While Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton's romance may be heating up the screen in “Bridgerton” Season 3, their real-life counterparts, Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton, are proving that their off-screen bond is just as heartwarming.
Coughlan recently took a break from her own busy schedule to support Newton at his latest theatrical venture, cheering him on from the audience of his West End play, "The Shape of Things."
The actress took to Instagram to share a sweet snapshot of their reunion, captioning the photo: "Smashing it up on the London stage and I’m so proud, you’re the best @lukenewtonuk.
Newton, clearly touched by his co-star’s gesture, reposted the photo on his Instagram story with a simple but telling caption: "Reunited."
"Bridgerton" fans have watched with delight as Coughlan and Newton's characters have navigated the ups and downs of friendship, unrequited love, and the complexities of London society. While their characters' relationship has remained strictly platonic (until now!), their off-screen rapport is undeniable.
"Luke is one of the kindest, funniest people I know," Coughlan gushed during a recent interview. "We have so much fun together, both on and off set. It makes going to work a joy."
Newton echoed Coughlan's sentiments, praising her talent, work ethic, and infectious energy.
"Nicola brings such warmth and humor to everything she does," Newton shared. "It's impossible not to have a good time when she's around."
As “Bridgerton” gears up for a romance-filled Season 3, both actors have been candid about the unique challenges of transitioning from friends to on-screen love interests.
"We've been joking about the 'kissing your friend' thing since season 1," Coughlan revealed during an appearance on "Entertainment Tonight." "It's definitely a bit strange, but we're both professionals, and we're committed to telling Penelope and Colin's story authentically."
Coughlan recounted a particularly humorous moment on set while filming one of Penelope and Colin's more intimate scenes.
"We were supposed to be caught up in this incredibly romantic moment," Coughlan explained, her eyes twinkling with laughter. "But we couldn’t stop giggling. It was like, 'Okay, now gaze deeply into each other's eyes…and try not to laugh!'"
Despite the inevitable awkwardness of their newfound on-screen romance, both Coughlan and Newton are excited for fans to see Penelope and Colin's relationship blossom in Season 3.
"Get ready for a romantic rollercoaster!" Coughlan teased. "This season is all about passion, longing, and the thrill of first love. I think the fans are going to love it."
So, while we wait with bated breath for the next chapter in the "Polin" love story to unfold on screen, it's heartwarming to see that the friendship between Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton is flourishing both on and off the “Bridgerton” set.
