James Norton, one of Britain’s most in-demand actors and a perennial favorite in the ongoing James Bond conversation, is making headlines once again—but this time, it’s all about his personal life. The 39-year-old star of Happy Valley and Grantchester has reportedly ended his relationship with model and artist Charlotte Rose Smith and has now joined the exclusive celebrity dating app, Raya. The news comes just as speculation about his potential casting as 007 reaches new heights, adding a juicy twist to his public narrative.
Norton, who has captivated audiences with his versatility on screen, is now turning heads for his life off-screen. His romantic history has always been of interest, particularly his long-term relationship and engagement with actress Imogen Poots. But his recent breakup with Charlotte Rose Smith, followed by his appearance on one of Hollywood’s most exclusive dating platforms, has ignited fresh intrigue among fans and tabloids alike.
With cryptic social media posts from Smith hinting at heartbreak and Norton’s new shaved-head look for an upcoming film generating buzz, this high-profile breakup is proving to be more than just another celebrity split—it’s shaping up as a major moment in pop culture and entertainment gossip. Let’s dive into everything we know about the breakup, the dating app move, and how Norton is navigating fame, romance, and rumors all at once.
The Breakup with Charlotte Rose Smith
James Norton’s relationship with model and artist Charlotte Rose Smith first made headlines in late 2024. The couple, despite a 13-year age gap, appeared to share a deep connection, bonding over creativity, fashion, and the London arts scene. Smith, known for her bold aesthetic and expressive artwork, was often seen accompanying Norton to events and quietly supporting his career.
However, as of mid-2025, sources confirm that the couple has called it quits. While the exact reason for the breakup remains private, clues began to surface through social media. Smith shared a particularly poignant TikTok video from her art studio that many interpreted as a subtle nod to the split. The caption read: “When everything is falling apart I will always have art. Broken heart? Still got my art.”
Insiders suggest the couple drifted apart as Norton immersed himself in back-to-back projects and the demanding schedule of his new film Sunny Dancer, currently in production in Scotland. Their last public appearance together was reportedly in March, and since then, they’ve been absent from each other’s feeds.
The breakup seems amicable but emotionally heavy—especially for Smith, who expressed her sorrow through her artistic platforms rather than tabloid interviews. For Norton, the split appears to be part of a bigger reset, personally and professionally.
Who Is Charlotte Rose Smith?
Though not yet a household name, Charlotte Rose Smith is a rising star in the modeling and art worlds. At just 26, she’s already established herself as a multi-talented creator known for her bold visual storytelling, often blending fashion, photography, and digital collage. Her aesthetic—fierce, feminine, and surreal—has attracted a growing following, particularly on TikTok and Instagram, where she shares behind-the-scenes peeks into her studio life and fashion projects.
Smith’s relationship with Norton elevated her profile, but she never sought the spotlight. Instead, she focused on curating exhibitions and launching collaborative design projects, including one rumored to be in partnership with a luxury UK fashion house.
The breakup, while certainly difficult, hasn’t derailed her creative flow. In fact, some of her most recent work has taken on a darker, more introspective tone—an artistic evolution that fans are praising. In many ways, Smith is turning heartbreak into her next artistic chapter, and observers say this could mark a breakout period for her as an independent talent.
While some tabloids have framed her as “the ex,” her loyal followers know her as much more—a creator, a muse, and someone who channels pain into power.
Norton’s Move to Raya: The Elite Dating App
Not long after the breakup, James Norton made a subtle but significant move: he joined Raya, the ultra-exclusive dating app known for its A-list clientele. Often dubbed “Tinder for celebrities,” Raya is a curated digital space where actors, musicians, influencers, and high-profile professionals connect away from the public eye.
Norton’s profile reportedly features images of his new look—specifically his freshly shaved head, a transformation for his role in the upcoming film Sunny Dancer, where he stars opposite The Last of Us actress Bella Ramsey. His clean-cut aesthetic has already sparked a mini-viral moment, with fans speculating about the character and the film’s tone.
Sources say his bio is modest and career-focused, with mentions of film work, theatre roots, and travel interests. No cheesy pickup lines here—Norton is playing it cool, as one would expect from a James Bond hopeful.
Naturally, his presence on Raya has fueled even more speculation about his love life. Fans are curious: Is he looking for love, a rebound, or simply moving forward in a very modern way? While Norton himself hasn’t commented on his dating app activity, the news has only added to the fascination with his off-screen life.
