Dearest reader, it is almost time to dive back into the world of Bridgerton — with the love story you have all been waiting for.
Of Lady Whistledown herself.
Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton, aka Penelope and Colin — are in the spotlight in the latest season of Netflix's Regency-era drama series, Bridgerton.
Season 3 is set to deliver the traditional soirees, scandals, and steamy scenes we have come to expect from the popular series — but it's got another element that former Ton couples did not have.
A true friendship.
"To have a friend by your side that you love, and trust is like the best thing," says Nicola Coughlan.
Both the stars credit their off-screen friendship as the reason why their characters' chemistry has fans in awe.
"I think we have such like a love for one another as friends and real respect for one another.
"I don't think either of us really struggled to be disingenuous," she adds.
Co-star Luke Newton who plays Nicola's love interest in the show was quick to agree.
"It just felt like a perfect fit that we were friends."
"It felt so appropriate to their story, because they're friends to lovers," shares Luke.
With the series being based on the books by author Julia Quinn, the show eventually turning to Luke and Nicola's characters' was expected. Something the actors even anticipated.
But it came one season too soon.
"We didn't know that we would get there, you know, by season 3 … with the order of the books and everything," says Luke.
Did it make filming more overwhelming?
Newton says — absolutely not.
As soon as he read the script for the new season, a 'sense of calm' took over.
"We're really-really lucky," Nicola adds with obvious relief.
"It sounds so saccharin. When we say we just really got on — but we actually did."
In the eight months of intense filming for the show — the cast of Bridgerton also graced the streets of regional Australia.
For a week the high society of Bridgerton took over the News South Wales town of Bowral.
"We had to not tell anyone we were coming here," shares Nicola on their trip Down Under.
It was a big secret — smuggling the leads of the series into a town all the way in Australia.
One that involved "being in hiding" at the start of their visit.
Loading..."It is wild… I'm really glad we pulled it off," Nicola laughs.
For Luke Newton, his first time ever in Australia ended up being a 'great time'.
The long flight included.
"It was a long one. But I caught up on some films.
"I haven't had a lot of downtime. It was nice to just take a breath for a moment," he adds.
Luke Newton was filled with praise for Australia — calling his time here 'quite special'.
The regency romance swept the town earlier in April, with the stars holding a special meet and greet for fans in Australia before heading back to the States.
Bridgerton season 3 part one premieres May 16 on Netflix.