"Bridgerton," the show that single-handedly brought back empire waistlines and Regency-era romance, is known for its steamy scenes. But for actor Luke Newton, who plays the charming Colin Bridgerton, filming those intimate moments with co-star Nicola Coughlan (the delightful Penelope Featherington) was a whole different kind of experience.

From Awkward to Affecting: Navigating Intimacy On-Set

In a recent interview, Newton admitted that while he and Coughlan knew going into the season that their characters' long-awaited romance would involve some on-screen heat, nothing could prepare him for the reality of baring it all in front of his friends (and a crew of, you know, professionals).

“You kind of play that [romantic tension] in previous seasons and in previous scenes, but you can’t really prepare for stripping down naked in front of your friends," Newton confessed, proving that even heartthrob actors get flustered sometimes.

Coughlan, however, had a slightly different perspective on the matter. "The intimacy stuff feels very real," she shared. “It feels very grounded in two people that are not trying to sort of… that they’re awkward in front of one another… and all of a sudden they become like Lotharios in the bedroom. They get to be intimate together in a very real and beautiful way, and I think that’s what makes it so affecting.

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Behind-the-Scenes Bonding: Keeping It Casual (and Clothes-Optional)

So how did these two navigate the awkwardness of filming such intimate scenes? Well, if their previous interviews are anything to go by, they embraced the "get comfortable being uncomfortable" approach. In a chat on SiriusXM Hits, Coughlan revealed that she and Newton would often just “chill” between takes… without their clothes on!

“We would be like, in between scenes, and they were like, ‘Do you wanna get up and put your clothes on?’ We’re like, ‘We’ll just chill here,’” Coughlan laughed, proving that sometimes the best way to overcome awkwardness is to just lean into it (while wrapped in a blanket, of course). “But then we have the advantage of knowing each other for years!" she added, highlighting the importance of trust and friendship when tackling such vulnerable scenes.

From Friends to Lovers (On-Screen and Off…Maybe?)

The chemistry between Newton and Coughlan is undeniable, both on and off-screen. Their playful banter during interviews and genuine affection for each other has sparked rumors of a real-life romance (because who doesn’t love a good on-set love story?).

However, both actors have remained tight-lipped about their relationship status, preferring to let their on-screen chemistry speak for itself.

So there you have it, folks: a behind-the-scenes peek at the reality of filming those steamy “Bridgerton” scenes. It’s awkward, it’s funny, and sometimes it involves a lot of strategic blanket-burrowing. But as Newton and Coughlan have shown, when you have trust, friendship, and maybe a good sense of humor, even the most intimate scenes can become a testament to the power of storytelling.