Bridgerton is set to return for a third series on Netflix, and fans will be well aware that Luke Newton is set to be upgraded to a starring role as Colin Bridgerton.

After playing a supporting role in the prior two series, Newton, from Sussex, is set to co-lead the third series alongside Nicola Coughlan's Penelope Featherington.

The programme as a whole is based on the book series by Julia Quinn, with the third series being based on the fourth book 'Romancing Mister Bridgerton'.

The third series of Bridgerton will be released in two parts, with the first four episodes dropping on Thursday, May 16 and the other four on Thursday, June 13.

Who is Luke Newton?

Luke Newton was born on February 5, 1993, in Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex, making him 31 years old.

Newton has a younger sister and he went to Northbrook College Sussex which is now part of Greater Brighton Metropolitan College.

If you love boybands - wait for it - because Luke was in one and it was called South 4.

The West Sussex actor then went on to train at the London School of Musical Theatre before breaking into acting.

Who does Luke Newton play in Bridgerton?

Luke Newton plays Colin Bridgerton who is the third oldest sibling and son in the Bridgerton family. 

In the aftermath of the second series Penelope is left heartbroken after overhearing Colin say to a group of bachelors that he would never court her, after harbouring a crush on him for ages.

Determined to bounce back she attempts to find a husband who will allow her the freedom to continue her double life as the anonymous gossip writer Lady Whistledown.

The synopsis on Tudum reads: "Lacking in confidence, Penelope’s attempts on the marriage mart fail spectacularly. Meanwhile, Colin has returned from his summer travels with a new look and a serious sense of swagger.

"But he’s disheartened to realize that Penelope, the one person who always appreciated him as he was, is giving him the cold shoulder.

"Eager to win back her friendship, Colin offers to mentor Penelope in the ways of confidence to help her find a husband this season.

"But when his lessons start working a little too well, Colin must grapple with whether his feelings for Penelope are truly just friendly."

Alongside that, Penelope will also be dealing with another potential suitor in Lord Debling (played by Sam Phillips).

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What else has Luke Newton starred in?

If you've been sleeping on Bridgerton, you might recognise Luke from a few other major shows on the telly. 

You may recognise Newton from his role in the TV series The Lodge where he played the character Ben Evans.

He also starred in the popular BBC soap Doctors, Richard Brackenbury in Mr Selfridge and Luke Atwood in The Cut.

Bridgeton Series 3 Part One will release on Netflix on May 16 whilst Part Two will be available on June 13