Nicola Coughlan at the Met Gala 2022. Image Source: Fashionista
It was recently announced on Bridgerton’s official social media account that season three of Bridgerton is going to center around Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, but now Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington and Lady Whistledown on the show, hinted that there could be a new addition to the cast.
Nicola Coughlan recently spoke to E! News at an event and shared that she would make Lady Whistledown proud and swiftly said that she had heard that a new man was entering the lot but did not say much about who and what that man’s role in the story would be.
The fourth Bridgerton novel, "Roancing Mister Bridgerton," inspired the third season of the show based on Julia Quinn's writings. In an interview with Variety, showrunner, and writer Chris Van Dusen stated that they did not intend to skip the third book, but that investing in one of the show's most beloved couples, Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, seemed like a good idea, and added that they will be covering all of the books in the following seasons.
Nicola Coughlan revealed that filming for the series has already underway since there are so many elegant clothing to be manufactured in accordance with the historical period in which the novels are set, and the costumes are not only made from scratch for the actors but also for supporting artists and extras. Nicola went on to say that she saw a photo of Luke Newton fits, who portrays Colin Bridgerton on the program, and that they had catapulted him from boyband to leading man in a big manner. The actors are really excited to be the lead pair of the third season.
The actress is ecstatic to return as the season's leading woman, revealing that it would be very different from the previous two seasons. Fans were disappointed by the absence of sex scenes in season two, and Nicola Coughlan, who is set to be the leading woman in season three, was questioned about recording sex scenes with Luke Newton during an interview, to which she replied that being a leading lady is daunting, but she is ready.
Nicola said that it was going to be terrifying filming those scenes, but she has known for a long time that she will be one of the leading ladies and had time to prepare herself and adjust to the idea of it. Talking to Digital Spy in March, Nicola shared that she is nervous about the sex scenes, but she added that she is going to ask Shondaland for a special family-friendly cut because, for her, it’s just embarrassing enough to watch the scenes in which she is not there like that.
Charithra Chandran, who played Edwina Sharma on the show, was also present with Nicola Coughlan at the Elle's Hollywood Rising Event where she stressed how the lack of chemistry between Edwina Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey, worked out for the best and added that the relationship between Edwina and Anthony and Anthony and Kate Sharma is so different.
Charithra Chandran goes on to say that Edwina and Anthony's chemistry is what seemed great on paper, and according to society's concept. She added that they are wonderful for one other, but that in another world and who knows that their marriage may have worked as well. But then there's Kate and Anthony's chemistry, the two of them have that blazing love, passion, and romance that everyone wants in a spouse, and they have it. So according to the actress any sort physical intimacy between Edwina and Anthony would have obliterated that distinction.
Asking about if her character is going to return to the show, the actress mentioned that she has no idea what her character is going to bring for season three or even if she is going to return. Charithra Chandran, however, added that just like everyone else she is excited to witness how the love story between Colin Bridgerton played by Luke Newton and Penelope Featherington played by Nicola Coughlan grows and where it takes them especially keeping the ending of season two in mind.
Luke Newton, who plays Colin, is looking to develop a new characteristic for his character. He spoke to Netflix where he mentioned that he's hoping that Colin has a more compassionate side to him and added that he loves that they are looking at a connection that so many people have experienced, where you establish a bond (friendship) with a person and get to know one other deeply in a more real sense way that it goes onto form something new. Luke added that there is something that comes out of it that connection and just like everyone else he is excited to explore that too.
Nicola Coughlan was one of the Bridgerton women who made her debut at the MET GALA 2022 in an ensemble created in three days by designer Richard Quinn. She described it as the most surreal thing in the world and recalled the time where she would sit at home and watch the Met Gala for years and evaluate everyone's attire, but this was her first time on the red carpet and Charithra Chandran added that she was one of the best dressed at the Gala!
There has been no official announcement on when Season 3 will premiere on the streaming service.
