Tom Bateman's 'secret marriage' to Daisy Ridley as he lands 'coincidental' rom-com role

Tom Bateman is set to sizzle on screen in The Love Hypothesis, joining forces with Lili Reinhart to bring Ali Hazelwood's bestselling romance novel to life for Amazon MGM.

He's stepping into the shoes of Adam Carlsen, a professor entangled in a fauxmance with PhD candidate Olive Smith (portrayed by Reinhart), all to convince her friends she's not lacking in the love department.

The 2021 book that soared up the New York Times' bestseller list began its journey as Star Wars fanfiction before Hazelwood gave it a scientific makeover and turned it into the steamy rom-com we know today.

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In an intriguing twist of fate - or perhaps a stroke of casting brilliance - Bateman happens to be the other half of Daisy Ridley, who played Rey, the character that sparked the original fanfic alongside her frenemy Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).

As the internet buzzes with excitement over Bateman's casting, it's worth delving into his off-screen romance with Ridley, his co-star from The Love Hypothesis, reports the Express.

The pair first crossed paths on the set of The Murder on the Orient Express back in 2017, but they've been rather tight-lipped about their relationship.

Despite their discretion, film producer Judy Hofflund couldn't help but drop hints about their chemistry during the movie's premiere, saying: "Something kinda happened with Tom and Daisy right?"

And then playfully adding, "That's public news. I should keep my mouth shut. Oh well."

They both kept mum about their personal lives until whispers emerged in February 2019 that they had co-signed a lease for a flat in Primrose Hill, London.

Later that year, Ridley was seen sporting what appeared to be an engagement ring but rebuffed any relationship talk with Bateman, even dismissing Marie Curie's probe about the ring's significance.

At last, in January 2023, Ridley acknowledged her nuptials during a chat with Rolling Stone, though she kept the finer details under wraps.

Despite their preference for privacy, the celebrated duo isn't shy about showcasing their union in their professional endeavours.

Their recent joint effort is the 2024 suspense film Magpie, penned and produced by Bateman, with Sam Yates at the helm, inspired by a story idea from Ridley herself.

The plot centres on a marriage teetering on the edge as their daughter, an actress, lands a role opposite a famed actor. Ridley steps into the shoes of Anette, whose spouse Ben (Shazad Latif) becomes smitten with his daughter's colleague.

The Star Wars lead has been keen to clarify that this gritty thriller doesn't mirror her real-life romance with Bateman.

In a conversation with Ralphie Aversa from USA Today, she clarified: "I feel like I must assure people that this is not a reflection of our marriage.

"I think you have to be in a very good marriage in order to make a film about a not very good marriage."

Ridley also shared insights into the creative journey, labelling it as "revealing" and an "amazing endeavour".

Fans have drawn comparisons between the thriller and Gone Girl, praising Ridley for one of her finest performances, although it's yet to hit UK screens.

Will there be another collaboration between Ridley and Bateman? Stay tuned.

The Love Hypothesis does not yet have a release date.