Jonathan Bailey may have played one of the most desired men in Regency-era London, but when it comes to real-life romance, even Lord Bridgerton himself admits it’s a bit more complicated.
The 37-year-old actor, currently promoting his summer blockbuster Jurassic World: Rebirth, sat down with Amelia Dimoldenberg for a new episode of the beloved YouTube series Chicken Shop Date. And between bites of chicken nuggets and playful banter, Bailey peeled back the layers of his heartthrob image.
Not a Romance Pro, Actually
When asked if playing the dashing Viscount Anthony Bridgerton helped him improve his love life, Bailey didn’t hesitate to bring the fantasy back to earth.
“It’s fantasy, isn’t it? Romance is grounded and real,” he said plainly, drawing a line between Netflix’s corset-clad courtships and the messier realities of modern dating. It’s a refreshing confession, especially from someone whose screen kisses have become GIFs shared across Twitter.
Casting Chaos and Spinster Slams
The flirtation flowed freely when Dimoldenberg asked Bailey if she’d fit into the Bridgerton universe. Though he joked he lacked casting power, he offered to “put in a word.” As for her role? Bailey teased she’d be “really uptight,” maybe even “a potential spinster,” prompting an exaggerated reaction from the unflappable host.
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It’s all part of the show’s charm, awkward pauses, dry humor, and celebrities caught slightly off-guard in a chicken shop. And Bailey? He fit right in.
Jurassic Jumps and Internet Thirst
Bailey stars alongside Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali in Jurassic World: Rebirth, where he plays Dr. Henry Loomis, one of the film’s undeniable highlights, according to early reviews. While reactions to the film itself have been mixed, critics agree: Bailey is a standout.
The Glasses Heard ‘Round the Internet
Of course, no Jonathan Bailey appearance is complete without talk of his now-iconic “slutty little glasses,” which became a viral obsession online. On Chicken Shop Date, the topic was impossible to avoid, and Bailey leaned in.
He’s even collaborated with eyewear brand Cubitts to create a limited edition pair of specs, with proceeds benefiting his LGBTQ+ nonprofit, the Shameless Fund. Talk about using fashion for a good cause.
Fans Already Calling It a Classic
With sizzling chemistry, heartfelt honesty, and a shared love of nuggets and chips, this date might just become one of the most memorable Chicken Shop sit-downs yet.
Jurassic World: Rebirth is out now in theaters. The full interview is streaming on Chicken Shop Date’s YouTube channel.
