Hannah Waddingham, the talented actress and singer, was spotted at the Cheltenham Festival this week in the company of spine surgeon Nick Beresford-Cleary, where the two looked more than just friends. The 51-year-old Ted Lasso star and Nick shared a warm and affectionate moment in the stands, with Hannah even cupping his face in her hands, displaying a genuine connection between them.
The couple made a striking appearance, both wearing stylish matching plaid jackets, with Hannah donning a chic Holland Cooper plaid suit. Despite not publicly commenting on the nature of their relationship, the couple held hands throughout the event, and their chemistry was clear to onlookers. The duo seemed relaxed and in good spirits as they enjoyed the races, surrounded by other celebrities including Tommy Fury, Elizabeth Hurley, and Georgia Toffolo.
This public outing is particularly notable, as Hannah had previously expressed in 2024 that she hadn’t been on a date in years, and she struggled to remember what dating even felt like. Despite this, her smile and the ease of her interaction with Nick suggest a significant change in her personal life. Hannah’s romantic history includes a decade-long relationship with Italian businessman Gianluca Cugnetto, but that relationship ended some time ago, with the two even rumored to have been engaged before their split.
Hannah has been candid about her strict dating standards, emphasizing her desire for positivity, charisma, and someone who accepts her as she is. In a past podcast appearance, she shared that she wasn’t interested in superficial attraction, but rather in finding someone who was genuinely supportive and positive.
Nick Beresford-Cleary, the man at the center of Hannah’s affection, is a well-respected Consultant Spine Surgeon, currently working at both Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and King Edward VII Hospital. With a background in mechanical engineering and medicine, Nick specializes in both elective and emergency spinal surgeries.
The pair’s day at Cheltenham marks a happy and uplifting moment for Hannah, who has previously been open about her challenges with finding love, and her high standards for potential partners. The new connection with Nick suggests that she may have found someone who meets those criteria. Fans of the star have showered her with love and support as she embarks on this new chapter.
