Bridgerton may be the hottest show on the planet right now, but it’s the secret romances of those in the cast that’s the real story of the summer.
With its steamy carriage scenes and romantic ballroom rendezvous, Bridgerton season 3 is certainly leaving viewers hot under the collar. But it’s the love blooming off-screen that is the real story of the season.
Among those to find a new partner on the set of the show? Bessie Carter, whose parents are none other than acting royalty Jim Carter (Downton Abbey) and Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter, The Crown). The 27-year-old actress plays Prudence Featherington, the eldest of the three Featherington daughters, and one of two that Lady Featherington is trying to find a husband for at the beginning of the first season of the show. Carter has previously acted in Howards End, Doc Martin, and Cranford, as well as a minor role in the 2012 film Les Misérables.
Sam Phillips and Bessie Carter attend the Theatrical Consequences: The 5th Annual Platform Presents West End Gala after-party. Dave Benett/Getty Images
And, much like her parents, Bessie appears to have found love with another thespian. According to MailOnline, Bessie has struck up a romance with her costar Sam Phillips, so serious that they moved in together last year. Phillips is a newcomer to the Bridgerton universe, joining the season 3 cast as Lord Debling, one of Penelope Featherington’s love interests. According to MailOnline, the couple met while filming for the series, which began in July 2022, with Bessie moving into Sam’s flat in Brighton last summer.
Bessie and Sam have been spotted out and about together on a number of occasions, first appearing in public in May 2023 as they attended the after-party for Theatrical Consequences: The 5th Annual Platform Presents West End Gala at Tequila Mockingbird in London.
And it seems Imelda and Jim both have given their approval to Bessie’s new boyfriend. Imelda joined the couple on the red carpet for the Wonka premiere in November 2023, while Sam and Bessie both attended The Crown season 6 finale celebration event in support of Imelda last year.
Theirs is not the first romance to be born from the steamy period drama. Luke Thompson, who plays Benedict Bridgerton, has been publicly linked to costar Harriet Cains, the show’s Phillipa Featherington. The two were spotted getting close at the recent Vanity Fair Rising Star Party, but that’s about all we know. Benedict, another of the Bridgerton brothers, was assumed by many to be the star of the upcoming season, but showrunners decided to lead with Colin and Penelope’s story instead—giving Luke Thompson’s character free reign to continue with the many duties of bachelorhood.
