Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan speaks out against rumours she’s dating co-star amid speculation

Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan has spoken out about dating rumours ahead of the third season.

The first part of Bridgerton season three will drop on Netflix on Thursday (16 May) with the second part coming on 13 June.

Back in April, Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope, told us that the forthcoming season is the 'most romantic' one yet.

She shared: "We'd have moments on set where the crew would be like, 'Oh, that's really beautiful. And that's the kind of love everyone deserves'.

"And when the crew say, you know, they're not, like BS-ing you. Like, they actually mean it.

"And then when they react, you're like: 'Oh, okay, I think we're onto something'."

Considering fans are *obsessed* with Polin (aka Penelope and Colin's on-screen romance) it's unsurprising that they're manifesting it off-screen too.

How will romance blossom for Penelope in season three? (Netflix)

Ahead of the release, Nicola has addressed rumours that she's dating co-star Luke Newton (who plays Colin Bridgerton).

"We think it's really sweet, I think because we truly love each other," Nicola told Extra.

"He is a really special person in my life, and I got to do this experience with him."

She 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."

In a bid to learn all we possibly can about the new series, Tyla also sat down with Bridgerton's Eloise (played by Claudia Jessie) for the inside scoop.

Who's excited for the new instalment? (Netflix)

Opening up about the dynamic between Penelope and Colin, she told us: "We’ve got two people that we’ve known since season one, and we do know where it’s going.

"We’ve all been waiting for it! So, I think the audience are going to be really excited that we finally get to see this story on screen.

"When they said ‘friends to lovers’, they meant it.

"I also feel like a lot of this season is about people discovering who they are and what they want. I think everyone is going to be very excited and they’ll get what they’re used to in Bridgerton."

And if you're expecting the usual steamy Bridgerton scenes, you won't be disappointed.

Claudia told us: "Yes, of course! I can't believe I'm going to have to say this again, 'Friends - to - lovers!'.

"There is... love. They're lovers! Okay? I don't know how to talk about steamy scenes, ha! You'll get them, okay? You filthy pigs!"

We can hardly wait.

Part one of Bridgerton season three will drop on Netflix on 16 May.