Why Did Henry Cavill's Engagement End?

British actor and Hollywood hunk Henry Cavill has been making waves throughout the industry since his breakout role in "The Tudors." The "Mission Impossible" star has recently delivered standout performances as DC's live-action Superman and as Geralt on Netflix's "The Witcher."

Alongside his expansive career, Cavill has also gained attention for his mysterious dating life. Over the years, the actor has had several girlfriends that the media have more or less covered. One of his most publicized relationships was with British show jumper champion Ellen Whitaker. According to the Belfast Telegraph, the two were first linked in the spring 2011.

After a few months of dating, Cavill proposed to Whitaker while the two were on a trip in Hollywood, California. Shortly after their engagement, the professional athlete opened up about her excitement in a statement. "I couldn't believe it when he asked me to marry him. I thought we were there to celebrate his birthday. It was such a happy surprise, and I am so happy," she told the Belfast Telegraph.

But instead of being united in holy matrimony, the couple's love story came to screeching halt. 

Less than a year after the engagement, Henry Cavill and Ellen Whitaker called it quits in August 2012. While the two didn't release an official statement confirming the split, a source told Us Weekly that there was no bad blood. "There was no fallout. They just had both agreed it wasn't working," they said. "They broke up three months ago." 

A separate report from the Daily Mail echoed similar sentiments, and even alluded that their break up was due to Cavill's blossoming career in the U.S. and Whitaker focusing on her horses in the UK. Additionally, the report went on to say that the "Immortals" actor supposedly displayed a "stony" demeanor when asked about his failed engagement. "I'll talk about that another time. This summer I am taking time of and relaxing," he said. 

Although the relationship was serious it didn't take long for Cavill and Whitaker to move on to new people.

In 2012, Henry Cavill began a relationship with Gina Carano (pictured above right), an MMA fighter and the former star of "The Mandalorian." The duo's connection was so electric, a source described Carano as a "complete firecracker," according to a 2013 report from Us Weekly. "She's finally found someone who can handle her," the insider added.

But after nearly eight months of dating, the two went split ways. Their separation proved to be a temporary ordeal, with the two getting back together a few months later. However, the couple ultimately ended things for good in 2014 — even after they adopted a cute Akita puppy together. After his break up with Carano, the star was connected to an array of women including Kaley Cuoco, Tara King and Lucy Cork. He was recently linked with Natalie Viscuso in 2021, with their last photo posted in May of that year.

While Cavil has had a colorful dating life since his split with Whitaker, the latter ended up finding true love with fellow show jumper Antonio Marinas Soto. According to Whitaker's Instagram, the couple have continued to compete in the competitive sport and have also welcomed two children. All's well that ends well!