Calling all "Bridgerton" devotees! As the ton reels from the steamy romance of Colin and Penelope in Season 3, rumors of a real-life love story between actors Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton have reached a fever pitch. Could our favorite literary darling and her charming suitor be finding love off-screen as well?
Well, dearies, grab your smelling salts and prepare for a gentle let-down, because Nicola herself has addressed the rumors – and her answer might not be what you (or our gossip-loving hearts) were hoping for.
In an exclusive interview with Extra's Mona Kosar Abdi, Nicola addressed the dating speculation with a mix of affection and a touch of "Let's-quash-this-rumor-gently."
"We think it's really sweet," she shared, "because we truly love each other... He is a really special person in my life, and I got to do this experience with him.
”
Notice those carefully chosen words? “Special person,” "love each other"... all cushioned within the context of a once-in-a-lifetime work experience. It seems our dear Nicola is fluent in the language of "friend-zoning" with grace and eloquence.
While a romantic relationship might be off the cards, Nicola is all praises for the on-screen chemistry she shares with Luke N., particularly in those much-talked-about intimate scenes.
“They’re everything we wanted them to be and more,” Nicola gushed. “They’re really romantic. They’re beautifully written. They feel sexy, they're exciting. I couldn’t be happier, honestly."
She also credits the supportive environment on set, particularly from former leading ladies Phoebe Dynevor and Simone Ashley, for helping her navigate the challenges of leading a season.
"Simone and Phoebe were both incredible," Nicola revealed. "They both made it known to me, they were like, 'We're here if you need us.
'"
It seems the "Bridgerton" ladies have a strong sisterhood both on and off-screen. Now, that’s a romance we can get behind!
Luke Newton, for his part, also addressed those steamy scenes, albeit with a touch of playful apprehension about his mother's reaction.
"It's really hard to tell if it's, like, as steamy as everyone says it is," he laughed.
"That will be fun [for my mum to watch]. That will be a good conversation.”
He emphasizes that the focus was always on portraying the characters' journey authentically. "We didn't want it to be this, like, romantic, sexy scene and they suddenly become different people,” he explained. “We wanted to keep the authenticity of who they are."
While a love story between Nicola and Luke N.
might not be blossoming off-screen, there’s clearly a deep bond of friendship and mutual respect between them. And who knows, maybe a few seasons down the line, their paths might take a different turn.
For now, though, it seems our hopes for a #Polin romance are confined to the fictional world of "Bridgerton." But hey, with a show this full of twists, turns, and unexpected pairings, anything is possible!
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