Of course the beloved ‘Bridgerton’ star paid homage to his Regency-era alma mater in ‘Wicked: Part One’

Jonathan Bailey, he of Bridgerton and now also Wicked: Part One fame, nestled a tiny nod to his Regency-era alma mater in the first instalment of the musical adaptation.

After first winning us over in Bridgerton, Bailey went on to play the devilishly handsome Fiyero in Wicked: Part One, and while filming the musical requested that Jack, his horse in Bridgerton, join him on-set.

In an interview to promote the newly-released movie musical, Bailey was asked if he had to learn to ride a horse for the film, to which he explained ‘the horse that is in the movie, I’ve also worked with before.’

NICK BRIGGS/NETFLIX//Netflix

‘When I was asked to play Fiyero, the first thing I said to the director was “I know exactly which horse we need to hire,”‘ he said. ‘Jack and I go way back. People say “don’t work with kids and animals.” But if it’s Jack, I’d say, “take the job. He’s a legend.”‘

Dave Benett

Wicked: Part One, which was released on November 22, not only enjoyed the highest-grossing opening weekend of any Broadway musical adaptation ever in the UK, but it now also holds the record for the biggest worldwide opening for a Broadway-based film. That even surpasses Les Misérables, which earned $103 million (£83 million) in its 2012 debut. Something worth singing ‘Wonderful’ to at the top of your lungs, that’s for sure.

Even better, for all of those who held space this weekend for Wicked: Part One (and the lyrics of ‘Defying Gravity’ specifically, of course), we have good news for you: the second film is on its way and will be released on November 21, 2025.