Bridgerton stars Luke Thompson and Luke Newton open up about filming sex scenes

Bridgerton stars Luke Thompson and Luke Newton have opened up about what it’s like to be a part of the steamy period drama.

It is renowned for its hot and steamy scenes, so the actors on Bridgerton have to be prepared for a moment’s notice on the Regency period drama.

The two Lukes – Thompson and Newton – who play handsome brothers Benedict and Colin respectively, revealed they are always good to go as we chat over Zoom from London.

“I’m just waiting for that call like ‘you’re naked tomorrow so …’,” Newton says, with Thompson adding “you’re doing exercise ‘til you’re pale in the face and you want to throw up and then you’re ready to go.”

Personal trainers were the go for the first season. There was a slightly awkward moment as the show’s bosses mixed up the pair. They offered Newton a personal trainer for his intimate scenes, and he wondered just how far they were to deviate from the books.

Most of his action due in the already commissioned Season 4 which is expected to focus on Romancing Mr Bridgerton, the fourth book in the Julia Quinn-penned series.

He quickly learnt it was meant for Thompson – or Lukey T as he sometimes referred to on set to avoid confusion – who indeed had some hot action in the hugely successful Netflix debut.

Fortunately, the pair took it all good naturedly.

“I’m pretty sure they know who we are now,” Thompson said.

Luke Thompson, left, and Luke Newton attend the Bridgerton 2 world premiere at the Tate Modern in London, England. Picture: Getty Images

This season focuses on their elder brother Viscount Anthony’s (Jonathan Bailey) quest for love. But there’s plenty of action for the younger siblings.

Benedict’s quest for artistic recognition resonates with Thompson.

“I think when you want to be creative you can swing from having all these thoughts like you’re brilliant and the most amazing artist ever or you are literally the worst and you can only ever come up with rubbish,” he said.

“I feel like I am constantly battling as an actor to not compare myself to anyone else and not worry about how good or bad I am.”

Newton said he shares Colin’s sensitivity and loyalty.

“Look I’m very aware that’s all of his really good traits,” he joked.

“What’s great about Colin is all me and when he’s being a d--k, it’s not me.

“But in truth I hope that I’m not as easily susceptible to manipulation like he was and as blind as he can be at times. I hope that I am not as insensitive and oblivious to what is right in front of your face.”

Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton, left, and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton. Picture: Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2022

When Bridgerton launched on Netflix over Christmas 2020, it became the streaming service’s biggest original series, viewed by 82 million households in the first four weeks.

The Lukes are only just coming to terms with the global success story.

“We were in lockdown so we were doing press from our bedrooms,” Newton said.

“We weren’t together so we couldn’t fully connect with each other, let alone the fans.

“It almost feels like we are celebrating both seasons this year.

“Now we meet the fans in person, in coffee shops and hear about their favourite parts of the show. It is such an adrenaline rush.”

Thompson said returning to the joy of the Bridgerton Universe was magical. The actors, just like the fictional family, have formed tight bonds.

“For me it felt like it felt for viewers watching the first time – they were so desperate for a bit of escape, joy and colour when things looked so dreary and grim in the real world,” he said.

“When we started this season we were still in lockdown so to be able to escape it and jump into Bridgerton was such a relief. To turn up on day one in the Bridgerton drawing room and see everyone, it felt like we hadn’t been a day away at all.”

Bridgerton, streaming now, Netflix

Originally published as Bridgerton stars Luke Thompson and Luke Newton open up about filming sex scenes