Erin Doherty has never been short on self-awareness. The Adolescence star, fresh off a career-defining year, now says she’s done fighting one particular stereotype — moving in quickly with her girlfriend.
Doherty, 33, who won an Emmy for her role as forensic psychologist Briony Ariston in the hit psychological crime drama, revealed on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast that she and NHS radiographer Sinead Donnelly recently moved in together after trying — and failing — to make long-distance work.
“I’m such a romantic. I hate saying goodbye,” Doherty said. “I hated it. I’m so bad.”
The pair initially resisted what Doherty jokingly referred to as the “cliché lesbian thing” — the long-running in-joke about couples fast-tracking domestic life, often dubbed “U-Hauling.” But restraint didn’t last.
“We held on as long as we could,” she admitted. “But I was like, I really think I should move in now. I tried to make it as non-cliché as possible, but I just love her.”
Doherty moved in with Donnelly at the start of last year, calling the decision part of “the craziest year of my life.”
At the time, the actor had been living with her older sister in West Sussex, describing it as a reset after hitting what she called “peak stimulation.” Quiet walks, space to breathe, and family stability came first. Love followed shortly after.
Donnelly lives in North London, and the early months of their relationship were spent commuting back and forth. Eventually, the logistics lost their romance.
“I want to wake up next to you,” Doherty said. “It’s a natural progression.”
The interview landed just days after Doherty picked up Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, where Adolescence also took home multiple honors.
Career ascending, life consolidating. No drama. No punchlines. Just someone choosing to stay the night — permanently.
Celebrity Hollywood Hot Chicks News
Last modified: January 6, 2026
