Dearest Readers,
If you've been wondering what it was like for Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton to film their intimate scenes, as it turns out, it didn't take much to get them burning.
In fact, despite the pressures of stepping into the spotlight as the main love story for season three, the two actors said working together was as easy as dancing. Literally.
"We've actually been dance partners for five years," Nicola told E! News' Francesca Amiker in an exclusive interview. "So we had a certain physical comfort level with each other which helps immensely."
And for the longtime pals, Luke said bringing the friends to lovers trope to life onscreen was equally effortless.
"It was natural," he reflected. "We didn't have to do anything to like ignite that. It was kind of like these characters had got there over a long period of time—they talk of Colin and Pen as the slow burn romance—but really when we got there..."
"We just went for it," Nicola finished. "We had to kind of hold back on the chemistry for the first two seasons. And then it was like when we were ready to unleash it, we were like, 'Here you go!'"
But where some might balk at the idea of crossing that intimacy line with a friend, Luke confirmed their history was an asset to the filming process.
"You'd think filming a scene like that with someone who's a friend," the 31-year-old explained, "who has been your friend for like four years, would be a daunting experience, but actually it was a reassuring one."
He continued, "It felt like a real safe space to explore these scenes and find new and interesting ways—you know, the show is known for the steamy scenes, so we wanted to really encapsulate the Colin and Pen love story. Their humor, and all these different genres their relationship showcases."
Unfortunately, fans will have to wait until May 16 to see Colin and Penelope's love story begin when part one of season three drops on Netflix.
But until then, here is a rundown of everything we've learned about Bridgerton's third installment so far.