Insider reveals how Nicola Coughlan met BF Jake Dunn after they're spotted on cozy night out

LONDON, ENGLAND: 'Bridgerton' star Nicola Coughlan apparently left her love life in the capable hands of her 'Derry Girls' co-star and close friend, Louisa Harland.

Known for her sharp wit and fun-loving personality, Harland stepped in and introduced Coughlan to her best friend and 'Renegade Nell' co-star, Jake Dunn, and it appears she nailed the match.

Nicola Coughlan and Jake Dunn 'absolutely besotted with each other'

After months of keeping their budding relationship under wraps, Nicola Coughlan, 37, and Jake Dunn, 24, were spotted hand-in-hand after a cozy pub outing in North London on Wednesday, October 23. 

A source close to them shared with Daily Mail, "They’re absolutely besotted with each other and have so much fun together. Despite their busy schedules, they’ve slotted into each other’s lives so easily as they share such a big group of mutual friends." 

During their recent date night, Coughlan kept things casual in a mustard-colored cardigan and a black mini-dress. Dunn wore a white and maroon baseball T-shirt and green cargo pants. 

Dunn, a recent graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, is no stranger to Coughlan's circle.

The rising actor has not only starred in 'Renegade Nell' with Harland but has also shared the screen with 'Derry Girls' cast member Dylan Llewellyn.

And like Coughlan, Dunn has experience in period dramas, adding an extra layer of connection between them. 

The source further explained, "When Derry Girls ended, Nicola, Dylan, and Louisa remained the best of friends and always supported each other in their careers, so it made sense Nicola met Jake."

The group's deep bond and mutual support have allowed them to build friendships that cross professional lines, often enjoying nights out in North West London, where Coughlan owns a home in Stoke Newington. 

The budding romance between the two has been a quiet, steady presence, with early signs of their connection emerging in March.

But it wasn’t until this summer that fans started catching glimpses of their closeness.

Coughlan and Dunn were spotted together in August at the All Points East festival in London, embracing each other and dancing. Friends and fans alike noted their chemistry, but the relationship remained unconfirmed.

Nicola Coughlan and Jake Dunn spotted at 'SNL' taping

Nicola Coughlan and Jake Dunn recently crossed the Atlantic for a trip to New York City, where they were spotted attending a live taping of 'Saturday Night Live'.

According to an onlooker, "Her boyfriend stood by her side proudly while people kept coming up fan-girling."

While Coughlan's journey in the acting world spans over a decade—beginning in 'Galway' and reaching international stardom with her role in 'Derry Girls'—Dunn is still fresh out of drama school.

However, the young actor has made an impressive start, landing lead roles in Disney’s 'Renegade Nell', stage shows, and even a feature film, 'William Tell'. 

His expanding circle of industry friends includes talents like Ellie Bamber from 'The Trial of Christine Keeler' and Connor Swindells from 'Sex Education'.