Fans of the hit series can’t let go of the possibility of Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton being an item in real life

Footage of Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton “almost kissing” has sent Bridgerton fans wild. The acting duo, who have been romantically linked since appearing together in the racy third season of the hit Netflix series, set tongues wagging when they were captured in a short clip on TikTok looking like they were going in for a smooch.

In the video, Newton, who plays Colin Bridgerton, walks up to Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington, and leans toward her. The angle suggests he is going in for a kiss – and many super fans were hoping that was the case.

The caption on the video, which appears to be from their Brazil trip, gave hopeless romantics ammunition. It read: “I thought they were about to kiss. You thought they were about to kiss. I think they thought they were about to kiss.”

Coughlan and Newton were previously forced to shut down rumors they were dating after the internet was awash with theories that their on-screen romance had translated into real life. The duo admitted they found it endearing.

“We think it’s really sweet, I think because we truly love each other,” Coughlan explained. “He is a really special person in my life, and I got to do this experience with him.

“I’ll never get to do something like this again, on this scale. It’s so nice having such a lovely friend that I can do all this with.”

The statement hasn’t deterred followers from dreaming, though. One fan commented: “Two options here: get married or win the Oscar for the best actor and actress,” while a second wrote: “That Brazil trip was on another level!

“They dynamics changed after that stop. It was too obvious to miss.” Others waded into the excitement, scribing: “How many times did you watch this? Me: YES,” “for God’s sake marry this woman!,” “I’m back on the delulu train,” and “I literally thought he was about to walk up and kiss her that’s exactly what it looked like he was going to do.”

Fans holding out for the actors to unveil a real-life coupling may be disheartened to discover the Co Galway native might not return after season four comes to an end.

Bridgerton is an adaptation of a series of eight novels by Julia Quinn. The most recent season was based on the fourth book, Romancing Mister Bridgerton.

Penelope is mentioned in the book several times but the character does move out of focus. Once the series switches to another sibling, it is expected that Penelope’s role will further dwindle. To view the clip, click here.