When the corsets come off, and the cameras roll, laughter (not lust) is often the hardest thing to control on the “Bridgerton” set.
Jonathan Bailey has revealed that filming sex scenes for the hit Netflix series is far less glamorous than fans might imagine. The 37-year-old actor, who reprises his role as Anthony Bridgerton in the upcoming fourth season of the hit period drama, says intimate moments on set can feel awkward, despite their steamy on-screen reputation.
Bailey says he finds it hard “not to laugh” while shooting sex scenes.
The actor explained that while romance is a major talking point for viewers, the cast is far more energized by emotionally driven scenes. He told Britain’s OK! Magazine, “I know the sex scenes have been a hot topic, but as a cast we get more excited by other scenes which require in-depth emotions.
“I know the sex scenes look glamorous, but on set with cameras, tens of people, intimacy coordinators, and everything else – it actually feels a bit silly and it’s incredibly hard not to laugh.”
Although Bailey memorably appeared in a raunchy scene just minutes into the very first episode of “Bridgerton,” he’s clear about his boundaries and won’t film intimate moments unless they serve the story.
“I’m not a fan of, ‘Lets get our kit off because we have a scene to film.’ It’s got to mean something,” he added.
Off-screen, Bailey continues to take fame in his stride. After being named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive last year, he admitted the honor still makes him chuckle.
He said, “But at the same time very flattering. I mean who wouldn’t be flattered?”
The “Fellow Travelers” star credits his six nieces and nephews with keeping him grounded, and recently opened up about family plans, explaining why starting a family of his own isn’t a priority right now.
“There’s obviously loads of kids that could really benefit from love and support,” he told the outlet. “I have the absolute privilege of being a gay man — there’s no biological clock. It’s such a privilege, isn’t it, to even be able to have a kid? So, I’m aware of it as an idea, as a concept, but it doesn’t feel very loud in my head at the moment.”
