Happy Memory is how Nicola Coughlan describes a special period she shared with boyfriend Jake Dunn while filming her upcoming movie The Magic Faraway Tree in Malta. The Bridgerton and Derry Girls star recently offered a rare glimpse into their relationship, revealing that Dunn initially traveled to Malta to visit her but ultimately stayed for the duration of her shoot.
Coughlan told E! News that Dunn was on a break from filming when he came to see her. He apparently enjoyed the experience enough to suggest staying, and Coughlan happily welcomed the decision. Her comments provide an unusually warm look at a relationship that the couple have generally chosen to keep away from intense public scrutiny.
HAPPY MEMORY From a Film Set Turned Into Couple Time
Coughlan explained that Dunn stayed in Malta while she worked on The Magic Faraway Tree, which also stars Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy. Rather than treating the production as a strictly work-focused environment, several cast members had children, spouses, partners and friends around them, creating what Coughlan described as a particularly enjoyable atmosphere.
Happy Memory became the actress’s description of that period, with Coughlan saying the experience was “lovely.” Her comments suggest that having Dunn nearby helped make an otherwise demanding filming schedule feel more relaxed and personal.
A Private Romance That Has Gradually Become More Public
Coughlan and Dunn have been romantically linked since 2024 and made their relationship Instagram official in February 2025. They later made their red-carpet debut at a BAFTA Television and Television Craft Awards nominees’ event in April 2025.
The couple have nevertheless maintained boundaries around their private life. Coughlan previously spoke about feeling uncomfortable after paparazzi photographed her and Dunn together, describing the experience as an invasion of privacy. She has also acknowledged that their demanding careers can create periods of long distance, although she said they stay connected through FaceTime and frequent messages.
Happy Memory therefore offers a revealing contrast to the intense public attention surrounding their relationship. Rather than addressing speculation or relationship rumors, Coughlan chose to share a simple story about spending time with someone she loves during an important professional chapter. With The Magic Faraway Tree scheduled to arrive in theaters on August 21, her Malta memory has given fans a rare glimpse at the person behind the public image. Buzz Legit will continue following Coughlan’s career and her carefully guarded personal life as new developments emerge.
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