Bridgerton is back after a two-year wait. And as we welcome the return of old faces, the additions to the ton are worth a watch. James Phoon is gracing our screens this season as Harry Dankworth, the husband of Prudence Feathering. It’s a shame that we were not able to see the lead-up to their marriage. But Bridgerton newcomer James Phoon has quite a charming presence on screen, making him an instant favourite. We can all agree that he’s a bit of an odd addition to the glamorous Feathering family. But that is perhaps what makes him stand out.

James Phoon describes Dankworth as a “super-loving” husband of Prudence. (Team #PruDank anyone?) But he can also be a bit of a himbo. Still, viewers on social media seem to agree that he’s a pretty wholesome character. Amidst the drama in the show, he’s a ball of sunshine and an instant comic relief. Plus, James Phoon’s presence on screen brings a much-welcome East Asian representation to the already diverse Regency drama. The dashing actor of British and East Asian heritage started in theatre but has ventured to TV quite recently. Before joining Bridgerton, James Phoon played Hamish Campbell in the comedy horror series Wreck. His stage acting credits include Craig Bowker Junior and the understudy for Scorpius Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Plus, you can catch him in Underdog: The Other Bronte. And like all those smitten with his performance as Dankworth, you can listen to James Phoon’s voice work in Pariah Nexus as well as iconic gaming franchises like Rise Of The Ronin. With the second part of Bridgerton dropping soon, Lifestyle Asia caught up with James Phoon to get more insights into his character. We also chatted about the importance of representation, working with his co-stars, and his work from theatre to the screen.

James Phoon (L) and Bessie Carter (R) play husband and wife in the third season. Image credit: Netflix

Bridgerton star James Phoon on being part of the hit Netflix Regency series

What was your reaction like when you found out you’re joining the ton?

I was a huge fan of the show before being cast so joining the team was pretty surreal. Already having a love for the show meant there was an added layer of understanding of how much this show means to people. So, I knew I needed to do the character and story justice.

Is there anything about your character that resonated with you the most?

I love that he’s a glass-half-full kind of guy. Life can be crazy, stressful, and complicated. And sometimes it’s easy to let the small things pass you by. But Dankworth is someone who is always looking outwards and can find beauty and intrigue in the little things around him.

What is it like working with Bessie Carter and bringing out your chemistry as a married couple?

Bessie is a phenomenal actor. By the time I joined, she’d been playing the character for a few years, and so that really forced me to match her confidence within the Bridgerton world. I knew my version of Dankworth had to be as fully embodied as her portrayal of Prudence. But actually, the key to our characters was in not finding the chemistry between them. When we met them, they didn’t really know each other yet so playing with that awkwardness was a lot of fun. But on a personal level, she welcomed me into the Bridgerton family, along with the rest of the gang, with so much warmth.

Image credit: Netflix

The Featheringtons don’t have the best reputation in the series. And Dankworth seems like a contrast to the family. How do you think he fits in and what does he contribute to their family dynamics?

Dankworth actually isn’t a natural fit for the Featheringtons, and that is the joy of the dynamic. When they experience their outsider status in damaging ways, he has no perception of that and has nothing but love to give to Prudence. And so that results in some really sweet moments of Dankworth’s innocence being pretty jarring for the Featheringtons.

I read a tweet that said Dankworth’s interactions with Penelope are very wholesome, compared to her relationship with her sisters and family. Tell us more about that relationship with your sister-in-law.

I think Harry Dankworth, along with his brother-in-law Albion Finch, are Penelope’s biggest cheerleaders. You’ll often see Dankworth giving Prudence a little side glance as he moderates his support of Penelope to please his wife. But he can’t help but find joy in Pen’s wins throughout the season. At the end of the day, Dankworth loves love and is a force of joy.

We all know how steamy Briddgerton can be, and you had an intimate scene. Was the experience of having an intimacy coordinator this time different from the last?

I’m very fortunate that I’ve always had an intimacy coordinator whenever I’ve had any kind of intimacy on a job. You discuss what you think would be right for your characters and the story you are telling, and also what you’re comfortable with as an actor, in advance. And so, by the time the day arrives to film it, you have fully choreographed what is going to happen, and have all sorts of measures in place for safety. It means you can comfortably focus on the story you’re telling, without being distracted by thoughts of “Is this, okay?” or “Is my scene partner, okay?”

Behind the scenes of James Phoon’s costume in Bridgerton. Image credit: jamesphoon_/Instagram

James Phoon discusses the importance of representation in Bridgerton

Bridgerton has been lauded for its diverse representation. What is it like bringing greater East Asian representation to the already diverse cast?

The industry has changed so much within the past ten years. Up until recently, I never thought there would be space for me in a story set in Regency England. But the interesting thing is that although Bridgerton is a fictional version of Britain in 1815, people from all over the globe were in fact living in Britain at that time. The first Chinese person to gain British citizenship did so in 1805. So, it’s not as far away from the truth as some people might think! I’m so grateful that shows like Bridgerton now exist and challenge our previous views.

Your costume also pays homage to your East Asian heritage. Tell us more about how that was brought to life.

The incorporation of my Chinese heritage in my costume was a very collaborative process. The costume design team asked me if there was anything specific, I wanted for Harry Dankworth. They were so receptive to my idea of his watch fob reflecting the Chinese side of his and my own heritage. Having a team open to this kind of collaboration is an invaluable part of the process. It’s not a given that in this mammoth production, there would be space to hear individual voices and ideas.

They say that this season is for the wallflowers. What about this season do you personally find most compelling?

I think most people to varying degrees, me included, have had times in their life that they’ve felt like an outsider. I love that this series champions that outsider status. There is a beautiful moment in episode eight where the Featheringtons really claim their place in society, weirdness and all. And there’s a real-world truth to the power of that, in embracing your uniqueness and finding your tribe—the people who understand and accept you as you are.

Image credit: David Reiss

You mentioned about being excited for a potential queer storyline in the series. Can you tell us more about that and what else are you looking forward to seeing in the series?

We had a glimpse of it in season one with the painter, Henry Granville. And just like the global citizens living in real-world Britain in 1815, there were also queer people living in Britain then too. Often the stories we see have shied away from that fact. So, I am eager to see Bridgerton delve a little deeper.

Before TV, you were doing stage productions as well as voice work for video games and shows. In what ways did your experience there help you when you finally started acting for TV?

The way the job is done is entirely different. Each area of the industry requires a totally different process. But what remains constant is the storytelling. No matter which area you’re working in, you are trying to tell a story and create a character that the audience can connect with – whether that means they see themself reflected in it, or they see a version of life they’ve never personally experienced. It’s about that human element.

What aspect of Bridgerton is different from other series?

It’s joyous. It is a beautiful escapism into this world where we see the female characters taking charge of their own lives within the constraints of the patriarchal society they’re living in. We see people of colour achieving success and recognition and taking up space unapologetically. And this season we see those characters who have often been overlooked finally being seen.

Catch James Phoon in ‘Bridgerton S2: Part 3’ exclusively on Netflix.