Simone Ashley splits from Tim Sykes after short-lived romance

Simone Ashley has split from her businessman boyfriend Tim Sykes after a short-lived romance that originated over the summer, with social media activity signaling the end of the relationship. Reports describe the couple as having decided they want different things, and Ashley has unfollowed Sykes on Instagram as part of the separation.

The pair were first linked publicly in September, after they were photographed sharing a kiss at the US Open in New York. Sykes is a managing partner at Wish You Were Here Hospitality, a group that operates a string of venues worldwide, including Elephante in Santa Monica and Dudleys in New York, as well as Belle's Beach House in Venice, Bar Bambino in Scottsdale, and Little Ruby's Cafe with locations in New York and Seoul. In the months that followed, Ashley and Sykes were described in regional outlets as enjoying a summer romance, with a source telling The Sun that their time together had run its course and that they had decided to pursue different paths.

Daily Mail reporters had previously noted in September that Ashley, 30, had begun dating Sykes after their initial public moment, with the outlet noting the couple’s appearance as part of a broader pattern of Ashley dating within a high-profile social circle. Requests for comment from Ashley’s representatives were not immediately returned when reached by the newspaper.

Ashley’s dating history has drawn attention in recent years as she has risen in prominence beyond her breakout role as Kate, Viscountess Bridgerton, in the Shondaland series Bridgerton. The English actress, born to Indiana Tamil parents, has also starred in Sex Education and has taken on a string of film projects as her profile grows. In August, rumors briefly linked her to Joshua Jackson, the 47-year-old star of Dawson’s Creek, after they were seen in New York City together amid Jackson’s return to on-screen projects. The pair did not display public displays of affection, and the sighting occurred as Jackson was photographed with his former co-star Katie Holmes.

Ashley’s career has continued to broaden with appearances in Detective Pikachu and Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. She later appeared as herself in Brad Pitt’s racing drama F1 and has been photographed on set for an unspecified role in The Devil Wears Prada 2, further broadening the scope of projects she is connected to as she navigates her personal life in the public eye.

Beyond her acting work, Ashley has continued to appear on red carpets and in fashion circles. In September, she attended Milan Fashion Week in a leggy green lace mini dress that drew attention for its sleek silhouette and matching accessories, underscoring a high-profile presence that has become part of her professional identity as she balances projects across streaming and cinema.

The split with Sykes comes as Ashley continues to expand her filmography and stage presence, with multiple projects in various stages of development and production. While both parties have not publicly commented beyond shared statements to entertainment outlets, those close to the situation described the end of the romance as amicable, with both individuals focusing on their respective professional commitments.

As the year winds down, Ashley remains a prominent figure in culture and entertainment circles, where her next projects and collaborations are highly anticipated by fans and industry watchers alike. The public statements surrounding the breakup emphasize a mutual decision to move forward separately, without speculation about future personal ties ahead.