Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan will headline the upcoming Season 3 of Bridgerton, which will premiere on Netflix this may. The pair play Colin and Penelope respectively, two friends who will finally let their feelings for each other come to the surface. However, their chemistry is so good that people on social media are speculating about their real-life relationship.
Newton, 31, and Coughlan, 37, are just friends, as far as they have spoken. Speculation began as the pair appeared on the red carpet holding hands for the third season premiere in Australia on April 21. However, that gesture is just a testament to their friendship, and how comfortable they are with each other after meeting while shooting Season 1 of Bridgerton.
Both Newton and Coughlan have been open about their bond, and how their friendship helped them while filming the series. Especially when it came to the steamier scenes Bridgerton is known for. Newton told ET that doing intimate scenes is “easier with a friend” as there is “sort of support,” while Coughlan told Tudum she “couldn’t ask for a better partner” in the show.
So, do Nicola Coughlan or Luke Newton have partners in real-life?
While both actors are private about their personal lifes, some reports suggest that both are currently single. According to Elle Magazine, Newton is single after breaking up with his girlfriend Jade Davies, whom he dated between 2019 and 2023.
At the time of the break up, The Sun reported that a source said that “Luke and Jade drifted apart as they could not find time in their busy schedules to invest in their relationship.” Before Davies, Newton was linked to his The Lodge co-star, Sophie Simnett.
On the other hand, Coughlan, who is also known for appearing in the comedy “Derry Girls,” has been even more private about her personal life. In an interview with Marie Claire in September 2023, the actress opened up about her thoughts of the dating scene.
“[It’s] good because we have a choice now, but then there’s that thing of the paradox of choice. We have too much choice, it’s not good. So, there’s probably good and bad things for both,” she explained about the difference between the Regency Era, in which Bridgerton is set, and the modern experience.
