Jonathan Bailey: Everything there is to know about the Wicked actor
He plays the charming prince, Fiyero
Last updated 5th Nov 2025
Actor Jonathan Bailey has had a pretty packed schedule in the last few years, not only appearing in the much-anticipated Wicked movie franchise, but also in Jurassic World: Rebirth. Jonny also made headlines in November 2025, when he was named People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive!
But the performer from Oxfordshire, who plays Prince Fiyero in the Wicked films, is not exactly new to our screens, having appeared in Bridgerton, Doctor Who and even Broadchurch during his rise to fame. We find out everything there is to know about Jonathan, including where we might have spotted him before...
What movies and TV shows has Jonathan Bailey been in?
2004: Five Children and It
At just 16-years-old Jonathan played Cyril in the movie adaption of Five Children and It, alongside Freddie Highmore, Alex Jennings, Tara Fitzgerald, Zoe Wanamaker, Eddie Izzard and Norman Wisdom.
The family fantasy is set in the summer of 1917 and follows five siblings who are evacuated from London in World War 1, before discovering a special 'sand fairy' on the beach.
Cyril, the oldest, is brave and intelligent, but a little bossy. On discovering he was played by none other than Bridgerton's Jonathan Bailey, fans were quick to comment on social media, with one writing: 'A literal BABY. 🥺'
And another commenting: 'I'm always tickled that he gets to play the protective big brother so often ('Five Children and It', 'Me and Mrs Jones', 'Bridgerton') when irl he's the youngest of four.' (sic)
2013-2015: Broadchurch Series 1 and 2
You'd be forgiven for forgetting that the man we've come to know for huge roles in Bridgerton and Wicked actually appeared in the first two series of Broadchurch, back in 2013 and 2015. Playing local reporter, Olly Stevens, he helped cover the murder of Danny Latimer for the Broadchurch Echo.
In an interview with BAFTA in 2024, Jonathan said: "I look back on Broadchurch really fondly and also realise just what an amazing opportunity it was to be in such a brilliantly conceived and detailed drama, which included so many amazing actors."
2014: Doctor Who
In 2014, Jonathan played an augmented human called Psi in an episode of Doctor Who called Time Heist. The Doctor, played at the time by Peter Capaldi, recruited Psi — a self-confessed 'hacker/bank robber' — to bust in to the Bank of Karabraxos. Also in the episode were Keeley Hawes and Jenna Coleman.
Speaking in a episode of Doctor Who Extra, Jonathan spoke fondly of his time on the show: "It's hard work but it's so rewarding. Peter and Jenna have been so welcoming. Everyone's been great. Now that you're here, you don't really want to go."
2020-2024: Bridgerton
A role which took the actor's career to a new level and cemented him as TV's newest heartthrob, Bridgerton saw Jonathan don his finest breeches and mutton chops and bring viewers the regency romance they didn't know they needed!
In an interview with BAFTA in 2024, Jonathan attributed his role of Lord Anthony Bridgerton for getting him where he is today: "I auditioned for the duke, which is the Regé-Jean Page part and at the end of it they were like I think you might need to look at Anthony Bridgerton.
"The Netflix effect is wild! I look forward to supporting the rest of the family and the stories that go forward. If there's one thing I know about beloved worlds is that you want to see them through. And people invest their love and their time and it means so much to so many people. So me and Tony will be together for a while."
2023: Fellow Travelers
Starring alongside Magic Mike's Matt Bomer, Jonathan played gay rights activist Tim Loughlin in a historical romance thriller which aired on TV in 2023. Set in Washington DC 1950s, and moving through the 60s, 70s and 80s, Fellow Travelers follows the volatile romance of two men as they move through changing decades.
Speaking about the importance of taking on this role, Jonathan told NBC News: "There's a weight that comes to telling your own story or other people's story that are similar or shares elements of your identity."
In 2024, Jonathan received an Emmy Award nomination for his role — as well as winning a Critics Choice Award!
2024: Heartstopper
In 2024, Jonny Bailey joined the cast of Heartstopper for its third season, playing Jack Maddox — a famous classicist who Charlie has a soft spot for. The popular Netflix series gained a huge following after the success of the first and second series, so it's no surprise Jonathan was keen to join the cast.
He told Vanity Fair: "Like so many people I watched the first series and I just thought it was one of the biggest, most beautiful gifts to so many people. And I wished I'd had that growing up."
2024: Comic Relief The Traitors sketch
In a hilarious spoof for 2024's Red Nose Day, Jonathan took on the role of The Traitors' Harry Clark to raise funds for Comic Relief. He was joined by Suranne Jones, David Walliams, Catherine Tate and others to put on a mickey-taking sketch which had fans of the show in tears of laughter, according to social media.
2024: Wicked
In November 2024, we got to see Jonathan in action in the first instalment of Wicked. In it, Jonathan plays Fiyero; a charming and carefree prince who happens upon the university of Shiz and its magical students Elphaba and Glinda.
The second instalment in the movie franchise is due out in November 2025, so those who aren't familiar with the story already will have to wait until then to find out how his character progresses. We're sure it won't disappoint!
2025: Jurassic World: Rebirth
Released in July 2025, Jonathan starred in Jurassic World: Rebirth, which is the seventh instalment in the Jurassic Park franchise. Playing palaeontologist, Dr Henry Loomis, Jonathan stars alongside Scarlett Johansson, Rupert Friend and Mahershala Ali.
In an interview with Graham Norton, Jonathan said there were plenty of stunts involved in the role: "There's lots of harness work actually, for the character. I was sort of rigged up for a week, with the biggest wedgie!"
Where is Jonathan from?
Jonathan was born in Wallingford, Oxfordshire to Carole and Stuart Bailey — and grew up with three older sisters. He managed to get a music scholarship at a school in Oxford, as well as attending a dance club in Henley-on-Thames.
By eight-years-old, Jonathan had secured his first part in the West End, playing Gavroche in Les Misérables, making his television debut the same year in period drama Bramwell.
How old is he?
Jonathan's birthday is 25th April 1988, making him 37 at the time of writing.
Is Jonathan Bailey married?
He's not married, but he is in a relationship. Although he likes to keep his romantic life relatively private, he did reveal to The Standard in December 2023 that there was a "lovely man" in his life. He said: "It's not secret, but it's private. Having a private life is, for me, completely critical."
Jonathan works alongside a number of LGBTQ+ charities, including one called Just Like Us, which organises speakers to visit schools. He told The Standard in 2023: "You're twice as likely to be bullied if you're gay, or queer. And yet if there's positive LGBTQ+ messaging within the school system, 100 per cent of people's mental health and happiness increases. It's a no brainer."
Can he sing?
If you've watched the first Wicked movie, you'll know Jonathan can absolutely sing. Here's a video to prove it:
Is Jonathan Bailey English or American?
He's English! But you'd be forgiven for being confused, as he puts on a pretty believable American accent in 2023 TV drama, Fellow Travelers. His West Country accent in Broadchurch is also put on. He's a pretty versatile actor!
Was he named Sexiest Man Alive?
Yes! In November 2025, Jonathan Bailey was named Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine. His Wicked cast members took to social media to share their congratulations, with Ariana Grande saying he was: "the kindest and most brilliant and beautiful inside as well."
Is he on Instagram?
Yes! You can follow him at @jbayleaf.
Now check out all these movies out in 2025:
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy
Release date: 13th February 2025
That's right - Bridget Jones is back! Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson all reprise their famous roles, with Renée confirming the exciting announcement in April 2024. The fourth film, titled Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, is based on the latest novel by Helen Fielding of the same name, and bagged a release date in time for Valentine's Day 2025. Find out about the plot, cast and more here - including brand new cast member Leo Woodall (One Day).
Captain America: Brave New World
Release date: 14th February 2025
Released on Valentine's Day 2025, Captain America returned for the next chapter in the franchise set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With Anthony Mackie returning in a - let's just say, more significant role - the movie also stars names such as Harrison Ford and Rosa Salazar.
Snow White live-action remake
Release date: 21st March 2025
Starring Rachel Zegler in the titular role, and Gal Gadot as The Evil Queen, Disney brought us a brand new Snow White live-action remake in 2025. Getting the Disney remake treatment, the film includes new music from composing duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul - the masterminds behind hit songs from epic movies such as La La Land, The Greatest Showman, and Dear Evan Hansen.
A Minecraft Movie
Release date: 4th April 2025
Jack Black and Jason Momoa star in a real-life Minecraft movie, which arrived in cinemas in April 2025. Fans of the best-selling video game of all time were thrilled to see Steve and Garett Garrison take on a magical quest in the Overworld, with appearances from Piglins and zombies, as they navigate the cubic wonderland played online by so many. This one's fun for all the family!
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (20th anniversary)
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith got a theatrical re-release to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The film was available in 4DX for the first time when it was released for just six days on 25th April.
Final Destination 6
Release date: 16th May 2025
A whopping 25 years since the first Final Destination movie was released, the gory franchise saw its sixth instalment released in 2025! Titled Final Destination: Bloodlines, the new film promised a huge opening setpiece, and the usual death-cheating chaos that fans of the gory film have come to know and, dare we say, love.
Lilo and Stitch
Release date: 21st May 2025
Another Disney classic to get the live action treatment, Lilo and Stitch released in the UK on 21st May 2025 with seven-year-old Maia Kealoha playing the role of Lilo, while Chris Sanders returns to voice Stitch.
Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning
Release date: 23rd May 2025
The eighth instalment from the hugely popular Mission Impossible film franchise arrived in the spring of 2025. Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning sees spy Ethan Hunt (played by Tom Cruise) return for more action and special assignments — although the title suggests it may be the last movie in the series.
28 Years Later
Release date: 20th June 2025
The third movie in the series, 28 Years Later follows 28 Days Later (pictured) from 2002 and 28 Weeks Later, released in 2007. The post-apocalyptic horror stars Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes and Aaron Taylor-Johnson and has been dubbed 'the most exciting film of 2025' by film critics.
M3GAN 2.0
Release date: 27th June 2025
M3GAN is back — but not as we know her! The terrifying doll 2.0 will make you long for the days before technology ran every household. The sequel sees Amie Donald, Jenna Davis, Allison Williams, Violet McGraw and Brian Jordan Alvarez reprise their roles in this hugely popular horror series.
Jurassic World: Rebirth
Release date: 2nd July 2025
Set five years after the events of 2022 movie Jurassic World Dominion, Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey star in Jurassic World: Rebirth, which is the eighth movie from the franchise. Bosses released the official title and first look photos in August 2024, with the movie then released at the beginning of July 2025.
Superman
Release date: 11th July 2025
In a new era for the DC Universe, Superman will hit our screens in July 2025 with David Corenswet starring in the titular role, while Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane. This much-anticipated reboot is written and directed by James Gunn, and is said to be the first in a series of new movies.
Smurfs
Release date: 18th July 2025
Rihanna, James Corden and John Goodman star in the new Smurfs movies which features original music from Rihanna along with music from Cardi B and DK Khaled.
Happy Gilmore 2
Release date: 25th July 2025
Fans of the 1996 hit film Happy Gilmore rejoiced when it was announced that the comedy classic is getting a sequel! Thanks to the comedic genius of Adam Sandler, Happy Gilmore 2 is officially coming our way, with familiar faces such as Adam, Christopher McDonald and Julie Bowen all making a welcomed return. Coming to Netflix, the streaming platform has released a trailer, with an exact release date yet to be confirmed.
Freakier Friday
Release date: 8th August 2025
It's been more than two decades since the release of Freaky Friday...but The Colemans are finally back with more body-switching behaviour in 2025's Freakier Friday. And honestly, we're here for it. Lindsay Lohan reprises her role as punk chick Anna, while Jamie Lee Curtis returns to play her mama.
Kpop Demon Hunters
Release date: 20th June 2025 (Netflix) Cinema releases in August and October.
The hugely popular Kpop Demon Hunters was released on Netflix back in June, but has had a couple of big screen showings in August and October. The October showing is of the Sing-Along version, and will be shown over Halloween between 31st October and 2nd November.
The film is about a Kpop girl group called Huntrix who, in their spare time are demon hunters.
Wicked: For Good
Release date: 21st November 2025
As fans know, the highly-anticipated Wicked movie has been split into two parts. The history-making first movie landed on 22nd November 2024, fans are having to wait an entire year to see Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande return as Elphaba and Glinda on the big screen in part two - which is officially titled Wicked: For Good.
Zootopia 2
Release date: 26th November 2025
Almost a decade after the release of the first movie, Zootopia is set to return in November 2025 with more Disney magic, for Zootopia 2. Will Nick and Judy still be partners in the ZPD, or will sly fox, Nick, be back to his dastardly ways? Shakira is back too, following her cameo as Gazelle in 2016, singing the catchy theme tune 'Try Everything'. We can't wait!
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Release date: 19th December 2025
The incredibly successful Avatar franchise continues, with the third instalment in the series landing coming to cinemas at the end of 2025. Titled Avatar: Fire and Ash, the science fiction movie welcomes the return of co-producer, co-editor, co-writter, and director James Cameron.
Shrek 5
Release date: 23rd December 2026
It was announced in 2024 that Shrek 5 is officially happening - a massive 14 years after the last instalment - Shrek Forever After. Filming is reportedly underway, however despite this, we've already seen a delay in the release. Initially set for a summer release in 2026, Shrek 5 will now grace cinemas in December, with Minions 3 being moved earlier and taking the flick's original spot.
Peaky Blinders film
Release date: Unknown
That's right, we're officially getting a Peaky Blinders film! In place of a seventh series, show creator Steven Knight has confirmed that they will be creating a movie, which will be set during the time-frame of World War Two. Steven previously teased that production would start in Spring 2023, and that it might hit cinemas by Spring 2024 - however, in January 2024 he told Radio Times: "I'm just working on the final bits of it at the moment", and that: "The plan is to start shooting that in the middle of 2024". Filming then began in September, and later wrapped in December - so, it looks like a 2025 release date is on the cards.
Find out everything we know about the plot, cast and characters here.
Wuthering Heights
Release date: 14th February 2026
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi will appear in Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic 1847 novel Wuthering Heights. After filming took place between January and April 2025, it has now been confirmed the movie will land in cinemas on Valentine's Day 2026.
Find out all about Wuthering Heights right here.
Moana
Release date: 10th July 2026
Moana will be the next movie to get a live-action remake, releasing in the summer of 2026, with Catherine Laga'aia playing Moana! The Rock fans need not worry though, as Dwayne Johnson will reprise his role as Maui, after voicing the animated movies.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Following the series three finale in September 2025, Prime Video confirmed there will be a The Summer I Turned Pretty to conclude Belly's story! There's no release date just yet.
Find out all about The Summer I Turned Pretty here.
Camp Rock 3
Jonas Brothers Joe, Nick and Kevin will reprise their roles as Connect 3 members Shane Gray, Nate Gray, and Jason Gray in Camp Rock, as Disney have confirmed a third movie is now filming! Although it doesn't look like Demi Lovato will appear in the third movie, she will be an Executive Producer.
Find out all about Camp Rock 3 here.
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