Inside James Norton’s relationship as he ‘splits from fiancée’ Imogen Poots after six years

Imogen Poots and James Norton had been together since 2017(Picture: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Nikki Beach)

Happy Valley star James Norton has reportedly split from his partner, Imogen Poots, after six years together.

James, 38, has been in the running to take over the coveted Bond role for several years and just starred in the Bob Marley biopic One Love.

Busy schedules has caused the couple to drift as it’s been conflicting with hers as Imogen was recently filming in New Mexico with Josh Brolin.

While James is known for his British dramas and possible 007 future, Imogen has been conquering the US in films like Fright Night, Look of Love, and That Awkward Moment.

The 34-year-old has now headed to Northamptonshire to film the new adaptation of Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler.

They had kept the breakup secret at Imogen’s request, according to MailOnline, a request which James had respected.

The stars were said to have drifted apart over Christmas(Picture: Dave Benett/Getty Images) They were last seen together in March last year (Picture: Dave Benett/Getty Images)When did James Norton and Imogen Poots meet?

James and Imogen had originally met during a run of the play Belleville at the Donmar Warehouse in 2017, confirming the romance in December.

The plot follows an ex-pat couple, whose relationship tears apart at the seams as they live out their life in Paris.

Keeping things incredibly low-key, their public debut came the following year, at the Wildlife after-party sponsored by Grey Goose in Cannes.

In 2017, James also broke up with his previous girlfriend Jessie Buckley.

When did they get engaged?

It was in 2022 that the Grantchester star got on one knee and popped the question.

Imogen and James kept their relationship very low key (Picture: Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

At the time an insider told Eden Confidential’s Stephanie Takyi of their happy news: ‘They’re over the moon about their engagement and have only told close friends and family.’

Over the next year, they continued to appear at events together including the opening night of A Little Life – an adaptation of the Hanya Yanagihara novel.

This March 2023 night out was the last time the Need for Speed star was seen with James at a public event.

Where did they live?

During lockdown, Imogen moved into James’ London pad, having spent years making the relationship work long-distance with her residing in New York.

More Trending Read More Stories

After she moved into the home, the pair were reportedly looking for a home in East London together.

She told The Evening Standard back in 2020: ‘It’s all I’ve ever known. I’ve never known something to fall apart because of distance. Sharing a bathroom, however, is quite another matter.’

James went solo to his new Bob Marley film premiere (Picture: Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterst)

James also spoke a little about living with Imogen, as he told The Guardian: ‘It comes as a cost because you don’t see each other a lot, but we are willing to pay that for the benefit of having someone in your life close to you who gets it, who is forgiving, who will give up their Sunday to do an annoying self-tape (audition).’

When and why did they split?

It’s not known when exactly the pair called it quits as they may have kept it quiet for some time but an insider told MailOnline they had been ‘growing apart’ over Christmas.

However, Imogen did not join her ex-fiance at either of the One Love premieres; London, Los Angeles, or Jamaica.

Imogen also appears to have unfollowed James on social media and hasn’t liked any of his recent posts about his new projects.

Imogen had been splitting her time between London and New York (Picture: James Norton/Instagram)

It’s thought settling down may have caused a fracture in the relationship as James made his ‘broody’ thoughts known during his press tour for Nowhere Special.

Imogen had said in her Evening Standard interview: ‘That restlessness that’s inherent in you is very addictive and I suppose now I’m supposed to slow down and set up a farm or something. But I’m not ready to do that, I want to keep exploring the world.’ 

James appears to be focusing on work though, having been in the running alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Idris Elba to take over as James Bond.

He previously told Metro.co.uk: ‘I think Daniel Craig’s done an amazing job re-defining it for a modern era and it’s this human role in a really wonderful way.

‘I think that’s great. I think it’d be short-sighted to not pay attention to [how the role] has changed and the shift we’ve experienced in society as well.’

Metro.co.uk has reached out to James and Imogen’s reps for comment.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Kingsley Ben-Adir is a beautifully faultless Bob Marley in One Love biopic

MORE : Jodie Comer reveals the ‘big moment’ Emmerdale legend helped kick off her massive career