Elena and Damon, played by Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder in The Vampire Diaries, had seamless onscreen chemistry from the moment they met. Despite the fact that Elena was dating Damon’s younger brother Stefan (played by Paul Wesley) in the first few seasons, there was something about the two characters that made us pull for them. Of course, it all came together when the two protagonists finally admitted their affections for one other and discovered that they were a wonderful fit.

Nina and Ian fell in love and started dating in real life after their characters started dating on the show. Their followers, who had hoped for a real-life happy ending for the couple, were left heartbroken when the two chose to call it quits. The show debuted on television in 2009 and lasted for eight seasons. On March 10, 2017, the final episode of the series was released. While Ian continues to appear in the series till the very end, Nina left the show in season 6.

Although there were rumors that Nina and Ian ended their relationship on a sour note and that the actress’s failed real-life romance was the reason for her departure from the show, the actors insisted that there was no bad blood between them. At the 2014 People’s Choice Awards, they even gave us serious ex-goals. People thought it would be awkward if the two won the award for Favorite On-Screen Chemistry because they had broken up in real life when they were nominated. While they did win the award, the situation was far from embarrassing.

They’d arrived prepared and knew just how to deal with the issue like pros. Nina and Ian decided to reflect on their confusing relationship status with a little bit of humor before anyone else could make it awkward for them. They also separated the audience while addressing the elephant in the room. The two went to the stage, accepted their prize, and provided a rough timeline of their on-screen and off-screen connection to their supporters.

“You were hooking up with my brother!” exclaimed the narrator. When it came to Paul’s personality, Ian disagreed. Dobrev retorted, “You killed my brother,” referring to her on-screen sibling Jeremy, played by Steven R. McQueen. In the second season, Damon kills Jeremy by snapping his neck. While he was later resurrected thanks to his magical ring, the incident had a negative impact on Damon and Elena’s relationship. Despite all changes, the two characters began dating in season four. With the prize in his hand, Ian stated, “And then she fell in love with me.”
Nina said, “And then we started dating on the show.” Then Ian acknowledged that their characters started dating in real life after they started seeing each other on the show. We broke up in real life after that,” the actress continued. After dating for approximately three years, they called it quits in 2013. “And yet, on the programme, our characters are still dating,” she says, According to Somerhalder. “It’s a good thing it’s not awkward,” says the narrator “Ian awkwardly looked around as the actress replied with a nervous giggle.” “It’s a good thing we have chemistry!” says the narrator. Nina added, smiling brightly and receiving a kiss on the cheek from Ian.

Their participation in the award presentation, which sparked a lot of conjecture, demonstrated that the two were on excellent terms. Nina celebrated her 25th birthday later that week, and Ian shared the greatest greeting for his ex-girlfriend. “Wishing you a very happy birthday, @ninadobrev!!! The entire world adores you! We’re all guilty of it.” He tweeted, “Enjoy the moment, enjoy the day, enjoy the year!” They’ve both moved on with their lives since then. Ian is married to Nikki Reed, a Twilight actor, and they have a son together. Meanwhile, Nina and her lover, Shaun White, are practicing self-isolation.