Actress Lily James is reportedly experiencing a new wave of happiness with her latest beau, Sydney-born musician Alex Cameron. The couple was recently photographed strolling through Los Angeles, with Cameron seen placing a kiss on James's cheek. Friends of the 37-year-old star are optimistic about this new relationship, with one source stating, "Everyone wants more than anything for Lily to be happy." The sentiment from those close to James suggests a desire for her to finally settle down following a series of public relationships. "She's had a string of not great relationships, and she just wants to settle down now and start a family," a source told the Daily Mail.
James recently ended her relationship with stuntman Bobby Hanton. Friends indicated that Hanton's penchant for partying was a point of contention, as James expressed a desire for a quieter life and starting a family. "She really did like Bobby," a friend commented, "one of them just being that there was a lot of going out, and Lily wants to slow down and start a quieter life and a family."
Hanton, who has worked as a stunt double for actors like Daniel Craig and Chris Hemsworth, has spoken in the past about his fitness and sobriety. In 2020, he discussed a period of sobriety following surgery. His own romantic history includes a divorce from Rachel Hunter and a ten-month relationship with Love Island star Maura Higgins, which concluded in 2024. He and James were first publicly pictured together at a pub in Hampshire, England.
James's romantic history includes a notable five-year relationship with actor Matt Smith, which ended in 2019. At one point in their relationship, in 2018, James was seen wearing a large diamond ring on her left hand, sparking engagement rumors that were never confirmed. She later cited their demanding work schedules as a contributing factor to their split, noting the difficulties of maintaining a relationship while both partners are heavily involved in their careers. "I haven’t really stopped, and I don’t think that’s a feasible way to work," James said. "For me, eventually, that’s not the lifestyle I want."
Another public relationship that garnered significant attention was with actor Dominic West in 2020. The pair were photographed together in Rome, leading to widespread headlines. Following the publication of these images, West publicly appeared with his wife, Catherine FitzGerald, with whom he released a statement affirming their marriage. Reports at the time suggested that as part of a reconciliation, West was advised not to communicate with James.
James was also linked to actor Chris Evans in 2020, with sightings of them together, though their relationship was never officially confirmed. She later confirmed a relationship with Queens of the Stone Age bassist Michael Shuman. They were first seen together in early 2021, but by late 2021, a source announced that they had grown apart and ended their relationship.
Reflecting on her past experiences, James has spoken about the difficulties of discussing her love life publicly. "In regard to your love life, you’re just entering a whole world of pain if you talk about it," she commented. "If you’ve never said anything, there are no sound bites to haunt you when you’re crying into a box of Kleenex after it all goes wrong."