09 July,2026 01:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli. Pic via AFP
Prime Video's Off Campus may have won over audiences with the chemistry between its lead pair, but off-screen, Ella Bright is drawing a firm line. The 19-year-old actor has shut down fan speculation about a possible romance with her co-star Belmont Cameli, saying she would "never" date him and describing him as "literally my brother."
Speaking on the In Your Dreams With Owen Thiele podcast, Bright reacted to fans who have been rooting for her and Cameli to become a real-life couple after watching their on-screen romance in Off Campus.
"I totally get it, but it is so weird. Like, no," she said, before adding, "I love him so much, but he's literally my brother."
Bright also pointed out that Cameli, 28, is happily in a relationship with writer Raina Morris. Calling Morris "my angel on Earth," she praised the couple and made it clear that there was never any romantic possibility between her and her co-star.
The comments come months after Off Campus premiered on Prime Video, with viewers praising the chemistry between Bright's Hannah and Cameli's Garrett, whose romance forms the heart of the first season based on The Deal, the first novel in Elle Kennedy's bestselling book series.
There is also another rumoured couple in the show. In Off Campus, Mika Abdalla stars as Allie Hayes and Josh Heuston plays Justin Kohl. Fans began speculating about a real-life romance after noticing their electric chemistry during the show's promotional tours and interviews.
The show's release also triggered online debate because of the nearly nine-year age gap between Bright and Cameli, particularly after intimate scenes between their characters aired.
Bright had earlier addressed the criticism, explaining that she was fully informed about the requirements of the role before signing the project. She revealed that the production team clearly communicated the extent of the intimate scenes during the audition process and that she was comfortable with the creative decisions.
Series creator Louisa Levy also defended the casting, speaking to Variety, saying she had personally spoken to Bright before finalising her contract to ensure she understood every aspect of the role. Levy added that experienced intimacy coordinator Kathy Kadler worked closely with all actors involved in intimate scenes, making sure everyone felt safe and comfortable throughout filming.
While fans may continue to celebrate Hannah and Garrett's love story on screen, Bright has made one thing abundantly clear - the romance ends when the cameras stop rolling.
