Everything We Know About The Rumored Romance Between Matt Smith and Claire Foy

Gettyimages | Kevin Winter

They've struck up a very "close" friendship since they starred as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip together in The Crown in 2016 and 2017. They attended a whole host of awards shows together, and recently starred as husband and wife in the play Lungs together.

While it's perfectly understandable that they might become friends after spending so much time working together, it has definitely lead to rumors that the pair have become closer than that, perhaps becoming involved in a more intimate relationship.

Right after the success of The Crown, Claire and her husband Stephen Campbell announced in February 2018 that they would be separating.

They released a joint statement to HELLO! in February 2018, saying, "We can confirm that we have separated and have been for some time. We do however continue as great friends with the utmost respect for one another. We ask for our privacy during this time."

The timing was interesting, as she had just spent a huge amount of time with her co-star Matt Smith, even attending the SAG Awards as his date in 2017, looking as if they were a couple.

Gettyimages | David M. Benett

Though they haven't released a statement or officially confirmed it, it appears that Matt Smith and his girlfriend of five years, Lily James, have also recently split up. They were seen just a few days ago looking tense as they went to lunch together.

Things have been strained between the couple for some time, with a source telling The Sun, “Things haven’t been right for a while, and a few months ago they decided to finally end it properly. It has been difficult because they have many mutual friends, so hopefully, it will all stay civilized. But for now, the relationship is formally off.”

Gettyimages | Frazer Harrison

Back in October, Matt and Claire were seen taking a stroll through London and looked as if they were having the best time, giggling, and playing around with each other. It appeared they clearly enjoyed each other's company, and the photos would be enough to make any girlfriend jealous.

Claire has always had good things to say about Matt, gushing to Vogue, "To me, Matt is my friend and we acted together, as opposed to me seeing him as Prince Philip. From the inside it makes sense, from the outside, maybe not. I think the most important thing is I want to be good for Matt – and, I presume, Matt wants to be good for me."

The two have played husband and wife now on our television screens and in a play, so did their roles translate to real life? It appears so, at least if photos of their close friendship are to be believed.

Now, with Matt splitting from Lily, maybe the old celebrity excuse of "hectic schedules" wasn't the only thing that triggered trouble in paradise. It's only a matter of time before Matt and Claire make a red carpet appearance as an official couple.