'Bridgerton' Season Three Will Focus On Penelope And Colin's Love Story

It's official! The next season of Bridgerton will focus on the budding relationship between Penelope Featherington and her crush, Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton). Lady Whistledown herself, Nicola Coughlan, confirmed that season three of Netflix’s regency romance series will focus on the best friends' blossoming relationship at a Bridgerton FYC panel in Hollywood. "Like Lady Whistledown, I have been keeping a secret for quite some time and I can confirm to you all that season 3 is Colin and Penelope's love story," the 35-year-old said, as per PEOPLE. "I have kept that secret since two weeks into season 2. This is the first time I am saying it here." 

This won't be a surprise to fans who have noticed a possible romantic connection between the long-time friends which has been teased since season 1. However, fans who have read the books would have probably expected another Bridgerton romance to be in the spotlight for season 3. The third book, An Offer From a Gentleman, in the Bridgerton novels written by Julia Quinn follows the love life of bohemian artist Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson). But it looks like the show will focus on Colin's romance instead. Penelope and Colin’s love story is told in the fourth book, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, rather than in the third. “It is only fair that in this author’s third year chronicling the marriage mart, Mayfair’s social season should find its focus on a third son… as well as a third daughter,” Netflix tweeted to announce the news. 

Luke Newton spoke to Netflix about his character's upcoming romance taking center stage in the third season, saying, “There's so much love for that relationship. Which brings its pressures because there are people that are really excited about this story to come to the forefront." As for Coughlan, she is aware that fans are most excited for (spoiler alert!) “the racy stuff” from Romancing Mister Bridgerton. “I have shot sex scenes before, but not in the Bridgerton way. It’s really funny, because Luke and I have known each other now three years,” Coughlan said. “In the beginning, we used to joke about [the inevitably of one together] all the time.” Now it’s no longer a hypothetical bit of comedy. “I couldn't ask for a better partner to go into this with, and I have such trust in Luke, and I hope he has it in me to go forward on it.” Guess we'll just have to wait and see what unfolds in season 3!

Seasons 1 and 2 of Bridgerton are now streaming on Netflix.