Jessica Gunning, the 40-year-old star of Netflix’s Baby Reindeer, reveals she has never been in a relationship but remains a strong believer in love since coming out as gay four years ago.
Path to Self-Discovery
Gunning gained widespread recognition for her role as the stalker Martha opposite Richard Gadd in the hit series. In 2022, a casual conversation with a lesbian friend sparked her realization. “And then I was, like… I’m gay! Everyone around me was gay. I just didn’t think I could be,” she shared.
She explains her delayed recognition stemmed from a lack of prior relationships. “I think it’s because I’ve never been in a relationship before. With anyone,” Gunning stated. She avoided dating men, struggled with flirting, and felt content living with her best friend, never sensing a void.
Gunning admits enduring 36 years without intimacy proved challenging. She links this to feelings of “otherness” tied to her size, which shielded her from confronting her lack of attraction to men. Instead, she framed it as bad timing for romance.
Current Romantic Outlook
Since Baby Reindeer‘s release, Gunning has explored dating but remains single. A firm “big believer in love,” she prefers traditional romance over dating apps.
Next Project: The Faraway Tree
Gunning next portrays Dame Washalot in the film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s classic The Faraway Tree, starring alongside Nicola Coughlan, Claire Foy, and Andrew Garfield.
The story follows Polly (Claire Foy) and Tim Thompson (Andrew Garfield) as they relocate to the English countryside with children Beth, Joe, and Fran. The kids discover a magical tree inhabited by eccentric characters like Moonface, Silky, and Saucepan Man.
Adventures atop the tree transport them to fantastical lands, helping the family reconnect. BAFTA winner Simon Farnaby (Wonka, Paddington 2) adapts the script, with Ben Gregor directing. Filming wrapped earlier this year at locations across southern England and Shinfield Studios in Reading.
Neal Street Productions, led by Oscar winner Sam Mendes (credits include 1917 and Call The Midwife), produces the film. Enid Blyton’s works stay in print, translated into over 35 languages, with more than 500 million copies sold worldwide, cementing her as the most translated children’s author.
