Early Life & Private Persona
Jack O’Connell (born August 1, 1990, in Alvaston, Derbyshire, England) is an acclaimed actor best known for roles in Skins, Starred Up, Unbroken, and most recently Back to Black (2024) and Sinners (2025). Jack O’Connell’s movies and TV Shows have earned him critical praise and a dedicated fan base.
He comes from a working-class background and has described a tumultuous youth, including battling self-destructive habits and tabloid fame as a “party boy”. In contrast to his earlier image, O’Connell now leads a quieter personal life, cherishing longtime relationships and domestic projects.
Let’s take a closer look at Jack O’Connell’s dating timeline and how his relationships have evolved over the years.
Jack O’Connell’s Dating Timeline
Kaya Scodelario (2007–2009) – His Skins Co-Star & First Love
O’Connell’s first publicly known relationship was with his Skins co-star Kaya Scodelario, who played Effy opposite his character, Cook. They dated from around 2007 until mid‑2009. Scodelario later described the relationship as her first love, saying it was “intense and magical and horrible, all in one go.” Despite the emotional end, the breakup remained amicable, and the pair stayed on good terms.
Tulisa Contostavlos (2012) – A Short-Lived Romance
In mid‑2012, O’Connell had a brief romantic involvement with singer and TV personality Tulisa Contostavlos. The relationship reportedly lasted around three months and ended due to the strains of long-distance filming commitments. Jack was shooting 300: Rise of an Empire in Eastern Europe while Tulisa was working in the UK.
Cara Delevingne (2014) – Rumored Fling During Tulip Fever
After the breakup with Tulisa, rumors circulated of a short liaison between O’Connell and model-actor Cara Delevingne, who co-starred with him in Tulip Fever. Although O’Connell did not explicitly confirm the relationship, he acknowledged being in a serious dynamic with someone at that time, saying, “She’s beautiful… She makes me want to make time for her.” Observers inferred it could have been Delevingne, though neither party fully corroborated the romance publicly.
Imogen Coates (2023–Present) – His Long-Term Partner
Most recently, O’Connell has been in a long-term relationship with Imogen Coates, a hairdresser from his hometown of Derby. According to a Times interview, the couple have known each other for years and “are going steady.” She supports his work but remains separate professionally: “She’s interested in what I do, but not involved.” They’re renovating a home together and thinking about starting a family. Paparazzi outlets captured them together in London and Ibiza in 2023, reinforcing the ongoing nature of their partnership.
Jack O’Connell Girlfriend: Current Relationship Status
Jack O’Connell appears firmly committed to Coates. As of late 2024, The Times reported that he leads a calmer lifestyle, spending free time on home improvements with his longtime partner. He also indicated interest in fatherhood: “Can’t be far off. I’d love to. It’s a beautiful thing”. In contrast to his earlier party‑heavy lifestyle, he now favors stability and personal roots back in Derby and London.
Jack O’Connell’s Personal Life: From Party Boy to Settled Down
O’Connell’s trajectory has often mirrored his on-screen work—from troubled youth in Skins to mature, complex characters post-rehabilitation. Off-screen, he’s known for a strong sense of home and hometown pride, identifying less with global fame and more with representing Derby and working-class origins. His father died when Jack was 18, which profoundly impacted his path and gravitated him toward a more disciplined life focused on craft and integrity – a commitment reflected throughout the Jack O’Connell filmography.
Summary: Jack O’Connell Dating Timeline
- 2007–2009: Dating Kaya Scodelario (Skins co-star; amicable breakup)
- 2012: Short relationship with Tulisa Contostavlos; ended due to conflicting work schedules.
- 2014: Rumored romance with Cara Delevingne while filming Tulip Fever; never confirmed.
- 2023–Present: Long-term, stable relationship with Imogen Coates, with partnership described as “going steady” and shared personal projects underway.
