Erin Doherty has announced a significant personal change, moving in with her girlfriend, Sinead Donnelly, following her rising success in the popular series *Adolescence*. The 33-year-old actress, known for her role as Princess Anne in *The Crown*, described this decision as a “natural” progression in their relationship.
Doherty plans to relocate from West Sussex to London to be closer to Donnelly, a 35-year-old NHS radiographer. This revelation comes shortly after Doherty was honored with the award for Best Supporting Actress at the Critics’ Choice Awards on March 15, 2024, for her portrayal of forensic psychologist Briony Ariston in the Netflix series.
Reflecting on her decision to move, Doherty expressed her desire to spend more time with Donnelly. “As much as I loved getting on the trains and going to see her and spend days in London, I also wanted to wake up next to her. I’m such a romantic,” she stated.
The couple’s relationship was first made public in August 2023 when Doherty shared a heartfelt photo of them together on social media with the caption, “Take us back to Italy please…” Their connection blossomed after Doherty’s split from her long-term girlfriend, Sophie Melville, which was reported by *HELLO!* in March 2023. Doherty had previously described her relationship with Melville as one of her “proudest accomplishments,” emphasizing the positive impact it had on her life.
In a conversation with Elizabeth Day on her *How To Fail* podcast, Doherty reflected on her journey to self-acceptance, revealing that a transformative relationship with a woman at age 25 helped her understand her sexual orientation. “It took me a really, really long time to finally get to the point where I was like, ‘Oh, I’m gay’,” she remarked.
Doherty’s candid discussions about her past relationships highlight the importance of personal growth and self-discovery. She shared that her former partner had significantly influenced her lifestyle, moving her away from unhealthy habits. “I used to sit at home eating a bag of chocolates, and now we have, like, a kale salad,” she noted in a previous interview with *Porter* magazine.
As Doherty embarks on this new chapter with Donnelly, her career continues to flourish, marking a period of both personal and professional milestones. The actress remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, and her evolving journey resonates with many who follow her work.
