Bridgerton leading lady Nicola Coughlan eyes up her on-screen lover Luke Newton at the world premiere of the latest series.

They were among cast members including Jessica Madsen, Claudia Jessie and Hannah Dodd, who got dressed up to the nines to launch of season three of writer Jess Brownell’s regency bodice ripper, which starts on Netflix tomorrow.

The event at Lincoln Center in New York, also attended by Netflix boss Ted Sarandos, was followed by a party at the swish Tavern On The Green.

Nicola, 37, plays acerbic gossip sheet writer Penelope Featherington, who turns to buffed up world traveller Colin Bridgerton for social season flirting tuition – before sparks fly.

Jessica Madsen and Claudia Jessie at the Bridgerton launch ( 
Image:
WireImage)

Derry Girls star Nicola told Radio Times the pair’s sex scenes were “really beautiful” and did not require an intimacy co-ordinator. She said: “Oh my gosh, it was definitely intimidating. But it was one of the things I enjoyed most. Luke and I had a real hand in what we did. We decided what we wanted to show and how we wanted to choreograph the scenes. We had agency.

“Thankfully, we had that physical comfort with one another – so it ended up being a really beautiful thing. Luke is a dream to work with. Having now watched those scenes, I’m so proud.”

Nicola says Penelope, who has made her peace with being a spinster, is the show’s most modern heroine so far. She said: “She doesn’t just want marriage and love, she wants a career. I think everyone can relate to the love story – for women it’s hard to have it all.”

In time-honoured fashion, Colin needs to find a wife, but has no idea about Penelope’s secret writing role. Luke, 31, said: “I wanted it to be like he’d been on a gap year – like when lads go away for a summer and then come back six foot four, with a beard and their voice has broken.”

He also revealed he and 4ft 11in Nicola relied on an essential prop – to help with their height difference. “I’m 6ft so they’d have a little box for her to stand on,” he said. “I loved that moment when they’d bring out the box.”

Bridgerton fans have just days to wait for the return of the hit romance series as it heads to Netflix for a third season. Launching later this month, the latest instalment of the historical drama will centre around Derry Girls star Nicola as Penelope Featherington as she navigates life and love in London’s high society.

The new season finds Penelope has finally given up on her long-held crush on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) after hearing his disparaging words about her last season. She has, however, decided it’s time to take a husband, preferably one who will provide her with enough independence to continue her double life as Lady Whistledown.

Meanwhile, Colin has returned from his summer travels with a new look and swagger, but is disheartened to realise that Penelope is giving him the cold shoulder. Eager to win back her friendship, Colin offers to mentor Penelope in the ways of confidence to help her find a husband.

But when his lessons start working a little too well, Colin must grapple with whether his feelings for Penelope are truly just friendly. Complicating matters for Penelope is her rift with Eloise (Claudia Jessie), who has found a new friend in an unlikely place while Penelope’s growing presence in the ton makes it all the more difficult to keep her Lady Whistledown alter ego a secret.

Bridgerton has proved a huge hit since it launched in 2020, with its first two seasons spending a combined 22 weeks in Netflix’s global top 10. The series has also spawned a limited prequel spin-off in Queen Charlotte and collaborations with make-up brands including Pat McGrath Labs and Kiko.

Bridgerton season three is set to be released in two parts. Part one – episodes one to four – will launch at 8am on Thursday, May 16, with part two – episodes five to eight – following at 8am on Thursday, June 13.

Bridgerton season three will stream exclusively on Netflix.