Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton developed a close bond while working together on the Netflix series Bridgerton, where they portray the characters of Penelope and Colin. The show, which premiered in December 2020, is based on the book series by Julia Quinn that follows a group of siblings on their quest for love. Coughlan and Newton found themselves in a unique position as their characters’ friendship gradually evolves into a romantic relationship over the first two seasons of the show.
As they navigated the transition from supporting characters to leads, Coughlan and Newton had the opportunity to deepen their connection while portraying Penelope and Colin’s friends-to-lovers storyline. Despite Coughlan jokingly referring to herself as the “captain” of the Penelope and Colin relationship, she admitted feeling nervous about filming romantic scenes with Newton in the upcoming season 3 of the show. Both actors had read the books before starting the series and found it amusing to consider the possibility of having to film intimate moments together.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight in June 2023, Coughlan shared her thoughts about the challenges of portraying romantic scenes with a close friend like Newton. She expressed how daunting it felt to have to kiss someone she considered a friend on screen, emphasizing the need for authenticity in their performances. According to Coughlan, the show remains faithful to the books, delivering the expected romantic moments that fans of the series anticipate.
Despite the nerves and challenges of filming intimate scenes, Coughlan and Newton’s friendship off-screen has helped them navigate the demands of their on-screen relationship. The close bond they share as co-stars has translated into a genuine chemistry between their characters, enriching the portrayal of Penelope and Colin’s evolving romance. By drawing on their connection as friends, Coughlan and Newton have been able to bring depth and authenticity to their characters’ love story, enhancing the overall appeal of Bridgerton for viewers.
As fans eagerly anticipate the release of season 3 of Bridgerton, Coughlan and Newton’s friendship continues to play a crucial role in their ability to portray the evolving relationship between Penelope and Colin. The actors’ shared experiences and mutual respect for each other’s craft have allowed them to bring nuance and emotion to their performances, capturing the essence of a deepening connection between their characters. The supportive bond between Coughlan and Newton both on and off-screen adds an extra layer of authenticity to the romantic narrative that unfolds in Bridgerton, further captivating audiences with their on-screen chemistry.
