All the surprising celebrity couples who found love in 2025

It was clear that 2025 was a year filled with romance, even if many new celebrity pairings weren't on our predictions list.

Elizabeth Hurley made her relationship with Billy Ray Cyrus public on Easter via Instagram, posting a picture of the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer kissing her cheek on a farm. While the couple first met while filming a holiday movie in 2022, they didn’t begin dating until three years later.

“Billy Ray and Liz have both overcome many challenges and connected over shared life experiences,” a source exclusively revealed to Us Weekly in April. “Liz is a highly compassionate person, which Billy Ray adores.”

Another surprising duo this year was Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and Game of Thrones alum Sophie Turner, who reportedly went on “a few dates” in the fall.

Elizabeth Hurley Pictured With Son Damian and Billy Ray Cyrus: 'Joy'

“It’s still very new, but they share significant chemistry,” a second insider told Us in November. “There’s a clear spark between them.”

Continue reading to review the unexpected celebrity pairings that restore our belief in love:

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau

In July, weeks after Us reported that Katy Perry had separated from then-fiancé Orlando Bloom, the pop star was seen with former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau. Following a quiet courtship and Trudeau attending several concerts on Perry’s Lifetimes Tour, the couple officially debuted on Instagram in December.

“Tokyo times on tour and more,” Perry captioned via Instagram, sharing multiple selfies with Trudeau from their trip to Japan.

Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun

Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney began spending time with music manager Scooter Braun in September, months after calling off her engagement to Jonathan Davino.

“Things are progressing seriously, and it’s very authentic,” a source told Us in November. “Neither of them expected it to develop into something serious at first and are surprised by how genuine the connection has become.”

According to the insider, Sweeney found Braun appealing because he had offered “strong support” for her busy career.

Jennifer Aniston and Jim Curtis

Multiple sources informed Us in July that Jennifer Aniston found romance with hypnotist Jim Curtis after being introduced by mutual friends. Aniston and Curtis officially announced their relationship in November.

“Happy birthday my love,” The Morning Show actress enthusiastically wrote via Instagram, sharing a photo from Curtis’ birthday celebration. “Treasured.”

Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley

On Apple Music Country’s Ty Bentli Show in April, Billy Ray Cyrus revealed that Elizabeth Hurley sent him a friendly text in 2024 while he was navigating his divorce from second wife Firerose.

“I didn’t even recognize the number, and it read, ‘Hey, it seems life might be a bit challenging right now, and I just wanted you to know I’m here for you. You have a friend in your corner,’” Cyrus recalled. “I replied, ‘Who is this?’ And [she responded], ‘Elizabeth Hurley.’ Of all the people to reach out during that moment, she was perhaps exactly who I needed most.”

Cyrus and Hurley, who made their red carpet debut in May, have since connected with each other’s children from previous relationships.

Jessica Alba and Danny Ramirez

Jessica Alba was first seen with Top Gun: Maverick actor Danny Ramirez in July, during her separation from estranged husband Cash Warren.

“They were friends before it turned romantic,” a source disclosed to Us. “They share the same social circle, which is how they connected.”

Alba and Ramirez were later seen together at the US Open in September and on the red carpet at the Baby2Baby Gala in November.

Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson

Although Liam Neeson once vowed not to date after the tragic death of his wife Natasha Richardson, he formed an unexpected bond with his Naked Gun co-star Pamela Anderson.

“They shared chemistry while filming, and their friendship naturally grew into something more,” an insider revealed to Us in August. “Romantic feelings were definitely developing between them, [but] they both felt it was important not to cross any professional boundaries during production. They started spending more personal time together.”

Anderson confirmed to People in December that the couple's romance ultimately faded, stating they are “better off as friends.”

Zoe Kravitz and Harry Styles

Less than a year after Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum ended their engagement, Kravitz was spotted with Harry Styles in New York and various European locations throughout August and September.

However, their relationship has not yet been made public on the red carpet or on Instagram.

“It isn’t serious between them,” a source stated in August. “Zoë isn't looking for anything serious right now. They have very similar personalities and are free-spirited individuals, so they connected instantly and share a lot of chemistry.”

Chris Martin and Sophie Turner

Chris Martin and Sophie Turner had several dates this autumn, according to a source. The new connection follows their respective breakups with Dakota Johnson and Peregrine “Perry” Pearson.

JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes

Dance Moms alum JoJo Siwa, who publicly came out as queer in 2021, sparked dating rumors with Love Island UK season 3 finalist Chris Hughes when they appeared together on Celebrity Big Brother UK in April. Siwa was dating nonbinary TV presenter Kath Ebbs at the time and claimed she was strictly friends with Hughes, who is 10 years her senior.

Siwa and Ebbs separated shortly after Big Brother concluded, while Siwa’s friendship with Hughes only intensified. They confirmed their romance in June.

“We genuinely discuss [getting married] with each other,” Hughes exclusively told Us the following month. “When you are completely infatuated and in love with someone, I think it’s enjoyable to plan for those future moments. … We simply want to be together constantly, and when we are together, everything feels right. Everything is very peaceful.”

Madison Beer and Justin Herbert

Pop star Madison Beer was first seen with Justin Herbert, the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, during several outings in August without publicly defining their relationship status. They eventually made their romance public in October with sporty appearances at an L.A. Lakers game and the World Series.

Bobby Flay and Brooke Williamson

In the Food Network community, fans were delighted that chefs Bobby Flay and Brooke Williamson found romance in March after their friendship began during 2022’s Bobby’s Triple Threat.

“I think we have a lot of fun together, and I want to share what we do with people,” Williamson said on Flay’s podcast in December, revealing that her partner had given her a diamond ring.

Flay noted, “I did give you a ring, and it is a diamond ring. We’ve had this conversation. Marriage is not something that interests us. I’ve tried it a few times and I’m content where I am now. I wanted to give that to you because I wanted to show my commitment to you generally.”

Matt Rogers and Fraser Olender

“La Culturistas” podcaster and actor Matt Rogers initiated romance rumors with Below Deck star Fraser Olender during BravoCon in November. Weeks later, the pair confirmed their relationship via Instagram.

“He's genuinely a wonderful person,” Rogers commented on the “I’ve Never Said This Before” podcast. “It’s nice if people are curious, and I view it as a positive thing, but it has been challenging to see my podcast grow. The initial tone involved us being very candid about our lives. That meant I discussed my boyfriends, whoever they were. I talk openly about my sex life and my feelings about romance.”

Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson

Dallas Mavericks athlete Klay Thompson posted his first Instagram photo with Megan Thee Stallion in July, shortly before accompanying the rap artist to her Pete & Thomas foundation’s annual gala.

“It feels incredible because Megan is truly a special person and inspires so many globally. I've seen it firsthand,” Thompson told Us regarding the couple’s red carpet debut. “This is just another remarkable achievement of hers to be able to give back, create a foundation, and raise significant funds for those in need. I am honored to stand beside her here.”

John Mayer and Kat Stickler

Soon after influencer Kat Stickler ended her relationship with a mystery boyfriend this fall, she connected with John Mayer.

“John sought her out and pursued her,” a source told Us in November. “Kat had recently broken up with someone she had dated for a few months and thought it would be fun to start dating again, and she was interested in John.”

According to the insider, Mayer and Stickler have only gone out a few times.

Serene Russell and Brendan Morais

Bachelor Nation, meanwhile, was shocked when Serene Russell confirmed her relationship with Brendan Morais in March. (Russell had split from Bachelor in Paradise season 8 fiancé Brandon Jones in 2023, the same year Morais and Pieper James broke up.)

Russell and Morais can thank Us for their romance, as they first met at our Reality Stars of the Year party in October 2024.

“I think for both of us, having been in public relationships previously, we just wanted to get to know each other in a completely natural and normal way without any pressure,” Russell told Us in November. “Many people we personally know weren't even aware we were dating, so I think we simply waited until the timing felt right.”