Who needs a ballroom when you've got the West End? "Bridgerton" stars Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton are proving that their friendship is the real deal, even when the cameras aren't rolling.
Coughlan recently took time out of her busy schedule to support her on-screen bestie-turned-love-interest at his new play, "The Shape of Things," and the photos are giving us all the feels.
From "Bridgerton" Balls to London's West End: A Friendship Takes Center Stage
Coughlan, who plays the always-fabulous Penelope Featherington (aka Lady Whistledown, the OG gossip queen), took to Instagram to share a sweet snap of herself and Newton, who plays the charming Colin Bridgerton, backstage at the play.
"Smashing it up on the London stage and I’m so proud, you’re the best @lukenewtonuk," Coughlan captioned the photo, her genuine affection for her co-star shining through.
Newton, clearly touched by the gesture, reposted the photo on his Instagram Story with a simple but heartwarming caption: "reunited."
And let's be real, folks, we're all suckers for a good reunion, especially when it involves two of our favorite "Bridgerton" stars.
From Platonic Pals to Potential Lovers: Season 3 Promises a Romance for the AgesADVERTISEMENT
Fans of the hit Netflix series have been shipping Penelope and Colin (or "Polin," as they're affectionately known) since their friendship first blossomed in season one. And after two seasons of stolen glances and lingering looks, their simmering attraction is finally about to boil over in season 3.
"I always look at the three seasons like this," Coughlan shared in a recent interview. "I think season 1 was about passion, season 2 was about longing and season 3, I think it’s romance all the way. It’s just so romantic.
"Oh God, It's My Friend!": Coughlan and Newton on Filming Those Steamy Scenes
But while their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, Coughlan admits that filming those intimate scenes wasn't without its awkward moments.
"And then season 3 comes on and we were like, 'Oh God,' and then it's like, it's my friend. I have to kiss my friend," she recalled with a laugh.
She even shared a hilarious anecdote about one particularly romantic scene:
"Oh my God, there was one day where we had to sort of do like a very romantic, beautifully written romantic scene," Coughlan recounted.
Beyond the Ballroom: A Real-Life Friendship That's Just as Endearing
It's this ability to find the humor even in the most swoon-worthy moments that makes Coughlan and Newton's friendship so endearing. They're living proof that sometimes, the best romances start with a solid foundation of laughter, support, and mutual admiration.
And we can't wait to see their on-screen (and off-screen) love story continue to unfold.