Simone Ashley splits from Tim Sykes after short-lived summer romance
Bridgerton actress ends relationship with Wish You Were Here Hospitality managing partner; unfollows him after reportedly deciding they wanted different things
Simone Ashley has split from businessman Tim Sykes after a short-lived summer romance, with the Bridgerton actress unfollowing her former partner on social media as the pair reportedly decided they wanted different things.
The couple was first linked publicly this year after being photographed sharing a kiss at the U.S. Open in New York, signaling the start of a summer romance that fans and media outlets tracked in the months that followed. A report last September indicated Ashley, 30, had begun dating Sykes, a managing partner at Wish You Were Here Hospitality, after the two were seen together in social settings and at events across major U.S. cities. The split appears to be finalizing a chapter that began with late-summer public appearances and affectionate moments, but ended with a decision to part ways.
According to sources cited by The Sun, Ashley and Sykes enjoyed spending time together over the summer but ultimately decided they wanted different things. The dynamics of the relationship were closely watched by entertainment outlets given Ashley’s rising profile in film and television, and Sykes’s role in a hospitality group that operates a string of restaurants and venues around the world, including Elephante in Santa Monica, Dudleys in New York, Belle’s Beach House in Venice, Bar Bambino in Scottsdale, and Little Ruby’s Cafe with locations in New York and Seoul, Korea. The Daily Mail’s coverage of the couple’s romance underscored the public nature of their summer union and the subsequent quiet phase that followed.
Beyond the relationship timeline, Ashley’s professional trajectory has continued to expand alongside a steady accumulation of high-profile screen roles. Born in England to Indiana Tamil parents, she first gained wide recognition for her portrayal of Kate, Viscountess Bridgerton, a refined heroine who enters the historical romance from India and adapts to life in 19th-century England. Her acting portfolio includes a mix of television and film projects that have helped elevate her status in the industry. In addition to Bridgerton, she has taken on roles in Netflix projects such as Sex Education and previously appeared in supporting parts in dramas like Broadchurch and The Sister.
Her filmography also reflects a balance of genre work and broader studio projects. She had small parts in Detective Pikachu and Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid, and she later appeared in Brad Pitt’s racing-themed drama F1, in which she played herself. Reports have connected her with an unspecified part in The Devil Wears Prada 2, further signaling a continued ascent in feature filmmaking. In the fashion world, Ashley has been a frequent presence at events and premieres, including Milan Fashion Week in September, where she drew attention in a leggy green lace mini dress complemented by black heels and diamond earrings during a Versace-hosted appearance. Her public appearances during this period have reinforced her status as a leading actress with a growing global profile.
The relationship now concluded, Ashley’s representatives were not immediately available for comment when reached for confirmation about the split. The Daily Mail’s reporting on her romance with Sykes noted the couple’s visible affection during their summer in the spotlight, and the shift in social-media activity—specifically Ashley unfollowing Sykes on Instagram—was cited by sources as an additional indicator of the separation. As with many high-profile relationships, timelines and details are often shaped by media coverage and the subjects’ own private responses, which have not been publicly disclosed beyond what has been reported.
The broader context of Ashley’s dating history, as discussed in tabloid coverage, includes prior relationships that predate the Sykes romance. In February, she confirmed a split from Constantin Klein after nearly three years together, marking a departure that predated the summer’s headlines. August reports had briefly connected her with Joshua Jackson, the 47-year-old actor known for Dawson’s Creek, in what observers described as a flurry of sightings in New York City as Jackson’s personal life receded from public view and his reunion with his former costar Katie Holmes continued to make headlines. While Ashley and Jackson were photographed in close proximity and spending time together, no formal confirmation of a romance emerged at the time, and both parties remained principally linked to separate professional commitments. The summer period also included filming for a long-anticipated project around the Big Apple, with Ashley continuing to work on screen projects and participate in high-profile fashion circles, a combination that has kept her in constant media attention while her personal life remains carefully managed.
As Ashley maintains a growing presence in film and television, she also continues to leverage the visibility gained from Bridgerton’s enduring popularity. The series, which contributed significantly to her rising profile, remains a cornerstone of her public persona, even as she moves into new roles across streaming platforms and major studios. Her career choices reflect a balance between continuing to develop her acting range and exploring opportunities that expand her international footprint, including appearances at fashion events that resonate with a global audience. Her latest red-carpet appearances, including Milan Fashion Week, underscore a public-facing role that couples acting with a distinctive personal style, further cementing her status as a prominent figure in culture and entertainment.
Daily Mail reporters noted the romance with Sykes in their September coverage, and the outlet’s follow-up coverage has since reflected the couple’s decision to part ways. Efforts to obtain comment from Ashley’s representatives were not immediately successful, a common occurrence when public figures manage private timelines amid ongoing projects. As the industry watches, Ashley’s next film and television projects will be closely scrutinized, with fans and reporters alike watching for any official statements about her personal life or future collaborations. The evolving story of her relationships, paired with a steady stream of professional milestones, continues to position Simone Ashley as a defining voice in contemporary culture and entertainment.