Finding Love Again: Sharon Horgan Opens Up About Dating in Her 50s and Her New Relationship
Acclaimed creator and actress Sharon Horgan, best known for her hit dark comedy series Bad Sisters, has recently opened up about the emotional hurdles of finding herself single in her 50s.
Following her divorce from businessman Jeremy Rainbird in 2019 after 14 years of marriage, the 56-year-old star faced unexpected anxieties about entering the dating world later in life. Published exclusively by BDUS News 24, this detailed report explores her candid reflections on singlehood, aging, and how she unexpectedly found romance again.
Navigating Single Life and Overcoming Midlife Dating Fears
Reflecting on her return to singlehood after her 2019 divorce, Sharon shared her initial humorous yet raw perspective with the Irish Times. She admitted to feeling immense internal pressure, humorously noting that being in her mid-50s without a permanent partner felt daunting when contemplating how to present oneself as a romantic or sexual individual at that stage of life.
The mother of two daughters, Sadhbh and Amer, confessed that she had inadvertently created a “fake ticking clock” for herself, which carried as much psychological weight as biological timelines do for younger women. She questioned what kind of partners she might attract, humorously wondering if she would only cross paths with eccentric bachelors or older men.
Finding Love With a Younger Partner.Sharon Horgan
Despite those initial apprehensions, Sharon’s romantic life took a positive turn. In August 2025, the actress publicly confirmed she was in a steady, happy relationship. During an appearance on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s podcast Dinner’s On Me, she elaborated on her current relationship, revealing a nine-year age gap with her partner. While she chose not to name him directly on the podcast, industry reports widely identify her beau as actor Barry Ward, who portrays DI Fergal Loftus in Bad Sisters.
The couple originally met years prior while playing a married couple in the 2020 film Dating Amber. Although she later cast him in Bad Sisters, Sharon maintained that the casting decision was based entirely on his professional acting credentials rather than their personal connection. Reflecting on this unexpected chapter, Sharon expressed that dating at her age feels entirely different and wonderfully refreshing, emphasizing how satisfying it is to connect with someone who brings genuine laughter and joy into her life.
Click here to read the full story on Sharon Horgan’s candid thoughts on dating and relationships
