When Dakota Johnson was pictured without her engagement ring last week, the rumour mill went into overdrive that the Fifty Shades star and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin had called it quits. But then just days later, everything appeared to be back on track, as she flashed the emerald sparkler on her left hand.
While the ring coming on and off might suggest there’s trouble in paradise for Dakota, 34, and Chris, 47, who have been dating since 2017, sources say there’s one person working behind the scenes to make sure the couple stay together – and even make it down the aisle.
We’re told that Chris’ ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow is so determined to see the couple finally tie the knot, having been engaged for years, she’s even taken over wedding planning. However, sources also warn that, while Goop CEO Gwyneth, 51, may ‘mean well’, her meddling might be doing more harm than good.
An insider tells heat, "Things have been up and down between Chris and Dakota. They’re trying to work things out on their own, but Gwyneth is determined for them to get married ASAP. On one hand, it’s sweet, but it comes across as very controlling, because it’s like she wants to have a say in who Chris is seeing. The last thing he and Dakota need is to have Gwyneth sticking her nose in."
Following the end of their own 13-year marriage in 2016, Oscar-winning actor Gwyneth has been a constant presence in Chris’ relationship with Dakota. The former couple share daughter Apple, 20, and son Moses, 18, with Dakota referring to Chris’ children as her stepchildren in a recent interview. "I love those kids like my life depends on it," she said.
While Dakota’s representatives were quick to shut down reports that the couple had split, saying that they were ‘happily together’, the insider says Gwyneth is still insisting on sticking her oar in to ensure her ex is happy with his partner.
"Gwyn loves Dakota and knows she’s the right partner for Chris," our source says.
"But a lot of people wonder if there is also an element of her not relishing the idea of Chris being single again, and bringing God knows who around their children."