Since the first season of Netflix’s Bridgerton aired in 2020, we haven’t been able to get enough of Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton.
After many years of patiently waiting, the fan-favourite pair are finally getting their moment, with the third season of Bridgerton dedicated to their blossoming romance.
While they may be one of the internet’s favourite fictional couples, away from the camera, Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton are also the best of friends.
Speaking to Netflix on their new role as Bridgerton’s leading couple, Nicola said, “I couldn’t ask for a better partner to go into this with. I have such trust in Luke, and I hope he has it in me to go forward on it.”
“There’s so much love for [Penelope and Colin’s] relationship, which brings its pressures… but it also really warms me,” Luke continued.
It’s no secret that Bridgerton has its fair share of raunchy scenes and while their on-screen romance may appear effortless, the duo have joked about how their friendship impacted filming of the season’s steamiest moments
“There was one day where we had to do a beautifully written romantic scene, and we were just peeing ourselves with laughter because you have to look into each other’s eyes. We were like ‘Oh god’,” Nicola told Entertainment Tonight.
Dispelling the movie magic, the pair have also joked about how the practicalities of filming an intimacy scene made for a series of hilarious moments.
“I was in my intimacy stuff, and I just said, ‘Nic, you’ve got to see what I’m wearing before we start the scene because you’ll laugh,’ and it’s just a little cup,” laughed Luke.
Fortunately for Nicola and Luke, their off-screen bond made it easier to navigate even the most awkward moments on set.
“I feel like there’s always that question being asked of is it easier to do the intimacy scenes with someone who is your friend of four years or someone you just met for one day? I can safely say it’s easier with a friend. There really is that sort of support,” Luke shared with Entertainment Tonight.
As more snippets of their Penelope and Colin’s romance surface ahead of the long-awaited season three premiere, it’s hard to deny that Nicola and Luke’s on-screen chemistry is arguably the most palpable of the franchise so far.
“We’ve known each other now for five years and people were like, ‘What did you do to build the chemistry? and I’m like, ‘Well, we just stopped repressing it and then it was fine.’ We didn’t have to do anything,” Nicola joked at the Australian season three premiere.
Are Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan dating?
While their love story may be blossoming on-screen, Luke and Nicola have confirmed that they are not an item.
Responding to the sudden influx of relationship rumours, Nicola told Extra, “We think it’s really sweet. I think it’s because we truly love each other… He’s a really special person in my life, and I got to do this experience with him.”
“We’re here in New York City having our premiere, so it’s nice having such a lovely friend I can do this all with.”
Following the release of Bridgerton season three, sources further quashed any speculation, confirming to People that the pair were no more than “supportive co-stars.”
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