Bridgerton's Penelope & Colin promise the steamiest season yet

Behind the scenes of Bridgerton's spiciest season, a real-life friendship blossomed.

Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Featherington) teases major spice in Bridgerton Season 3, hinting at intimate scenes with Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton). The actress was initially "terrified" but found support in her longtime friend and co-star.

Their onscreen chemistry is undeniable! Ahead of Bridgerton's return on May 16, we're celebrating Nicola and Luke's real-life friendship. Here's what they've said about each other:

Reflecting on their Bridgerton journey, in 2023, Nicola told Entertainment Tonight: "Luke and I read the books at the beginning of season 1, and it was funny to us. We were like, 'Imagine if we have to kiss and do this.'

"And then season 3 came on and we were like, 'Oh god.' And then it's like, it's my friend. I have to kiss my friend," she continued. "You can't pretend to kiss someone, you have to really kiss them. It's a spicy one. It's a lot of the stuff from the books that the fans expect has made it into the show."

Luke credits Nicola for easing his nerves: "I feel like there's always that question being asked of, is it easier to do the intimacy scenes or the more romantic scenes with someone who is your friend of four years or someone you just met for one day?" he explained to Entertainment Tonight in February.

"I can safely say it's easier with a friend. There really is that sort of support. It's scary going in, but then, thankfully, we have a really good relationship, so we can talk about it, and we can laugh about it when we need to. It made it scary, but a lot better."

Nicola and Luke's off-screen bond is just as charming, with the stars regularly supporting each other's work.