From Secret Love to Forever After: The Story of Courteney Cox and Johnny McDaid
Discover the beautiful love story of Courteney Cox and Johnny McDaid, from their first meeting to their engagement, and everything in between Get exclusive photos and details on their journey towards a lifetime of happiness
Courteney Cox and Johnny McDaid's love story has been going strong since fall 2013, and their relationship has only continued to flourish in the nearly 10 years since. The couple first met through their mutual friend Ed Sheeran, and began dating in September 2013. Their whirlwind romance saw them getting engaged less than a year later in June 2014. Forget "Chasing Cars", Courteney and Johnny are all about chasing Court!
The couple experienced a minor setback when they broke off their engagement in November 2014; however, they reconciled by March 2015 and have since appeared genuinely content together. In various interviews and social media posts, both celebrities have expressed their love for each other, with McDaid stating in May 2016 that he has never loved anyone like he loves his partner.
In September 2016, the Irish guitarist demonstrated his unwavering affection for the actress of Cougar Town by tattooing her initials on his wrist, despite never having tied the knot. Fast forward to October 2018, and the singer-songwriter excitedly revealed how his family has expanded with the inclusion of Cox and her daughter, Coco, whom she shares with ex-husband David Arquette. The couple frequently spends time with the musician's siblings, resulting in large and lively gatherings.
Cox often takes to Instagram to share affectionate posts with her Irish guitarist beau, whether it's for a romantic night out, a music session (she plays the piano!), a momentous occasion, or simply a sweet selfie. The Shining Vale star never holds back in expressing her adoration for McDaid, praising him for his kindness, patience, attentive listening, curiosity, and caring nature. She even gushes about his talent and good looks, as seen in an Instagram birthday tribute to him in July 2021 where she wrote, "I love you jmd."
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple had to maintain a long-distance relationship and have been separated for several months since March 2020 due to travel and quarantine restrictions. Despite the actress openly expressing how much she misses McDaid during their time apart, they have not resorted to intimate video chats as she revealed to Howard Stern in June 2021.
That being said, the entertainers definitely make the most of their time together.
Scroll down to see Cox and McDaid’s romance through the years:
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Courteney Cox and Johnny McDaid: A Timeline of Their Relationship
Courteney Cox and Johnny McDaid's love story has only continued to prosper since they began dating in fall 2013. It seems that the days of "Chasing Cars" are over, as their focus is now on chasing each other's hearts. With almost 10 years together, their relationship has only grown stronger with time.
Introduced by mutual friend Ed Sheeran, the iconic Friends star and Snow Patrol musician commenced their love story in September 2013, embarking on a whirlwind romance that led to their engagement within a year in June 2014. Although their relationship had a temporary setback, with the engagement called off in November 2014, the couple reunited by March 2015 and have since been seen happily together, often expressing their love for each other in interviews and on social media.
McDaid expressed his deep affection for the Cougar Town actress in May 2016, stating that he had never experienced love like this before. Despite not having exchanged vows, the Irish guitarist solidified his commitment to her by getting her initials tattooed on his wrist in September of the same year.
In October 2018, the singer-songwriter expressed how delighted he was about his family's expansion, which was made possible by Cox and her daughter, Coco, from her previous marriage to David Arquette. He went on to reveal that they often had gatherings where they all spent quality time together as a family. Cox, on the other hand, frequently posts affectionate pictures of herself with the Irish guitarist on Instagram, whether it is for a date night or a jam session, and expresses her feelings for McDaid on social media. Additionally, the Shining Vale star is also a talented pianist.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple had to endure long-distance dating as they were separated for months at a time since March 2020 due to travel and quarantine restrictions. However, despite the challenges, she couldn't help but gush about her partner on his birthday in July 2021, describing him as the kindest, most patient, best listener, curious, caring, talented, and gorgeous person she knows. She ended the caption with a simple yet powerful declaration of love: "I love you jmd."
The actress has expressed her longing for McDaid while they are apart, but she clarified that they do not engage in virtual intimacy through video chat. In an interview with Howard Stern in June 2021, she stated there is "no zoom intimacy." Nevertheless, the couple maximizes the time they have together.
Scroll down to see Cox and McDaid’s romance through the years:
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2013
At some point in 2013, Cox and McDaid were introduced by mutual friend Sheeran.
Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
September 2013
The couple officially went on their first date on September 24, 2013, and the Friends alum has marked the occasion on Instagram ever since.
Credit: Amanda Schwab/Starpix/Shutterstock
October 2013
At the time, McDaid and Cox's romantic involvement was being kept under wraps. However, David Arquette, her former husband, disclosed to Howard Stern that her relationship with Brian Van Holt had come to an end.
Credit: Rob Latour/Shutterstock
December 2013
Rumors began swirling that the two were an item after they were spotted going to Jennifer Aniston’s holiday party together.
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January 2014
Cox and McDaid confirmed their relationship by hitting up multiple events together.
Credit: David Fisher/Shutterstock
April 2014
"They're already living together," spilled Sheeran on the pair's living situation. Despite the confidentiality of the matter, Sheeran couldn't help but share, "Things are moving fast. He moved in and, judging by the last time I saw them, they couldn't be happier."
Credit: Courtesy of Courteney Cox/Twitter
June 2014
Cox and McDaid shared news of their engagement via a charming selfie on social media on June 26, 2014. Later, on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the actress disclosed that the Snow Patrol musician had proposed to her during her 50th birthday party at fellow actress Jennifer Aniston's residence. Cox further revealed that McDaid had sought permission from her daughter, Coco, before popping the question, and even presented her with a small diamond ring. Excited about the proposal, Coco suggested that they get married immediately, despite having to leave for camp the next day.
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February 2015
Cox accompanied her fiancé to the 2015 Grammy Awards, where he was nominated for Album of the Year for his work on X, Sheeran’s record.
Credit: Courtesy of Courteney Cox/Twitter
September 2015
The Shining Vale lead shared a photo of McDaid kissing her on the forehead — their last photo together before calling off their engagement two months later.
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November 2015
It’s over (for the time being). Cox and McDaid called off their engagement after reportedly having problems over Thanksgiving.
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March 2016
Several months later, the two reunited romantically and celebrated Easter together.
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May 2016
When asked about his feelings towards Cox, McDaid expressed his unwavering love for her. He stated, "I have never loved anyone like I love this woman. If that's enough, then it's enough." The Scream frontman also confirmed their happiness and love for each other.
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August 2016
Cox explained to Bear Grylls why exactly she and McDaid split, calling the breakup “so brutal.”
“There’s just something about him being from Ireland and his perspective on love that is truly precious,” she shared. “I struggled to see love in the same way he does, but I’ve learned a lot from him. My understanding of love has evolved and I know that I’ll be a better person because of our breakup.”
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September 2016
The “Run” artist inked Cox’s initials on his wrist and showed off the results on Instagram.
Credit: John Salangsang/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
June 2017
Cox expressed her desire to start a family with McDaid, stating, "I would love to have a baby now." She also mentioned being open to carrying another woman's egg, despite potentially being considered older for the process. However, she emphasized that this desire was specifically with McDaid.
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October 2018
During an interview with Us, the guitarist shared how he has bonded with Cox and Coco, mentioning that the two frequently visit his family, especially during the Christmas season. He added that they all gather for a big celebration, creating cherished memories together.
Credit: Latour/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
January 2019
In a recent interview with Ellen DeGeneres, the previous NBC celebrity revealed that breaking off their engagement actually strengthened the bond between the couple. The actress also referred to McDaid as "my guy, my one" during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that same month.
Credit: Courtesy of Courteney Cox/Instagram
February 2019
Cox and McDaid are known for their musical abilities, often sharing their performances on Instagram. McDaid openly admires Cox's piano skills, praising her as "a really good piano player" in an interview with Us.
Credit: David Fisher/Shutterstock
March 2020
Regrettably, the couple's reunion was short-lived just like several others across the globe, as the persisting coronavirus pandemic regulations would keep them apart for a staggering nine months.
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October 2020
During a recent episode of "The Vinyl Supper" podcast, actress Courteney Cox opened up about the challenges of being apart from her partner, musician Foy Vance. Cox shared that it had been 150 days since she last saw McDaid, highlighting the difficulty of their separation.
Credit: Courtesy of Courteney Cox/Instagram
December 2020
The twosome happily reunited after spending months apart, Cox proudly shared on Instagram.
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June 2021
After being separated for two months and undergoing a quarantine period, the couple were finally able to reunite in 2021. Cox was visibly overjoyed to be back in London with her beloved partner.
Credit: Courtesy of Courteney Cox/Instagram
January 2022
In an Instagram video packed with star power, Cox, McDaid, Sheeran, Elton John and more all performed together.
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January 2022
The Cougar Town star once again revealed her true feelings about her longtime partner in an interview with People.
"He has an exceptional ability to listen and his patience surpasses anyone I have ever encountered," she expressed. "His advice is invaluable and his heart, intentions, and morals are all in the right place. Not only is he musically talented, but he also possesses the gift of poetry and writing. His intellect is incredibly attractive to me, and coupled with his striking appearance, he is a true catch."
Credit: Courtesy of Courteney Cox/Instagram
February 2022
Cox honored her love on Valentine’s Day 2022, sharing a selfie with him, writing, “I love my Valentine.”
Credit: Courtesy of Courteney Cox/Instagram
June 2022
“Date night in London ️,” the Mothers and Daughters actress captioned a series of Instagram snaps with her beau.
Credit: Courtesy Courteney Cox/Instagram
July 2022
Wishing a very happy birthday to Johnny, a multitalented individual whose skills never fail to impress. Despite getting older (although barely), watching him play is always a joy. Sending all my love to you, J.
Credit: Courtesy of Courteney Cox/Instagram
February 2023
The Dirty Dancing lift was playfully recreated by the couple on Instagram, assisted by Ed Sheeran and photographer/director Jason Koenig. In an attempt to replicate the iconic lift, Cox persuaded McDaid to lift her up over his head like Patrick Swayze did with Jennifer Grey, but the outcome was not as planned. McDaid jumped towards Cox instead of the other way around, resulting in an ambulance driving away in the footage. Cox humorously captioned the video with, "It's ok, we're professionals".
Credit: John Salangsang/Shutterstock
February 2023
Cox expressed her gratitude towards John for helping her become a better person while she was being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She also praised John's exceptional talent and expressed her fortune to be associated with him. Currently, she is focused on her most significant and lengthy projects.
