Simone Ashley is ready to pass the reins to Nicola Coughlan. Image Source: Variety
Simone Ashley is ready to pass the reins to Nicola Coughlan.
As it has already been announced that the third season of Bridgerton will follow the romance between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, Simone Ashley, who played Kate Sharma in season two, is ready to pass on the reins to Nicola Coughlan will take over as the leading lady for season three.
On the red carpet at the TIME 100 Next 2022 event on Tuesday, Simone Ashley told People magazine that she is looking forward to season three as the story focuses on the romance between Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton, and Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan. She explained that she is galloping and she is going a long way into the sunset.
Simone Ashley mentioned that she is very excited for the audience to see how the story plays between Colin and Penelope as they are carrying it so graciously and smashing it. Simon added that she thinks that the world is not ready for them to sizzle on their screen, mentioning that Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan are both such talented actors.
In a panel discussion at Netflix's FYSEE Space's opening night ATAS panel, actress Nicola Coughlan confirmed that the third season of the show will focus on Colin and Penelope's love story, a secret she has kept for a long time. She has expressed that she is very excited to take onto the lead role for season three although she is nervous at the same time.
Penelope and Colin's possible romance has been hinted at since early in Bridgerton's first season. Penelope and Colin have developed a strong friendship, and she eagerly awaits the day when Colin sees her as more than just a friend. The idea of Penelope as a romantic interest is sown in Colin's head near the end of season 2, though he says to a group of friends that he'd "never dream of courting" Pen. In addition, Penelope and Colin's friendship with Colin's sister, Eloise, is jeopardized. Penelope's connection to the Bridgerton family may be weaker now that Eloise has revealed her as Lady Whistledown.
During TUDUM, Luke Newton stated that there is a lot of love for Colin and Penelope's friendship, which adds pressure because there are people who are excited about this story coming to the forefront. However, he also stated that it warms him. Season 3 could focus on the heartbreaking remark and how it affects Penelope, as well as their journey from friendship to love. Luke expressed his hope that Colin has a more sensitive side, and he enjoys the fact that they are exploring a relationship that many people have had, where they form a friendship and get to know each other to the core. Then it sparks something else.
When asked why they jumped to book 4 and now book three, showrunner Jess Brownwell stated that the viewers have been watching these two actors on their screens since season 1 and have already engaged in them a little bit. Jess added that the audience knows who they are as people and that there are these tense moments between them where it's like, Colin walks up to the line almost acknowledging that Penelope has feelings for him but isn't quite there. Rather than floundering on that dynamic, they wanted to bring it into their season. It felt like the perfect time to tee it up.
Jess Brownwell also clarified that the third season will be more romantic and dramatic than the first two. While she believes Colin and Pen will bring a lot of comedy to the show, she also believes their story will have the signature Bridgerton spice that fans know and love.
She explains that she wants to balance comedy with a lot of sexiness and romance because she thinks it's important for the show. They will have the opportunity to go deeper with them and push them to more serious sides to see what happens, so the audience will get to see new levels.
While Penelope's weight and inner monologue about her body image are mentioned in the books, Brownwell has stated that they will not be included in the season's plot. Jess explained that they think Penelope is beautiful, but it's not a part of her story. Jess went on to say that she believes Penelope's status as a wallflower on the show is due to her level of confidence rather than her outward appearance. So, rather than focusing on her physical appearance (weight), they will play with her being the wallflower.
The third book in the series follows Benedict, the second Bridgerton son, as he falls in love. Despite the fact that the season will not follow his story, Brownwell stated that he will still be a "vital part of Season 3'. Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey will also return as Kate Sharma Bridgerton and Anthony Bridgerton for season three.
