He's captured hearts as the charming Colin Bridgerton, but did you know that Luke Newton's journey to Bridgerton stardom involved boy bands, Broadway stages, and a touch of teen drama? Get ready to swoon, because we're spilling the tea on everyone's favorite Regency-era heartthrob!

Before the Ballrooms: Luke's Early Days on Screen and Stage

Long before he was swooning debutantes at grand balls, a young Luke Newton was making waves on British television. He kicked off his career in the teen drama The Cut, proving his acting chops even before he could legally sip champagne.

But Luke's talents weren’t confined to the screen. This triple threat also graced the West End stage, showcasing his impressive vocal range in productions like The Book of Mormon and Legally Blonde.

“Performing has always been my passion,” Luke shared in a recent interview. "Whether it's on stage or in front of the camera, I love bringing stories to life."

The Boy Band Chapter: A Million-Dollar Deal and "Cougar Town"?

Now, for the juicy bit! Before donning Colin Bridgerton's waistcoats, Luke had a brief but unforgettable stint in a boy band called South 4.

Yes, you read that right!

Imagine: a young Luke, all tousled hair and boyish charm, belting out pop anthems. The group even scored a million-pound record deal and released a single titled (wait for it)... "Cougar Town." We're not making this up!

Sadly, South 4's time in the spotlight was short-lived, but their music still lives on Spotify for those brave enough to take a trip down memory lane.

"Hey, we all have to start somewhere," Luke joked in a recent interview, when asked about his boy band past.

"At least it makes for a good story at parties!"

Bridgerton's Breakout Star: From Supporting Player to Leading Man

After paying his dues on stage and screen, Luke landed his breakout role as Colin Bridgerton, the charming (if slightly clueless) younger brother in Netflix's global phenomenon.

“I was drawn to Colin’s warmth and sense of adventure,” Luke revealed. “He's a good soul, but there's also a depth to him that I was excited to explore.”

For two seasons, fans watched Colin stumble through romantic mishaps and embark on far-flung adventures, all while harboring a secret crush on his best friend, Penelope Featherington.

And in Season 3, as many fans hoped, Colin and Penelope finally take center stage, their simmering chemistry reaching a boiling point.

Luke's Leading Man Status: Onward and Upward!

With his charming personality, undeniable talent, and (let’s be honest) those smoldering good looks, it's no surprise that Luke Newton has become a household name. His net worth is estimated to be a cool £2.2 million, and it's only going up from here.

As Bridgerton continues its reign as a global phenomenon, Luke is using his well-deserved platform to pursue new projects and challenge himself creatively. One thing's certain: this is just the beginning for this multi-talented star. So keep your eyes peeled, because Luke Newton is a force to be reckoned with!