Nina Dobrev appears to be embracing a new chapter in her personal life.
Nearly a year after ending her engagement to Olympic snowboarder Shaun White, the Vampire Diaries star has been photographed sharing several affectionate moments with model and entrepreneur Dougie Joseph during a recent outing in New York City, fueling speculation that the pair are officially dating.
Photos captured the two strolling through Manhattan with their arms wrapped around each other, smiling throughout the afternoon as they explored the city together. Dobrev kept things effortlessly casual in a navy slip dress paired with a matching baseball cap, while Joseph stayed close by her side during the walk.
In one particularly sweet moment, Joseph leaned over to kiss Dobrev on the cheek while wrapping an arm around her waist. The affectionate display quickly caught fans’ attention online, with many wondering if the actress has quietly entered a new relationship.
Neither Dobrev nor Joseph has publicly commented on the photos, and both have remained silent as speculation surrounding their relationship continues to grow.
Joseph is known not only for his modeling work but also as the co-founder of skincare company Bondi Skin Co. While he has largely stayed out of the celebrity spotlight, the recent photos have suddenly placed him at the center of entertainment headlines.
The sighting marks the first time Dobrev has been publicly linked to someone since ending her five-year relationship with White.
The former couple announced their engagement in late 2024 after several years together, becoming one of Hollywood’s most beloved celebrity pairings. Their relationship frequently played out on social media, where fans followed everything from adventurous vacations to holidays spent with friends and family.
When news of their split emerged last September, it came as a surprise to many.
Neither Dobrev nor White released a public statement addressing the breakup. However, a source told People at the time that the separation was amicable.
According to the insider, the breakup “was a mutual decision, and wasn’t an easy one, but it was made with love and a deep respect for one another.”
Since then, both have largely kept their personal lives private.
White was recently photographed spending time in New York City with model Angela Garten, where the pair enjoyed shopping, biking through the city and embracing inside one boutique. Like Dobrev, White has not addressed the speculation surrounding that outing.
While neither former partner appears interested in discussing their dating lives publicly, Dobrev has occasionally hinted at life after heartbreak through social media.
Last November, she posted a playful TikTok using Ariana Grande’s 2014 anthem “Break Free.”
Lip-syncing to the lyrics, Dobrev dramatically flashed her empty ring finger before mouthing:
“If you want it, take it / I should have said it before.”
She then continued with:
“Tried to hide it, fake it / I can’t pretend anymore.”
Fans quickly interpreted the post as a lighthearted acknowledgment of her return to single life.
A few months earlier, she also shared another TikTok that many believed referenced relationships and emotional growth.
Using a viral audio clip, Dobrev mouthed:
“How do you sleep at night knowing people don’t like you?”
The response came immediately afterward.
“With no underwear, in case they wanna kiss my a**.”
She followed that with another memorable line that resonated with many of her followers.
“What’s your advice for women trying to fix their man? Listen, Bob the Builder, he’s got 10 other women trying to fix him too, and you all look like a d*mn construction crew.”
The videos showcased Dobrev’s signature sense of humor while also suggesting she was embracing a more carefree outlook following the end of her engagement.
Now, the actress appears to be enjoying her summer with someone new.
While one PDA-filled afternoon isn’t official confirmation of a relationship, the chemistry captured in the photos has naturally sparked curiosity among fans who have followed Dobrev’s personal life for years.
Until either Dobrev or Joseph chooses to address the speculation, the photos remain the clearest glimpse yet into what looks like an exciting new romance for the actress.
