‘Bridgerton’ fans gush over Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton’s friendship as duo hold hands at Season 3 premiere event

LONDON, ENGLAND: 'Bridgerton' fans were thrilled by Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton's close friendship on Wednesday, June 12, as they attended the Season 3 Part 2 premiere in London.

Coughlan, 37, who plays Newton, and Luke, 31, who portrays Colin Bridgerton, traded their period costumes for modern outfits while holding hands. 

They were also joined by fellow cast members Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Simone Ashley as Kate Bridgerton, Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury, and Ruth Gemmell as Lady Bridgerton for the ‘Bridgerton’ Season 3 premiere. Part 2 of Season 3 was released on June 13, much to the excitement of fans.

Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton gaze into each other’s eyes 

In a heartwarming clip, Coughlan and Newton were spotted cuddling, laughing and gazing into each other’s eyes as they posed for photos. Another viral video captured Newton not letting go of Coughlan’s hand.

As she moved to give a cheerful hug to a peer, Newton quickly placed one hand on the peer’s shoulder and held onto Coughlan’s hand with his other hand.

The video spread rapidly across social media, with fans commenting, “LUKE NEWTON ADAMANT TO HOLD NICOLA COUGHLAN'S HAND BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY” accompanied by emotional crying emojis.

Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton were dressed to dazzle

At the premiere, Nicola turned heads in an off-the-shoulder pink gown adorned with sequins and intricate beading.

The form-fitting dress highlighted her curves, revealing a hint of cleavage, and featured floral lace detailing on the neckline.

'The Derry Girls' star added extra drama to her look with a lacy headpiece featuring a long tulle veil that trailed behind her on the red carpet.

She elevated her ensemble with a pair of burgundy velvet evening gloves and sported an Artists for Ceasefire pin, an initiative advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Nicola posed enthusiastically for the cameras before warmly embracing her co-star, Newton, with the on-screen couple holding hands on the red carpet.

Newton also made a strong fashion statement, showcasing a black woven co-ord.

He wore a futuristic blazer-style jacket, detailed with pockets and zips, and adorned with embroidered flowers on the shoulders and sleeves.

He paired it with coordinating oversized trousers and went shirtless underneath, giving a glimpse of his toned chest.

Newton completed his striking look with neatly gelled hair and shiny black boots embellished with silver flowers.

What viewers can expect in 'Bridgerton' Season 3 Part 2?

Season 3 of the 'Bridgerton' series appears to be better than ever, as reported by What's On Netflix, with a staggering 45.1 million views within just four days of its global release on Netflix.

Following criticism of the second series for its lack of steamy scenes, the first four episodes of the third series provided viewers with at least six minutes of intimate moments.

Despite promises that this season would be the steamiest yet, fans had to wait until the final moments of part one for the central love story to truly unfold.

Season 3 centers on the much-anticipated romance between Penelope and Colin, but the storyline of the best friends discovering their true feelings unfolds slowly.

Part One concludes on a tantalizing cliffhanger as Colin, unable to think of anyone else, finally confesses his love for Penelope in a carriage after she is heartbroken by Lord Debling.

In the encounter at the end of the fourth episode, Penelope reveals her desire to be more than friends with Colin, and they share a passionate kiss, leading to a steamy scene together.

However, just as they are getting into it, they arrive at the Bridgerton house. After Colin adjusts Penelope’s dress and hair, he steps out of the carriage and extends his hand to her, asking if she’s coming with him.

The show then ends on a cliffhanger with Colin delivering the iconic line from the 'Romancing Mister Bridgerton' novel: "For God's sake, Penelope Featherington, are you going to marry me or not?"

The second half of 'Bridgerton's highly anticipated third season will be released on Thursday, June 13, at 8 am.

Fans are eagerly awaiting to see what happens next in Penelope and Colin’s love story.

Viewers can anticipate even steamier moments between the pair, with Coughlan and Newton previously sharing that they filmed so many intimate scenes that they became comfortable lounging around naked between takes.

Fans want to know why Luke Newton can't let go of Nicola Coughlan's hand

After seeing Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton at the London premiere of 'Bridgerton', many netizens shared their comments.

One social media user gushed "OMG!!! Both hands???"

One 'Bridgerton' fan commented with a collage of pics of how they would miss the lead pair's warm interaction on the press tours for the Netflix show and made it a point to stress that the duo had previously also held hands, "Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton holding hands at every bridgeton event you'll be MISSED"

Commenting on the videos of Newton refusing to let go of Nicola's hand as the crowd swarmed around them, one 'Bridgerton' fan opined on Instagram , "I think he wanted to give her some room to say hello to someone but didn't want to let go of her hand entirely."

More eagle-eyed viewers were certain it was more than just friendship behind the pair's hand holding as one said, "It's LOVE 🫠😍 Friends don't hold hands like that💯"

Another fan teasingly asked, "Why can't you let go of Nic's hand Luke? 😍"

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