Last fall, suffering a punishing heatwave in London, Harry Styles caused a frenzy of thirsty interest as he was pictured stripping off for a refreshing dip in the north of the city.
Bounded by thick woodland and away from prying eyes, the hunky popstar’s chosen location sparked intrigue: Hampstead Heath’s men’s only bathing pond has been a popular gay cruising spot for the better part of a century.
As of last year, the sundeck no longer permits nude sunbathing – but the plein-air changing rooms and shared shower facilities remain open.
Undoubtedly, Styles has made millions from his embrace of a Bowie-esque gender ambiguity and firm refusal to directly address speculation about his sexuality.
Nonetheless, this snatched sight of Styles – who is now worth an estimated $190 million – at ease among his fellow bathers, speaks to the particularly rooted and unpresuming character of a man who friends say has managed to avoid the worst excesses of mega-stardom.
Harry is READY
Indeed, sources close to Styles – who celebrated his 30th birthday last month – reveal he is now ‘ready for the next chapter’ in his life, away from the spotlight.
And, despite having dated his latest girlfriend Taylor Russell, 29, for less than a year, it is also said that Styles is ‘ready to start a family’ with the Canadian actress.
‘Harry feels as if he has lived ten lifetimes already, but one thing is certain – his 30s will be nothing like his 20s. He has experienced all the fame anyone could ever want. He is now ready for the next chapter,’ sources explained.
‘He is in love with Taylor. He wants a family with her and this is the next phase of his life.’
Don’t Expect Project From Harry Soon
While Styles will no doubt continue to make music and is expected to further ‘explore his acting opportunities’, insiders warn fans not to expect any new projects in the near future: ‘Harry no longer needs to prove himself and he is finally going to take some time to reap the rewards of his success.’
Certainly, that success has been more than impressive.
