‘Bridgerton’ Season 3: Nicola Coughlan “Intimidated At First” Of Filming Steamy Scenes; Luke Newton Likens “Polin” To ‘Friends’ Couple Ross & Rachel

Bridgerton celebrated the premiere of Season 3 at Alice Tully Hall, and star Nicola Coughlan teased what’s ahead for Lady Whistledown.

Penelope Featherington’s identity as Lady Whistledown was uncovered by Claudia Jessie’s Eloise Bridgerton. During the red carpet event, Coughlan teased how Penelope will juggle her friendship with Eloise.

“Julia Quinn says that one of her favorite love stories in the show is Penelope and Eloise, and it’s mine too,” Coughlan told Deadline. “She has two great loves in her life. And certainly in my life, my female friends have been some of my biggest love stories. They’re the people that mean so much to me and they are so much the reason you are who you are.”

Coughlan called Penelope and Eloise’s relationship in Season 3 “a real journey” as Eloise is not ready to forgive Penelope.

“Penelope is ready to say sorry, but Eloise is not there,” she added. “So you really go through it with them.”

Fans of the books and “Polin” (Penelope and Colin) have been looking forward to this season for the steamy scenes between the couple, which Coughlan talked about on the red carpet.

“I was intimated at first, then super happy to read them, super thrilled when we filmed them, and even more thrilled when I watched them,” Coughlan said of filming the carriage, mirror, and drawing room scenes for Season 3. “They were even better than I expected ’cause they’re beautiful. They’re funny, they’re smart, they’re sexy, they’re suspenseful…. they’re everything, I’m super proud.”

Newton likened Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington’s relationship like Ross and Rachel’s from Friends, saying, “They’re perfect for each other but it never quite works out. There’s always some sort of obstacle and that’s what we really explore this season. It’s not only Colin that doesn’t see what’s right in front of him, there’s an obstacle for both of [the characters] at all times. So it’s really complicated.”

Jonathan Bailey and Newton shared a moment on the red carpet.

Featherinton and Newton also posed for cameras together at the Bridgerton world premiere.

Claudia Jessie also teased the turbulent relationship between Eloise and Penelope.