The Real Reasons Behind The Vampire Diaries Stars Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder’s Split

The Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev has been making headlines after her sudden split with ex-fiancé Shaun White.

By Meghna Rajpal Updated September 12, 2025 4:18 PM

The Real Reasons Behind The Vampire Diaries Stars Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder’s Split

The Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev has been making headlines after her sudden split with ex-fiancé Shaun White. However, before this, she was widely shipped with her co-star Ian Somerhalder. Their on-screen chemistry was so magical that fans secretly wished they started dating IRL, too. While the wish did come true, they broke up three years into the relationship. Read to know more about it here.

About Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder

Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder started dating in 2010, and people were in awe of their chemistry. However, three years later, in 2013, the duo parted ways, leaving everyone heartbroken. While the reason for their breakup was never officially declared, many speculated that their massive age gap was the reason. When they were dating, the actress was 24 while her beau was 34. While he wanted to settle down in his life, she still wanted to explore.

Even after their split, they continued working together on The Vampire Diaries. When asked if there was any awkwardness after their breakup, the duo said that they had always been good friends. Talking about her breakup with Ian, Nina told E! that their split was not due to any major event. “And that didn’t change. Yes, we’re professional and that’s fine. We were friends long before we dated, and we still are now.”

Also Read: Why Did Nina Dobrev, Shaun White Really Split After 5 Years Together? Know Here

While Dobrev never wanted to date a co-star, she mentioned that sometimes you can’t avoid the connections you make with people. Charlie Holt, one of TVD’s actresses, told US Weekly that after Ian and Nina split up, they remained completely professional, and they did very well.

After parting up with Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder sought solace in the arms of Nikki Reed, who was thought to be a friend of the former. Given this equation, people began to speculate if there was an infidelity angle, which caused Nina and Ian’s separation and eventually led to the actress’s difficult friendship with Nikki.