Season three of Bridgerton has dropped and we’ve fallen in love with the period-era drama all over again. Not that we ever really fell out of love.
The latest instalment in the hit Netflix show follows Penelope Featherington ( Nicola Coughlan ) and Colin Bridgerton ( Luke Newton ) as they step into the friends to lovers storyline. In season two we were treated to Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) and Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) as the romantic leads, reports the Mirror.
Bridgerton explores important themes such as race, feminism and sexuality, but it is also the romance storylines that have us coming back for more. With that in mind, let us take a look into the real life romance that exists around our beloved cast members.
So who’s dating who and is anyone dating their co-star? Let’s take a look.
1. Phoebe Dynevor (AKA Daphne Bridgerton)
Our romantic lead from season one, the ever stunning Phoebe Dynevor. The 29 year old English rose was once linked with comedian Pete Davison, but is now happily engaged to fellow actor Cameron Fuller, 28.
Cameron is known for The Last Ship (2014), Into the Dark (2018) and The Astronaut.
First noticed together back in March 2023, the couple first fuelled romance rumours when spotted exiting a hotel, as reported by Cosmopolitan. They sealed the deal on their relationship status making their debut as a duo during Wimbledon 2023.
2. Rege-Jean Page (AKA Simon, The Duke of Hastings)
Rege-Jean was touted for Bond after his showcase as our original romantic lead for the Duke of Hastings, but his real love life is just as enrapturing. The 36 year old actor has been in a relationship with 32 year old copywriter and part time football player – Emily Brown.
The pair have been dating since 2019 and are adorable if we do say so ourselves.
3. Simone Ashley (AKA Lady Kate Sharma)
Better known as Lady Kate, Simone Ashley reels us in with her sizzling portrayal of Lord Bridgerton’s determined wife and the central female protagonist of the second season. Her intense on-screen chemistry has been stealing attention since season three, and her off-the-cam love life evokes equal intrigue.
The actress revealed to British Vogue in November 2022 that she was ‘happily taken’. The 29 year old star from Sex Education recently made things Instagram official with her boyfriend, Constantin “Tino” Klein.
Alternative text: The image below shows Simone and Constantin sharing a sweet moment. The black and white Instagram snap, captured by @gregwilliamsphotography, sees the couple laughing and touching noses. Simone captioned it: “@gregwilliamsphotography thank you for taking one of my favourite photos. Big love to you and @ladyelizacummings.”
Constantin, a former lawyer, now heads up GP Ice Race, an “automotive winter festival”. Interestingly, the pair first crossed paths at the Grand Prix in Monaco in May 2022.
4. Jonathan Bailey (AKA Viscount Anthony Bridgerton)
Stepping into season two now, we turn our focus to Jonathan Bailey, the head of the Bridgerton clan, the dashing Viscount Anthony Bridgerton.
Bailey is renowned for his private nature, however, in 2023 he gave fans a glimpse into his romantic life confirming that he was seeing a “lovely man”, according to Elle. Speaking to the Evening Standard, he said, “It’s not secret, but it’s private. Having a private life is, for me, completely critical. I don’t know if I would be able to be as confident to speak out on other things if I felt that my whole life was up for grabs.”
Unfortunately, the identity of his current beau remains under wraps though there are previous reports suggesting he used to date James Ellis, who is believed to an actor, between 2019 – 2022. Rest assured, we’ll keep you posted as soon as there are any more updates on this matter.
5. Nicola Coughlan (AKA Penelope Featherington)
Our leading lady for season three and the icon for wallflowers all around, the Irish actress Nicola Coughlan gain prominence with Derry Girls and later on traded her native accent for an RP British one for Bridgerton.
The actress often voices against age shaming and body shaming after joining the show. But what about her love life?
Well, Nicola is known to keep her personal life a secret. According to Hello! magazine, there have been whispers about her dating Laurie Kynaston, famed for his role as Phillip in Derry Girls, though Nicola has neither confirmed nor denied these claims.
However, when prompted about rumours regarding her dating her co-star Luke, she responded: “We think it’s really sweet, I think because we truly love each other,” in a chat with Extra. She further described Luke as a “really special person in my life” and added, “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.”
6. Luke Newton (AKA Colin Bridgerton)
Luke Newton, who we know as Colin Bridgerton, has certainly had a glow-up over his four-year stint on the show. The 31 year old actor has won over viewers as Penelope Featherington’s love interest, but who has he won over off-screen?
Luke was previously linked to West End actress and former Britain’s Got Talent contestant Jade Louise Davies from 2019 until early 2023. However, due to their hectic schedules, they reportedly struggled to make time for each other.
They’ve since unfollowed each other on social media, and Jade is rumoured to be seeing someone named ‘Morgan Gregory’.
Looking at the present times, there are reports suggesting a blossoming friendship between the Bridgerton heartthrob and 23 year old model-dancer Antonia Roumelioti, with them enjoying a romantic sunbathe by the Griffith Observatory in LA last month. It’s believed that Luke, who is loved for his portrayal of Colin Bridgerton in the popular Netflix show, has already introduced Antonia to his family.
7. Claudia Jessie (AKA Eloise Bridgerton)
Shifting focus to Claudia Jessie, better known as the sharp and whip-smart Eloise Bridgerton. The 34 year old actress’s character might still be searching for love on the show but we can’t wait to see what unfolds in the upcoming seasons for her!
She once mentioned having a boyfriend back in 2015, but since then, details about her romantic life have been scarce. However, in 2021, The Express reported that she’s been seeing a sound engineer named Joseph.
The couple reportedly hit it off at a Birmingham pub. Claudia shared a sweet anecdote from 2018, saying: “She was a great wingman and told me to go and chat to the handsome young man.”
8. Luke Thompson (AKA Benedict Bridgerton)
Luke Thompson, the man behind Benedict Bridgerton, is arguably one of the most intriguing characters from the hit Netflix series. Despite his lack of romantic interests on-screen, rumour has it he’s been striking up some off-screen chemistry with familiar Bridgerton face.
Turns out our dashing Benedict, played by 35 year old Luke, is said to be dating his co-star Harriet Cains aka Philipa Featherington. As per Elle, the pair reportedly made their couple debut at a Vanity Fair Rising Stars party in January 2024 – although they have no confirmed this publicly.
9. Jessica Madsen (AKA Cressida Cowper)
Jessica, previously seen more in the background, steps up as a key player in season three as Cressida Cowper forms an unexpected bond with the sharp-witted Eloise Bridgerton.
Off-screen, the 32 year old Jessica is faring better in love than her character, with GO Social reporting that she’s in a relationship with a chap named Benji Philipson. A peek at her Instagram suggests they’ve been together for quite some time.
In 2023, Jessica celebrated bi-visibility with a heartfelt Instagram post, sending out happy Pride vibes to all her followers.
10. Hannah Dodd (AKA Francesca Bridgerton)
Hannah Dodd has gracefully stepped into the shoes of Francesca Bridgerton for season three, taking over from Ruby Stokes. She’s set to shine this season, being dubbed as Queen Charlotte’s diamond.
The 29 year old actress keeps her cards close to her chest when it comes to her personal life, with Capital FM suggesting she’s currently single. However, there have been whispers of a past connection with musician Sam Fender.
Rumour has it that Sam slid into Hannah’s DMs in 2022, though the duration of their relationship remains a mystery.
11. Adjoa Andoh (AKA Lady Danbury)
Adjoa Andoh, the Bristol-born actress famed for her role as Lady Danbury in Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton, has been captivating audiences since her debut. Known as one of the most influential figures in London’s high society and a close confidante of Queen Charlotte, she brings a commanding presence to the screen.
Off-screen, Adjoa’s love story is just as enchanting. She met her now-husband, Howard Cunnell, back in 1994 at the Battersea Arts Centre where he was taking over the bookshop and she had an office with her theatre company ‘Wild Iris’.
The couple tied the knot in 2001 after six years together and have two children, sharing a life full of love and creativity.
12. Golda Rosheuvel (AKA Queen Charlotte)
Golda Rosheuvel, who reigns supreme as Queen Charlotte on Bridgerton, has also graced our screens in the BBC’s Doctor Who as ‘Jocelyn / Nanny’ in the episode titled ‘Space Babies’. While her on-screen counterpart is married to King George, Golda herself is happily settled with her partner, writer and playwright Shireen Mula.
The couple’s romance has spanned over a decade, ignited by a chance encounter at a friend’s party. When quizzed about the prospect of marriage with Mula, Golda replied: “We’ll see, we’ll see. I mean, you know, I don’t see myself with any other person.”
13. Polly Walker (AKA Lady Portia Featherington)
Next up we have Polly Walker, who portrays the formidable Lady Portia Featherington. The 58 year old actress, born in 1966, is a mother of two and is married to actor Laurence Penry-Jones since 2008.
Laurence, brother of period-drama star Rupert Penry-Jones, is also the stepfather to Polly’s children – Giorgio and Delilah from her previous marriage.
14. Ruth Gemmell (AKA Lady Violet Bridgerton)
The role of Bridgerton’s matriarch, Lady Violet Bridgerton, is played by Ruth Gemmell, known for her roles in EastEnders and Tracy Beaker. The 56 year old actress isn’t believed to be dating anyone at the moment, but she does have a famous ex-husband.
