Luke Newton talks of taking on leading-man role in 'Bridgerton'

The new season of “Bridgerton” sees the romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton heating up, and their fans are eagerly awaiting its remaining episodes to air this June.

Played respectively by Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton, Penelope, and Colin - or  “Polin,” as the pair is called — have made audiences swoon, making the show a resounding success.

Newton said he knew he had big shoes to fill as season three’s leading man, but luckily he had the privilege of watching how his costars took the reign.

'Bridgerton' stars talk love, romance, representation

"I think we were really lucky that we were made aware we were going to lead the next season very early on in season two," he shared. "It gave me the opportunity to watch Jonathan [Bailey], how he sort of conducted himself on set. He's a really strong leader."

Newton also remarked that Bailey's energy on the set was "infectious, so I definitely wanted to incorporate elements that he had on set and then sort of make it my own."

The actor added that his character is different from the show's previous male leads.

"I wanted to still sort of own that sensitivity, and I wanted to honor those parts of him that deep inside that maybe don't see them at the start of the season," Newton added, "but they're sure to come back out as the season continues."

Newton also praised the show’s producers, directors, and writers for their work and care in crafting his character’s journey and Polin’s love story.

"I think (showrunner) Jess (Brownell) and her team did so well in bringing elements of the book to life as well," he said. "It felt like it was the right time for these characters to sort of step into the light and enjoy their journey really coming to the surface."

Newton added: "The dynamic on set just works really well between the two of us. It wasn't daunting or scary. It was kind of like, it felt like the right moment."

The first part of Bridgerton season three is now streaming on Netflix.

The much-awaited final episodes will come out on June 13.