Hold onto your bonnets, "Bridgerton" fans! While the chemistry between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton might be scorching up our screens, it seems the sparks aren't flying off-screen. Despite fervent fan theories and those hand-holding photos from the Season 3 premiere, Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton are setting the record straight: they're "just friends."
The internet has been abuzz with speculation about Nicola and Luke's relationship status ever since photos surfaced of them looking rather cozy at the "Bridgerton" Season 3 launch event in Australia.
But a source close to the actors has confirmed to PEOPLE that while they're "supportive co-stars" who have a blast working together, they're not romantically involved.
"They are not dating," the source emphasized, dashing the hopes of "Polin" shippers worldwide.
While a real-life romance might be off the table, Nicola and Luke have been more than happy to tease fans with behind-the-scenes tidbits about filming their steamy on-screen love story.
Nicola has shared that their chemistry was so intense during a particular sex scene that they actually broke a piece of furniture!
"We were just having so much fun," Nicola revealed during an interview on SiriusXM Hits 1. "We were laughing so hard, and things got a little...out of hand."
Luke echoed Nicola's sentiments, adding that their long-standing friendship made filming those intimate scenes feel like a "safe space."
"There were moments where we could explore the scene and try it different ways," Luke explained to 7News Australia.
He even hinted that the hilarious footage of their furniture-breaking antics might make it into the final cut of the show.
"It would be nice to see that side of Colin and Penelope," Luke chuckled.
While Nicola and Luke might not be an item in real life, their on-screen counterparts are navigating the complexities of friendship, heartbreak, and the possibility of something more.
Season 3 finds Penelope heartbroken after overhearing Colin declare that he would never court her. Determined to move on, she focuses on finding a suitable husband, much to Colin's surprise (and perhaps, a twinge of jealousy?).
"Something wrong, Pen? Between us, I mean?" Colin asks, sensing a shift in their dynamic.
Penelope confronts him about his hurtful words, reminding him that she overheard his declaration at her mother's ball.
"Of course, you would never court me," she retorts, her voice laced with pain. "I'm the laughingstock of the ton!"
Will Colin realize that he's harbored feelings for Penelope all along? Will Penelope's heart finally mend? Only time (and a "Bridgerton" binge-watching session) will tell!
