In a heartwarming and candid revelation that has delighted fans of the Regency-era romance saga, Bridgerton stars Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton have opened up about the natural chemistry that blossomed between them during the filming of Season 3, where they portray the beloved couple Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. The duo, affectionately dubbed “Polin” by fans, shared insights into their on-set dynamic during a series of interviews tied to the season’s release, highlighting how their real-life friendship fueled the authenticity of their characters’ friends-to-lovers arc. As of 4:43 PM +07 on Thursday, July 24, 2025, their comments have reignited excitement for the show, offering a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes magic that brought their romance to life, while also sparking discussions about the power of trust and camaraderie in crafting compelling on-screen relationships.
The chemistry between Coughlan and Newton first became a talking point with the release of Bridgerton Season 3 in May 2024, which shifted the spotlight to their characters’ evolving relationship. Penelope, the wallflower-turned-writer, and Colin, the charming third Bridgerton son, transitioned from childhood friends to romantic partners, a journey that captivated audiences with its emotional depth. Coughlan, 38, and Newton, 32, who have been part of the series since its 2019 inception, credited their off-screen bond for the seamless portrayal. In a May 2024 interview with Refinery29, Coughlan reflected, “It’s a very rare experience. I think we’re aware of how unique this is. I don’t have a relationship like anyone in my life like I have with Luke.” Newton echoed this, noting, “There’s something that just bonds you when you do this show with someone,” emphasizing the years spent building their connection.
Their friendship began on the set of Season 1, with Coughlan cast first as Penelope and Newton joining shortly after as Colin. Unlike typical casting processes involving joint auditions, their introduction happened organically via Instagram, a detail Coughlan shared with Town & Country. Intrigued by Colin’s role after reading Julia Quinn’s Romancing Mister Bridgerton, she initially mistook Luke Thompson for her co-star before learning of Newton’s Disney background. This gradual acquaintance allowed them to develop a rapport over five years, which proved invaluable when they stepped into the lead roles for Season 3. Newton told Good Morning America in May 2024, “It feels like we couldn’t have gone through this process with anyone else. We’ve experienced it together,” underscoring how their shared history mirrored Penelope and Colin’s gradual flirtations across the first two seasons.
The filming process for Season 3’s intimate scenes highlighted their chemistry most vividly. Coughlan admitted to being “completely and utterly terrified” about Penelope’s first kiss with Colin, as detailed in a March 2025 Netflix Tudum piece. The Episode 2 smooch, Penelope’s first ever, was rehearsed with intimacy coordinator Lizzy Talbot, easing her nerves. “I felt like a teenager,” she said, relieved it wasn’t her real-life first kiss. Newton’s presence as a friend of four years made the experience manageable, with both agreeing it was easier than working with a stranger. The Episode 5 mirror scene, a reimagining of a key moment from Quinn’s novel, further showcased their comfort. Showrunner Jess Brownell praised the laughter and joy in these scenes, telling Tudum, “Intimacy can mean comfort and joy and friendship,” a sentiment Coughlan echoed as she watched the footage, thrilled with the authenticity.
Their on-set dynamic extended beyond scripted moments. Coughlan revealed to Teen Vogue in April 2024 that after filming the “most intense and involved” sex scene, they lounged together in the buff, a testament to their ease. “We just felt relieved,” she said, noting logistics—lacking “real clothes”—kept them relaxed between takes. This comfort led to a lighthearted incident where they broke furniture during a steamy scene in Part 2, as reported in June 2024 by Yahoo Style. Newton added in a Town & Country interview, “It was nice to sit in those two roles for a couple of years and build on our friendship,” highlighting how their history aligned with the characters’ journey. The use of intimacy coordinators ensured authenticity, with Coughlan crediting their guidance for pulling off the performances.
The filming environment fostered this chemistry further. The cast’s secretive week-long shoot in Bowral, New South Wales, Australia, in 2023, as shared with ABC News, allowed off-screen bonding. Coughlan brought Newton to her Galway hometown during the press tour, introducing him to family dinners and Guinness, a moment she called “really special” on This Morning in June 2024. Newton’s attempt to keep up with her brother-in-law’s drinking added humor, strengthening their rapport. This off-screen connection translated on-screen, with Coughlan noting to Shondaland in May 2024 that Penelope’s love for Colin mirrored her affection for Newton’s kindness and respect, a sentiment Newton reciprocated, calling her the embodiment of Penelope.
The production process itself supported their chemistry. Season 3, filmed over eight to nine months and completed by May 2025 for Season 4, involved multiple takes of key scenes, as Coughlan told British Vogue. The ballroom scene, where a sick Newton powered through despite a new dynamic, tested their resilience, with Coughlan admitting it was “really scary.” Director Andrew Ahn’s varied approaches, refined in editing, ensured a flowing narrative, a process Coughlan found seamless. The wedding scene, featuring a Vivienne Westwood-inspired gown designed by John Glaser, also reflected their collaboration, with Coughlan’s input shaping Penelope’s look over three weeks of shooting.
Fan engagement amplified their bond. Both actors tapped into the Polin fandom, sharing fan edits and TikToks, as Newton told Town & Country. Coughlan balanced this love with the pressure to honor fans’ expectations, a “careful balance” she discussed in the same interview. Their Emmy submissions for 2025, with Coughlan in Best Drama Actress and Newton in Best Drama Actor, reflect critical recognition, though fans on social media debate their oversight compared to Polly Walker’s standout role. The BAFTA nomination for the carriage scene, set to Pitbull’s “Give Me Everything,” further cemented their impact.
This chemistry has broader implications. As Season 4, focusing on Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek, nears its 2026 debut, Coughlan and Newton’s portrayal sets a benchmark for future leads. Their friendship, built over years and tested through intimate scenes, offers a masterclass in on-screen romance, challenging the notion that chemistry requires off-screen romance. As one fan posted on X, “Their bond makes Polin’s story so real,” a sentiment echoed across platforms as the series continues to evolve.
For now, their journey—marked by laughter, broken furniture, and mutual support—remains a highlight of Bridgerton’s legacy, leaving fans eager for more as the clock ticks to 4:43 PM +07 on July 24, 2025.
