Hold onto your tiaras, "Bridgerton" fans, because this rumor mill is churning faster than Lady Whistledown after a cup of strong tea! A recent discovery has sent the internet into a frenzy, hinting at a possible off-screen romance between everyone’s favorite on-screen couple, Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton.

The Photo That Launched a Thousand Fan Theories

The evidence? A seemingly innocent Instagram post from Nicola’s archives, dating back to the halcyon days before "Bridgerton" season two graced our screens.

The picture in question shows a casually handsome Luke Newton, seated with his back to a mirror, diligently rehearsing lines from his script. But it's what's reflected in the mirror that has everyone talking.

There, in all her mischievous glory, is Nicola, phone in hand, capturing the moment with a playful smile and a glimmer in her eye that screams, “This is my boyfriend, and I'll brag about it subtly through strategically chosen mirror selfies!”

Body Language Experts Assemble!

The internet, being the breeding ground for amateur sleuths and body language experts, went into overdrive.

“Look at the way she's looking at him! That's not just friendship, people!” exclaimed one fan on Twitter, clearly convinced this photo was practically a signed confession. Another chimed in, "And that smile! She's totally smitten!"

A History of Adorable Antics

This isn't the first time the pair's off-screen chemistry has fueled romance rumors. Nicola and Luke are notorious for their playful banter on social media, often leaving flirty comments on each other's posts. And who could forget their adorable joint interviews, filled with knowing glances and giggles that could melt even the iciest of hearts (looking at you, Lady Danbury)?

All Signs Point to…Well, We Can’t Say for Sure

While neither Nicola nor Luke has confirmed or denied the dating rumors, the evidence, as presented by a grainy mirror selfie and the internet’s collective wishful thinking, is certainly intriguing. Could they have been secretly dating back then? Are they perhaps still an item, hiding their romance from the prying eyes of the paparazzi and the judgmental whispers of the ton?

Or maybe, just maybe, they’re simply two colleagues and good friends who enjoy playful banter and a well-timed mirror selfie. Guess we’ll have to wait for Lady Whistledown’s next gossip column to know for sure.