Dakota Johnson Steps Out With A New Face After Chris Martin Split

Dakota Johnson is beginning a new chapter following her quiet split from Chris Martin, and recent sightings suggest she is easing back into dating. 

The actress was spotted over the holidays enjoying a low-key dinner with a younger musician, igniting fresh romance rumors months after ending her long-term relationship. 

As Johnson moves forward, sources say she is in a better place emotionally, surrounded by familiar connections and newly defined boundaries.

Dakota Johnson Spotted On Holiday Dinner Date With Younger Musician

Johnson sparked dating speculation after she was seen enjoying a relaxed dinner with musician Role Model over the holiday period. 

The 36-year-old movie star joined the singer, whose real name is Tucker Pillsbury, for a low-key outing shortly before Christmas, according to photos obtained by TMZ.

In the images, Johnson and the 28-year-old performer sat side by side at a crowded restaurant, listening to friends seated across from them.

Sources even revealed that the pair appeared cozy during the dinner, though the nature of their relationship remains unclear. 

At one point, the “Fifty Shades of Grey” actress was seen sipping a cocktail as Pillsbury engaged in conversation with others at the table. 

Johnson And Role Model Linked By Multiple Sightings

The holiday dinner was not the only time Dakota Johnson and Role Model were reportedly seen together. 

A tip sent to gossip site DeuxMoi and shared on Instagram on December 19 claimed the pair were also spotted at Vandell, a cocktail bar in Los Angeles. 

While the anonymous tip said it was difficult to determine the “vibes” between them, the source noted that they were “both beautiful in person.”

Role Model, who rose to prominence with songs like “Never Let You Go,” previously dated media influencer Emma Chamberlain. 

The pair mainly kept their relationship out of the public eye until they made their red carpet debut at the Vanity Fair Oscars party in March 2022. 

Unfortunately, their romance was short-lived, ending in 2023.

Dakota Johnson ‘Slowly Dating Again’ After Chris Martin Split

Johnson’s appearance with Role Model comes months after her split from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. 

The former couple ended their relationship in June after eight years together. 

Five months later, a source told PEOPLE that the “Materialists” actress had been moving on and was “slowly dating again” after her split from the musician.

The insider added, “Her relationship with Chris was often hot and cold, and while she always hoped they’d work out, she seems lighter and more at peace now that it’s final.” 

The source further said Johnson is now in a “great place,” adding that she is “busy, fulfilled, and she’s moved on.”

Johnson and Martin were first linked romantically in 2017 and became engaged in 2020, though they never publicly announced wedding plans.

Johnson’s Deep Bond With Chris Martin’s Children

Before Dakota Johnson and Martin’s split, reports say things had already gone sour long before they officially announced their breakup. 

A source previously told the Daily Mail, “Their relationship has been over for a long time, they just haven’t been able to figure out to make it official.”

The insider said, “Dakota held a flame for them to be together because she loved him so much and loved his kids so much.” 

The source explained that the pair frequently broke up and reconciled, noting, “Breakups aren’t instant and they continued to breakup and makeup and sometimes things would work when they were away from each other.”

Things may not have been good between the former couple, but during her relationship with Martin, Johnson developed a close bond with his two children, Apple and Moses, whom he shares with ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow. 

Following the split, Johnson was said to be “devastated” about seeing Martin’s children less often, but she reportedly reassured them that “she is always there for them.”

Dakota Johnson Maintains Close Ties With Gwyneth Paltrow

Despite the end of her relationship with Martin, Johnson is expected to remain close to Paltrow. 

Over the years, both women developed a strong friendship, and according to PEOPLE, that bond remains intact. 

An insider told the outlet that the “Iron Man” actress “fully intends on maintaining that bond” with Johnson.

The source added that the two women “have grown close over the years and Gwyneth even considers Dakota family,” noting that they also share “genuine mutual respect” for one another. 

Meanwhile, Martin has also been moving forward, having recently been linked to “Game of Thrones” actress Sophie Turner. 

A source revealed in November that they had gone on a few dates in London, and while it is still very new, there is strong chemistry and a definite spark between them.