Hold onto your bonnets, Bridgerton fans, because the love lives of the ton have spilled off-screen and into the real world – and not everyone is happy about it. Luke Newton, beloved for his portrayal of the charming Colin Bridgerton, has been spotted with a new love interest, a 23-year-old woman who is decidedly not his on-screen flame, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan). Cue the collective gasp of "Polin" shippers worldwide.
While Newton's relationship is certainly his own business, the internet, as we know, has its own rules – especially when it comes to the romantic entanglements of our favorite celebrities. The six-year age gap between Newton and his girlfriend has become a hot topic of conversation, with some fans expressing concern while others defend his right to date whomever he pleases.
"She was just a 23 year old woman you sick fuck," one particularly incensed fan declared on social media, highlighting the sometimes-toxic tendency to scrutinize and judge celebrities' personal lives.
Others pointed out the hypocrisy of the situation, considering the often problematic power dynamics and age gaps portrayed within Bridgerton itself. "I can't imagine getting this worked up over a show that is basically Skin-a-Max in regency clothes," quipped one viewer.
As the debate rages on, some fans have turned to history to justify their outrage, arguing that a relationship with such an age difference would have been scandalous during the Regency era.
"Didn't you know that back then being fat was a sign of wealth and prosperity?" one commenter pointed out, seemingly drawing a parallel between the romanticized vision of Regency beauty standards and the current controversy.
However, others were quick to debunk this notion. "Regency fat is barely chubby by today's standards sadly," argued another, highlighting the dangers of idealizing a historical period often characterized by rigid social hierarchies and limited opportunities for women.
At the heart of this frenzy lies the undeniable chemistry between Colin and Penelope, whose slow-burn romance has captivated viewers for two seasons. Fans have eagerly anticipated the pair finally getting together, with many feeling personally invested in the "Polin" relationship.
"Nicola is 6 years older than Luke. People want Luke and Nicola to be together in real life. Luke instead goes on and dates a girl who is 7 years younger than him, and people freak the fuck out because of their age difference. What kind of clownery is this?" questioned one baffled fan, summing up the general sentiment of betrayal felt by a portion of the fandom.
While the future of Newton's relationship remains to be seen, one thing is for sure: the drama surrounding his love life is a stark reminder that sometimes, the line between fiction and reality becomes blurred, especially when it comes to our beloved fictional worlds. The Bridgerton fandom might be reeling, but the show, as they say, must go on. Whether Colin and Penelope will ultimately find their happy ending remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the ton will be talking about this for seasons to come.
