little is known about his personal life, Fernand’s Instagram hints at a passion for theater and a close-knit circle of fellow performers, many of whom joined him and Zegler at the BST Hyde Park event.

Zegler’s Journey with Evita

Zegler’s role as Eva Perón in Evita has been a defining moment in her career, marking her West End debut and earning rave reviews for her vocal prowess and stage presence. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, the production has drawn attention for its bold staging, particularly the decision to have Zegler perform the iconic “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from the Palladium’s balcony, serenading crowds on Argyll Street for free while ticket holders watch via livestream. This unconventional choice has sparked debate, with some theatergoers frustrated at missing the live performance, but it has also generated massive buzz, with crowds of up to 1,000 gathering nightly to witness Zegler’s rendition.

In an interview with i-D, Zegler expressed her lifelong connection to Evita, recalling singing “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” with her father as a child. “The opportunity to bring Jamie Lloyd’s singular, visionary ideas to life onstage is an honor unlike any other,” she told Deadline in March 2025. Her performance has been praised for its clarity and emotional depth, with The New York Times noting her ability to balance Eva Perón’s “egoism and manipulation” with a “Snow White smile.” The production, running through September 6, is already being eyed for a Broadway transfer in 2027, a testament to its success and Zegler’s star power.

It was during Evita’s rehearsals that Zegler and Fernand reportedly grew close. The cast’s tight-knit bond is evident in Zegler’s Instagram posts, including a countryside getaway where she referred to Fernand as “the darling man.” Their shared passion for theater and the camaraderie of the Evita ensemble provided fertile ground for their romance, which blossomed into public view at BST Hyde Park.

A New Chapter After a High-Profile Split

Zegler’s romance with Fernand comes eight months after rumors surfaced of her split from actor Josh Andrés Rivera, her co-star in West Side Story (2019) and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023). The couple, who confirmed their relationship in February 2021, was last seen together publicly in May 2024, sharing a social media post. While neither confirmed a breakup, Zegler’s affectionate display with Fernand at BST Hyde Park signals the end of her three-year relationship with Rivera.

Zegler and Rivera’s relationship was marked by professional collaboration and mutual support. Zegler celebrated Rivera’s casting in The Hunger Games prequel, writing on Instagram, “Never been prouder of someone in my life lemme tell you.” However, fans on Reddit speculated about an imbalance in their dynamic, 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, suggesting Rivera’s energy didn’t match Zegler’s. The BST Hyde Park outing with Fernand has been met with enthusiasm from fans, with comments like “Glad Rachel moved on” reflecting a positive reception to her new romance.

Zegler’s Resilience Amid Controversy

Zegler’s personal milestone coincides with a period of professional highs and public scrutiny. Her role in Disney’s Snow White (2025) drew backlash for her comments criticizing the 1937 animated film’s focus on a “stalker” prince, as well as her pro-Palestine activism, which sparked controversy online. In November 2024, Zegler faced further criticism for a social media tirade following Trump’s electoral victory, prompting her to step back from public platforms temporarily. Despite these challenges, her Evita performance has been a triumph, with fans and critics alike praising her resilience. An Instagram user commented on a viral clip of Zegler’s emotional curtain call, “After all the hate she’s been through, she’s finally back to where she belongs, the stage, to clapping audiences.”

The Evita production has also been a refuge for Zegler, offering a creative outlet amid personal and professional turbulence. Her emotional connection to the role, coupled with the support of her castmates, including Fernand, has grounded her during a hectic year that included her Broadway debut as Juliet in Romeo + Juliet (2024) and roles in films like Y2K (2024) and Spellbound (2025).

Public Reaction and What’s Next

The news of Zegler’s romance with Fernand has generated a buzz online, with X users like @ReporteroRosa posting, “From the stage to romance… musical drama in real life 🎭.” Fans have celebrated the couple’s chemistry, with one Reddit user noting, “They look so happy together at Sabrina’s show. It’s giving musical theater romance vibes.” However, some Evita ticket holders expressed mixed feelings about Zegler’s off-stage spotlight, given the controversy over her balcony performances. “She’s amazing, but I paid £250 to see her sing live, not kiss her boyfriend at a concert,” one user quipped on X.

As Evita continues its run, Zegler is preparing for her next project, a comedy-drama titled She Gets It from Me alongside Marisa Tomei, directed by Julia von Heinz. The success of Evita has also fueled speculation about a Broadway transfer, with Zegler expressing eagerness to perform in her hometown of New York. For now, her romance with Fernand adds a layer of intrigue to her already eventful summer, blending the magic of theater with the thrill of new love.

A Star on and off the Stage

Rachel Zegler’s appearance at BST Hyde Park with Nathan Louis-Fernand is more than a celebrity romance—it’s a testament to her ability to navigate fame, adversity, and personal growth. From commanding the London Palladium as Eva Perón to stealing hearts at a pop concert, Zegler is proving she’s a force both on and off the stage. As she and Fernand write their own love story, the world watches, captivated by a star whose voice, whether singing or speaking, refuses to be ignored. With Evita running through September and new projects on the horizon, Zegler’s London summer is one for the history books—a tale of talent, romance, and unstoppable ambition.