Nicola Coughlan, the witty and charming star of "Bridgerton," is a fan favorite, not just for her portrayal of Penelope Featherington (and her alter ego, the ever-so-sharp Lady Whistledown) but also for her refreshingly honest personality and her undeniable charm.

With "Bridgerton" season 3 taking viewers on a whirlwind romance between Penelope and Colin Bridgerton (played by Luke Newton), it's no surprise that fans have been wondering about the actors' real-life relationship. But, alas, it's all just a case of good-natured chemistry, not a blossoming romance.

From "Polin" to "Just Friends": Nicola Sets the Record Straight

"We think it’s really sweet, I think because we truly love each other, you know what I mean?" Coughlan shared in a recent interview, acknowledging the fan speculation. "He is a really special person in my life, and I got to do this experience with him. I’ll never get to do something like this again, on this scale. Like are you kidding me? Like, we’re here in New York City, having our premiere. So it’s so nice having such a lovely friend that I can do all this with.”

Her comments, delivered with a mix of sincerity and a touch of playful teasing, put a stop to the "Polin" rumors – at least, for now.

Navigating Modern Love: Nicola's Take on Dating in the 21st Century

So, what about Nicola's actual love life?

In a previous interview, she poked fun at the complexities of modern dating, comparing it to dating in the Regency era.

“I think nowadays they smell better. That’s what I always think about the past…we think of it as so romantic and lovely, but then there was no personal hygiene," she explained. “[It’s] good because we have a choice now, but then there’s that thing of the paradox of choice.

The "Derry Girls" Connection: Nicola's Past Romance

While Nicola's been pretty mum on past relationships, there's been speculation that she dated Laurie Kynaston, who appeared in one episode of "Derry Girls," the show that launched her into the spotlight.

The two were pictured together on several occasions, and even though they never officially confirmed their relationship, a publication called GalwayBeo claimed they eventually split to focus on their acting careers.

"Bridgerton" Fans Remain Hopeful (And Nicola's Loving the Attention)

Even though Nicola has confirmed that she and Luke are just friends, the "Polin" fan base remains undeterred, clinging to the hope that their onscreen romance could blossom into something real.

And who can blame them? The chemistry between the two actors is undeniable, and their playful banter and off-screen support for each other only fuels the fire.

Whatever the future holds for Nicola, it's clear that she's a force to be reckoned with. Her talent, her humor, and her genuine heart have made her a fan favorite, and we're excited to see where her career takes her next – both on and off the screen.