Joe Alwyn spotted looking somber after Christmas amid swirling headlines about his ex Taylor Swift

Joe Alwyn traded holiday cheer for a solitary bike ride on Boxing Day, zipping through the streets of London on a Lime e-bike with a decidedly somber expression. The actor, known for his roles in films like The Favourite and The Brutalist, was spotted bundled up in a black jacket and pale blue jeans as he pedaled through the brisk December air.

Despite the festive season, Alwyn's demeanor was anything but merry. With his hair tousled by the wind and not a hint of a smile, the sight left onlookers speculating whether his downcast look was due to lingering holiday blues or simply a reflective moment.

The outing comes at the end of a challenging personal year for Alwyn, whose high-profile relationship with global superstar Taylor Swift ended in April 2023 after six years together. While the breakup itself was low-key, Swift's subsequent relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce has remained front and center in headlines.

Swift and Kelce have been the picture of joy in recent months, from public date nights to her appearances at Kansas City Chiefs games, including their matchup against the Houston Texans just last weekend. The couple's seemingly storybook romance has been the talk of the town, leaving fans curious about how Alwyn might be feeling as he observes from afar.

Not a bad year for Alwyn fans

For Alwyn, 2023 wasn't without its highlights. His acting career continued to flourish, with appearances in critically-acclaimed projects like The Brutalist and Kinds of Kindness. Looking ahead, he will star in two Shakespeare-inspired films: Hamlet, directed by Oscar-winner Kenneth Branagh, and Hamnet, based on Maggie O'Farrell's bestselling novel.

Though his professional life appears to be thriving, Alwyn's reserved public persona has fueled speculation about his private struggles post-breakup. In contrast to Swift's very public romance, Alwyn has maintained a low profile, eschewing social media and red carpets in favor of a quieter existence.

As Alwyn navigated the London streets on his e-bike, bundled against the cold, his demeanor stood in stark contrast to the jubilant celebrations happening across the city. Was he pondering his next career move, or perhaps reflecting on a whirlwind year of highs and lows?