James Norton says she’s ‘crazily grateful’ for the pain of his split from 28 Weeks Later star Imogen Poots as he moves on with Lily Allen

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James Norton has said he is ‘crazily grateful for the pain‘ of his split from Imogen Poots.

In 2022, the 39-year-old actor proposed to his partner, a 36-year-old actress from 28 Weeks Later, whom he had been with for four years. However, their engagement ended in 2023.

Or simply:
The actor and the actress from 28 Weeks Later got engaged in 2022 after four years together. Unfortunately, they broke up in 2023.

The Little Women star now views Imogen’s decision to end their relationship as a ‘gift’.

At the ongoing Glastonbury Festival this year, James shared with The Sun: “In an unusual twist, it turned out to be a blessing for me.

‘She called it. She realised it wasn’t working – I’m crazily grateful for the pain she caused me.’

James, currently associated with Lily Allen (aged 40), following their appearance together at the Lido festival on June 14, confessed that their breakup was a significantly impactful event in his life, as he had previously envisioned himself and Imogen raising a family together.

He expressed that he was dumped, which was a huge blow for him. He had imagined starting a family, but those dreams seemed shattered when he turned 38, as the life he had envisioned no longer appeared to be within reach.

Despite the termination of his engagement, the actor from Happy Valley continues to harbor hopes for starting a family, refusing to give up on this dream.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, he stated: “Growing older can be challenging when one frets over past decisions, but for me, there’s no room for regret.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that not all recent decisions were my own, but I don’t harbor resentment over them. Perhaps by this time next year, I will be part of a family and have a meaningful relationship…

In some instances, you hold the reins of your life and decisions, while there are other moments where you find yourself not in control.

‘But if you made those choices or not, it’s a shame to spend time agonising over either.’

Even with my burning longing to become a father, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that it wouldn’t be just or right for me to embark on starting a family these past years.

He said: ‘I don’t sit on set where I’m playing a dad and feel sad and broody. 

I really enjoy spending time with children, as many of my friends are parents. However, due to my busy schedule over the past few years, it wouldn’t have been right for me to have a child during that period because it could have negatively impacted them.

Additionally, the advantage that comes naturally to men – having more time due to fewer pressing biological deadlines – has certainly played out in my favor. I’m grateful for this flexibility as it allows me to have children later if I choose to do so. As a result, I am genuinely content with where my life is currently at. In fact, I find myself brimming with excitement about the decisions I’ve made.

News emerges about James potentially entering a new relationship, following the difficult split between Lily and David Harbour (age 50) from Stranger Things.

In 2022, the married pair is said to have parted ways in February following rumors of David’s unfaithfulness.

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2025-06-27 15:03