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If you’re a fan of Jonathan Bailey, and aren’t we all, get ready for a delightful treat.
A hidden gem from the past has resurfaced, showcasing the 36-year-old English actor in an adorable and unexpected role.
Before becoming the dashing Viscount in Bridgerton, Bailey starred in Disney Channel’s Groove High, a one-season U.K. sitcom from 2012.
This revelation has sent fans into a frenzy, thanks to a recent post by The DisInsider that brought a clip of the show back into the limelight.
Groove High features Bailey alongside Samantha Barks, another rising star of the time.
The duo played teen rock stars Tom and Zoe, juggling their high school lives with their burgeoning music careers.
This blend of live-action and animation offered a vibrant and high-energy narrative that, despite its short run, left a lasting impression on those who caught it during its original airing.
In June, The DisInsider posted a clip from Groove High on X (formerly known as Twitter), causing a wave of nostalgia and excitement among Bailey’s fans.
“OMG, never knew this existed, I would have had a huge crush on him back then (still have obvs),” one user commented.
Another added, “How did I not know it was Jonathan Bailey all this time!!”
The clip not only highlighted Bailey’s early talent but also reminded fans of his enduring charm. “He’s been pretty his whole life,” another user gushed.
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Bailey was around 24 or 25 when filming Groove High, while Samantha Barks was balancing her role with her performance in Les Misérables alongside Hugh Jackman and other stars.
The two actors would later reunite in 2015 for the U.K. stage production of The Last Five Years, showcasing their enduring professional chemistry.
Reflecting on his time on Groove High, Bailey shared during a 2016 appearance on Graham Norton’s BBC Radio 2 show, “I’ve known Sam for a few years. [Groove High] was our first collab … and essentially we got cast when I was about 21 and [Samantha] was about 19. We got around to filming the live-action — because it was half live-action and half cartoon — when I was about 25 playing [a] 14-year-old, but it was an extraordinary experience. It was a high-octane, colorful series!”
Bailey’s early career is a testament to his versatility and talent, capturing the hearts of audiences even in his formative years.
This recent rediscovery of Groove High serves as a charming reminder of his journey from a youthful rock star to a beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
As fans continue to revel in this throwback, it’s a perfect moment to appreciate the diverse roles that have shaped Bailey’s career.
From the whimsical world of Disney sitcoms to the opulent settings of Bridgerton, Jonathan Bailey’s star continues to shine brightly.
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