Secrets of Bridgerton

It has been two years since series two of the global hit Netflix drama and much change is afoot in this third run.

The circumstances of the season shall reveal themselves...

This season, it's Penelope (Nicola Coughlan, above) and Colin (Luke Newton) who are centre stage. Will the old friends find love with another - or each other? 

Former Derry Girls star Nicola was initially unsure about being the lead. She said: "I was just saying, 'Isn't it fun to play the weirdo-in-the-corner character? It's so much less pressure'. Then I got the call. It was kind of terrifying."

The pair's on-screen chemistry is helped by their morning routine, after Luke, 31, asked to be placed next to 37-year-old Nicola in hair and make-up.

"That's a good couple of hours spent running lines and chatting. It meant our energy was aligned," Luke said.

Not so much that he hasn't spilled a little secret though. As we revealed yesterday, Nicola has a box to stand on in their shared scenes, as Luke is 6ft while she is 4ft 11in.

Spotted on the streets of the 'Ton...

With the social season upon us, there are some new faces in town. Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis) is set to cause a stir in society.

The charismatic Lord lights up any room, which endears him to certain matriarchs but riles some others.

There's another Lord in play too - Alfred Debling, played by Sam Phillips. Wealthy, noble, slightly eccentric, he'll have no shortage of interest.

Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd, left) also emerges from the sidelines to make her debut in the 'Ton, while Lady Tilley Arnold (Hannah New) is a firebrand widow who captures the attention of Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson). And there are rumours of another newcomer - but even Lady Whistledown is yet to go to press with this revelation...

A debutante is a rare jewel...