Ella Bright from Off Campus Addresses Fan Speculation About Dating Co-Star Belmont Cameli: “That’s Literally My Brother”

Off Campus star Ella Bright has directly responded to fans who are hoping she and her on-screen love interest Belmont Cameli might become a real-life couple. The 19-year-old actress made it clear that while their on-screen chemistry as Hannah Wells and Garrett Graham is undeniable, any romantic connection between them off-camera is purely fictional.

During her appearance on the July 3 episode of the podcast In Your Dreams with Owen Thiele, Bright addressed the topic with a mix of amusement and firmness. “It’s very funny,” she said, reflecting on the fan reactions during the show’s press tour. “The press tour, I thought people were like, ‘Oh, I love that they’re just promoting this as friends.’ ‘Cause that’s what it was, of course.”

She acknowledged that she can understand why audiences might interpret their close friendship as something more, especially given the central romance between their characters in the Prime Video series. “I totally get it,” Bright explained. “But it is so weird. I’m like, ‘No. That’s literally my brother.’”

Bright went on to emphasize her platonic feelings toward Cameli, who is 28 and currently in a relationship with TV writer Raina Morris. She spoke warmly about Morris, describing her as “my angel on earth” and expressing genuine admiration. “Also, he has a perfect, beautiful, amazing girlfriend who is my angel on earth,” Bright said. “I love him so much, but yeah, it’s very funny.”

Her comments reflect a common experience for young actors whose on-screen romances spark real-world shipping from enthusiastic fans. The success of Off Campus Season 1, which brings Elle Kennedy’s popular book series to life, has only intensified this phenomenon. Hannah and Garrett’s relationship — filled with hockey romance, personal growth, and emotional depth — has resonated strongly with viewers, leading many to project similar hopes onto the actors portraying them.

Bright has previously spoken about her genuine friendship with Cameli, noting that they clicked immediately during chemistry reads for the show. “We have so much fun together. He’s the greatest,” she told PEOPLE earlier. Their long shooting days — often 15 or 16 hours — helped forge a strong bond that she deeply values. “When you spend that much time with someone on set, you have to be just the best of friends. I really look up to him a lot.”

When asked whether she would ever consider dating a co-star, Bright expressed hesitation. “I don’t think so,” she said. “I don’t know if I would date actors.” However, she left the door slightly open, adding, “Maybe if I meet the right person. Who knows?”

For the time being, Bright is happily embracing single life. “I’m single,” she confirmed. “Not ready to mingle. I love being single.” She described this period as particularly meaningful amid the significant changes in her life following the show’s success. “This kind of big change in life is just really nice — to just be doing it for myself and also just trying to sit with it,” she reflected. “I’m already trying to make my way through it.”

Her stance on relationships comes at a time when several Off Campus cast members are navigating their own personal lives in the public eye. Mika Abdalla, who plays Hannah’s best friend Allie Hayes in Season 2, recently confirmed her split from former fiancé Jake Short. The actress, whose character shares a central romance with Stephen Kalyn’s Dean Di Laurentis, has also been linked to co-star Josh Heuston after they were spotted together in Paris.

Despite these real-life developments among the cast, Bright remains focused on her individual journey and the opportunities that have come with Off Campus’s breakout success. “None of this was in my plan at all,” she told Vanity Fair. “It flipped my life upside down in the best way I could have ever dreamed about. Things are coming true for me that…I never thought could happen.”

Cameli, who plays the charismatic hockey star Garrett Graham, has kept a relatively low profile regarding his relationship with Raina Morris. The couple has been together since at least March 2025, with Cameli subtly featuring her in his social media posts. Bright’s positive comments about Morris suggest a supportive and friendly dynamic between the three of them.

The distinction between on-screen romance and real-life friendship has become a notable talking point for Off Campus fans. While many enjoy imagining their favorite characters’ actors together, Bright’s candid response serves as a gentle reminder that professional relationships and personal boundaries matter, even in the whirlwind of newfound fame.

As the series continues to gain popularity and future seasons are anticipated, Bright’s refreshing honesty about her platonic bond with Cameli helps set realistic expectations. Their strong friendship likely contributes significantly to the authentic feel of Hannah and Garrett’s relationship on screen, even as they maintain separate personal lives.

For now, Ella Bright is prioritizing self-discovery and career growth during this exciting new chapter. Her willingness to embrace single life while celebrating her friendships — both on and off screen — offers a mature perspective that stands out in an industry often obsessed with romantic pairings.

Off Campus Season 1 remains available to stream on Prime Video, allowing fans to enjoy the compelling fictional romance between Hannah and Garrett while respecting the real-life boundaries clearly outlined by the talented young actress who brings Hannah to life.