Move over, Kanthony! Bridgerton’s newest power couple, Penelope and Colin (affectionately known as "Polin" by their devoted fans), is about to set hearts aflutter. And the secret to their sizzling on-screen chemistry? A real-life friendship that’s as sweet and supportive as it is playfully mischievous.
After what felt like an eternity of waiting, Bridgerton Season 3 is finally here, and this time, the spotlight shines on the slow-burn romance between the witty Penelope Featherington and the charmingly oblivious Colin Bridgerton.
Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton, the actors behind Penelope and Colin, have been inseparable since the very first season of Bridgerton. They’ve walked red carpets hand-in-hand, shared playful glances during interviews, and fueled endless fan edits with their undeniable chemistry.
"There's something that just bonds you when you do this show with someone," Newton revealed in a recent interview. “When you lead the show, you’re in every day together.”
For Coughlan, the shared experience of navigating the pressures of Bridgerton's demanding schedule and the weight of leading the show has only deepened their connection.
"It's a very rare experience," she confessed. "I think we’re aware of how unique this is. I don't have a relationship like anyone in my life like I have with you."
The demands of leading a show like Bridgerton can be overwhelming, but for Coughlan and Newton, their friendship has been a constant source of support and reassurance. They’ve been each other’s cheerleaders, confidantes, and partners in crime, navigating the challenges of fame and the intensity of filming side-by-side.
“Any time that felt difficult or I was struggling with it — whether it was the schedule or the hours or jumping from episode to episode — I just felt reassured in the fact that Nic was going through the same experience and coping with it really well," Newton shared. "So I would go, ‘Right, get your shit together and let’s get on with it’."
As with previous seasons of Bridgerton, the focus on Penelope and Colin's love story will likely conclude by the season's end, making way for a new couple to take center stage.
"By the end, I was really sad… because we really went on a journey through it," Coughlan confided.
Newton echoed her sentiment, reflecting on the unique bond they've forged as on-screen partners and real-life friends.
"I remember towards the end thinking, we’ll never lead this again,” he said to Coughlan. “We’ll never lead the show together again. We’ll never get that opportunity.”
While Bridgerton fans might mourn the eventual departure of their beloved Polin, the enduring friendship between Coughlan and Newton is a testament to the power of connection, both on and off the screen. Their journey, a reminder that true friendship can blossom even amidst the chaos of Hollywood, is a story as heartwarming and captivating as any fictional romance.
