Summary

• Shonda Rhimes teases how Penelope's secret as Lady Whistledown could complicate her story with Colin.
• Colin doesn't know Penelope's secret but Eloise does.
• It's unclear how season 3 will handle the Lady Whistledown predicament, as Penelope becomes the face of season 3.

Shonda Rhimes teases how Penelope Featherington's Lady Whistledown (Nicola Coughlan) identity looms over any potential relationship blossoming with Luke Newton's Colin Bridgerton in Bridgerton season 3. Season 3 is set to adapt the fourth novel of Julia Quinn's series, as Coughlan and Newton's characters step into the lead roles in the upcoming eight episodes of the Netflix show. In season 3, Penelope decides to step forward into the bustling social events of London's high society, but the sudden return of her longtime crush Colin complicates her life.

With Bridgerton season 3 set to return in May, Rhimes revealed in a larger behind-the-scenes preview on Shondaland just how Penelope's scandal-peddling alter-ego looms over her hopes for any romance. While Penelope's true identity as Lady Whistledown remains a secret, the executive producer stated that she still found herself in a precarious new position when dealing with the Bridgerton family, especially with their prior dealings with her column. Check out Rhimes' full explanation below:

“It’s a very different world this time, because we’re dealing with a relationship that’s been based on an underlying lie. Penelope has never revealed to Colin that she is Lady Whistledown — and he has a real problem with Lady Whistledown. So, to see that play out, it feels really fresh.”

Will Bridgerton Season 3 Reveal Penelope's Double Life To The World?

Penelope's Former Best Friend Eloise Knows Her Lady Whistledown Secret.

However, with Penelope stepping into the leading role and Eloise aware of her secret, it is clear that the column's future may be decided in season 3.

Penelope is already in a difficult position as she reunites with Colin in season 3. In Bridgerton season 2's ending, she overheard him ruling out any chances of a romance with Penelope, breaking her heart as she faced a rough period. Furthermore, the secret caused a divide between her and Eloise (Claudia Jesse) once her best friend put the pieces together and confronted her. This came after a good-intentioned attempt to clear Eloise of any suspicion as Lady Whistledown, but it also threw the Bridgerton household into further disrepute at the time. With Penelope returning to write, season 3 is set to be tense.

It is clear that the secret is still safe and secure going into season 3. Despite her striking up a friendship with Penelope's tormenter, Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen), Eloise has clearly remained quiet about Penelope's alter-ego, likely out of the bond they once had. However, the Bridgeton season 3 trailer has shown her urging Colin to be cautious after suspecting he may be falling for Penelope. Any blossoming romance could urge Eloise to tell the truth, or perhaps Penelope could finally tell the world herself, putting her double life to rest.

Penelope's Lady Whistledown secret was an integral plot device in the fourth novel, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton.

Lady Whistledown has been an intrinsic part of Bridgerton since the series debuted. Julie Andrew's narration offered quick insight into the ups and downs of London's wealthy families while providing audiences with an intriguing mystery. However, with Penelope stepping into the leading role and Eloise aware of her secret, it is clear that the column's future may be decided in season 3. With tensions high and Penelope having harmed the Bridgerton household through her identity, any shocking reveal could jeopardize any chance at romance she may be hoping for.

Bridgerton season 3 will be released in two parts, with the first half on May 16 and the final four episodes on June 13.

Source: Shondaland