Hold onto your corsets, "Bridgerton" fans, because Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton are throwing caution (and societal expectations!) to the wind in a whirlwind of forbidden romance. Season 3 sees the seemingly innocent duo embracing their passions, culminating in a steamy encounter that has viewers fanning themselves.
"They’re constantly breaking rules," Nicola Coughlan, who plays the ever-so-observant Penelope, revealed to TheWrap.
"They’re sneaky, they seem like little sweeties… but they’re always breaking rules.”
And break the rules they do! In a pivotal scene that has set tongues wagging, Colin, portrayed by the charming Luke Newton, expresses his love for Penelope – right before their wedding night! The anticipation reaches fever pitch as he guides her towards a floor-length mirror, revealing her beauty in a way she’s never allowed herself to see. What follows is a passionate encounter that defies societal norms, as the couple succumbs to their desires before their vows are exchanged.
“They both love that — Colin is a big rule breaker, they like to break the rules,” Newton shared with a mischievous grin. “Something about that era as well — the danger of it — makes it quite sexy — being forbidden."
The actors acknowledge the inherent allure of forbidden love, especially within the confines of Regency-era society, where societal expectations and whispered scandals reigned supreme.
"There’s an electricity to their connection," Coughlan explained. “The knowledge that what they’re doing is taboo, that they could be ostracized for their actions, only intensifies their passion.”
Both Coughlan and Newton have been vocal about the importance of portraying intimacy in a way that feels authentic to their characters.
"We wanted to honor the love and anticipation that has been building between Penelope and Colin since season one," Newton emphasized. "It was essential for us to show the progression of their relationship, both emotionally and physically, in a way that felt genuine."
Coughlan, a staunch advocate for the use of intimacy coordinators on set, shared her appreciation for their role in creating a safe and comfortable environment for actors to explore intimate scenes.
“It’s not about choreography; it’s about creating a space where we feel safe to explore the vulnerability and raw emotions of these characters,” Coughlan explained. “And I think that translates to a more authentic and impactful experience for the viewers.”
The steamy mirror scene is not just about physical intimacy; it signifies Penelope's personal growth and her journey towards self-acceptance.
“Her nakedness in that scene… is very representative of her taking a step on that journey, allowing herself and her body to be seen by the man she loves," Jess Brownell, the season’s showrunner, explained.
Penelope, who has spent years observing society from the sidelines, finally allows herself to be seen, both literally and metaphorically. It’s a powerful moment of vulnerability and liberation for a character who has often felt invisible.
As Penelope and Colin navigate the complexities of their newfound love affair, one thing is certain: This season of “Bridgerton” is rewriting the rules of romance, proving that sometimes, the most fulfilling love stories are the ones that dare to defy expectations.
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