Actress Lily James, aged 36, turned heads at the prestigious Legends Gala held at the Natural History Museum in London on Thursday evening. The star made a sensational appearance in a structured black gown designed by Stella McCartney, which featured a daringly high slit and a backless design that perfectly highlighted her ensemble.
A Glimpse of Mystery
As Lily posed for photographs shared on Instagram, she inadvertently revealed a tiny tattoo on her back. The tattoo is a simple print of the number nine, sparking immediate curiosity among fans and media alike. It remains unknown what significance this numeral holds for the actress or when she originally had it inked. However, archival pictures dating back to June 2025 confirm that the tattoo has been a part of her look for some time, adding to the intrigue surrounding its meaning.
Elegant Accessories and Star-Studded Event
Completing her glamorous outfit, Lily slipped into a pair of towering black heels that added height and sophistication to her look. She accessorised with a pair of dangly diamond earrings and a matching diamond bracelet, enhancing the effortlessly elegant vibe of her black gown.
The Legends Gala was a star-studded affair, with other notable attendees including Carolina Acosta and Pete Tong, who arrived in all-black ensembles. Music artist Stormzy, along with Vivien Monory and Roger Gracie, were also present, making the event a highlight on London's social calendar.
Romance Rumours and Personal Life
Lily's appearance at the gala comes amid growing speculation about her romantic life. Recent reports from The Mail on Sunday suggest that the actress may have found love with handsome stuntman Bobby Holland Hanton. Insights from his father have fuelled rumours of a new romance, though neither party has officially confirmed the relationship.
This potential new chapter follows a period of globetrotting for Lily, who spent January travelling after working on a new project in Australia during December. In a reflective statement last year, the Downton Abbey star expressed gratitude and excitement for the upcoming year, hinting at positive times ahead for 2026.
Past Relationships and Reflections
Lily James has had a series of high-profile relationships in the past. She was previously linked to her Swiped co-star Pierson Fode, with whom she enjoyed a cosy stroll in New York last September. Prior to that, her most notable romance was with musician Michael Shuman, which began in early 2021 and saw them attending events like the Oscars together before reportedly splitting in February 2023. Interestingly, they were spotted together again at Glastonbury later that year.
Before her relationship with Shuman, Lily dated The Crown actor Matt Smith from 2014 to 2019, after meeting him on the set of Pride And Prejudice And Zombies. In a 2022 interview promoting her film What's Love Got To Do With It?, Lily shared her thoughts on romance, criticising societal pressures for a "lightning bolt moment" and praising more gradual, friendship-based love stories.
As Lily James continues to captivate audiences both on and off the red carpet, her mysterious tattoo and evolving personal life remain topics of fascination for fans worldwide.
