Rachel Zegler’s Relationship with Dancer Nathan Louis-Fernand Uncovered

Rachel Zegler publicly revealed her relationship with new partner Nathan-Louis Fernand in July 2025.

Us Weekly exclusively announced in July 2025 that Zegler was dating her Evita co-star after her “quiet separation” from her former boyfriend, Josh Andrés Rivera, in 2024. Zegler and Rivera had been together for three years, having met while working on the iconic musical adaptation — Steven Spielberg’s cinematic rendition of West Side Story.

Fernand and Zegler have shared multiple affectionate public moments following their Evita performances in the West End, including a kiss at Sabrina Carpenter’s London concert in June 2025. The Golden Globe winner made their relationship Instagram official with a series of photos posted on July 8, featuring a cozy moment with her new beau.

Continue reading for insights into Fernand’s professional and personal journeys.

Dance Pro

Nathan-Louis trained in dance at the renowned Sylvia Young Theatre School in London, where notable figures like Amy Winehouse, Dua Lipa, Nicholas Hoult, and Rita Ora also honed their craft. He further refined his skills at London’s Urdang Academy and performed with the U.K. hip-hop dance group Birdgang Ltd before embarking on his West End career.

His remarkable stage background includes a leading role in the West End’s production of Magic Mike Live, where he portrayed the title character (or humorously referred to himself as “Magic Miguel,”). Louis-Fernand held supporting roles in the West End adaptations of Disney’s The Lion King and the Shakespearean reimagining of & Juliet. He also toured the U.K. in the Michael Jackson-inspired jukebox musical, Man in the Mirror.

Most recently, Louis-Fernand spent a year in the ensemble of the Tony Award-winning hip-hop production Hamilton on the London stage. Upon leaving Hamilton in late 2024, he reflected on the “incredible experience” of portraying the American Revolution night after night.

“I genuinely can’t express enough gratitude to everyone in that building for providing some of the most memorable times both on and off stage,” he shared about Hamilton on Instagram in June 2024. “I’ve created cherished memories that I will hold dear. What a journey!”

In addition to his stage performances, Louis-Fernand has danced in music videos for former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson, Swedish House Mafia, and Diplo, and appeared on-screen alongside Timothée Chalamet in one of Wonka’s musical segments.

Dance Isn’t Just a Profession

In a rare interview with Broadway World in July 2024, Louis-Fernand shared how dance became his ultimate passion.

“Dance, for me, is the driving force of my life,” he said. “[Dance] makes me feel unstoppable.”

 

The professional dancer offered insightful advice for aspiring dancers who might feel overwhelmed by the physical and emotional demands of the profession.

“There is always something more you can give,” he affirmed. “You always have one more run-through in you. … Don’t forget to smile. There will be tough days, tears, sweat, strain, aches, and injuries, but never lose sight of why you began and why you continue doing it. It’s because you love it!”

The Man Loves a Thirst Trap

Louis-Fernand maintains peak physical condition due to his high-demand role as a West End dancer, which prompts him to share several thirst traps on social media.

He showed off his abs in October 2024 to announce his return to Magic Mike Live, stating: “It’s good to be back!” He even gave audiences a close-up of his six-pack abs during one of Magic Mike’s iconic striptease scenes.

 

On another occasion, Louis-Fernand highlighted his biceps when he joined the cast of Hamilton, and he was thrilled to show his stomach in celebration of having “a day off” too.

Family Life

Despite his busy West End schedule, Louis-Fernand makes time for family, illustrated by a heartfelt Instagram post on his father Ian’s 59th birthday in September 2024.

Alongside an impressive workout video with his dad, the dancer wrote: “If leading by example were a man, it would be my father @ianlouisfernand. Not bad for 59, right?!”

Behind-the-Scenes Romance

Louis-Fernand joined the West End revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s classic musical Evita prior to its debut earlier this year.

Per Evita’s cast bios, he serves as a Swing in the stage production. In the theatrical world, Swings cover multiple roles, allowing them to step in when a principal cast member cannot perform for various reasons. Swings typically earn higher weekly wages than company members who only understudy a specific role.

Zegler follows in the footsteps of numerous stage legends, including Patti LuPone and Elaine Paige, by portraying the late Argentine First Lady Eva Perón in Evita. Although the West Side Story actress brings extensive musical theater experience, Evita marks her debut in the West End.

The couple’s intense romance appears to have blossomed rapidly; Evita commenced previews in June 2025, officially opening on July 1 of that same year. Zegler and Louis-Fernand were first seen showing affection during Sabrina Carpenter’s Hyde Park performance in London on June 6, and they went Instagram official just a month later.