TV & Movies

Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan Pranks Luke Newton In Hilarious BTS Clip

He’ll never escape his boy band era.

'Bridgerton' Season 3 cast members Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan.
Elena Di Vincenzo/Archivio Elena Di Vincenzo/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan’s chemistry is just as endearing off-screen. In a behind-the-scenes video from the set of Bridgerton Season 3, shared by director Andrew Ahn, the co-stars are shown filming what appears to be a ballroom scene, which is suddenly interrupted by a prank.

Filming in character as Colin Bridgerton, a serious-looking Newton is shown exchanging dialogue with Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington. Music suddenly begins playing in the background, sparking an instant reaction from Newton, who bursts into laughter, as does the cast and crew.

The surprise song is “Cougar Town” by the former British boy band South 4, which Newton was a member of before his Bridgerton days.

The behind-the-scenes prank was seemingly pulled off by Coughlan, who is seen laughing as people dance along to the song.

Luke’s Boyband Era

Dubbed “Sussex’s answer to One Direction,” South 4 signed a reported $1.3 million record contract in 2012. The group, which first met at the famed Brits School, also included Oli Evans, Joel Baylis, and Henry Tredinnick.

After releasing their first single, “Cougar Town,” Evans said, “We’re really excited about the single. We think it will be one of the hits of the summer.”

Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be. The band split soon after its debut, and eight years later, Newton landed a role on the hit Netflix show.

Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan in Bridgerton Season 3. Netflix

Fans Loved The Candid Scene

The video quickly made the rounds among Bridgerton fans online, with one person declaring it “absolutely ridiculous.”

“I love everything about this prank! Nicola and Luke are the best,” another fan wrote on Instagram, while one user commented, “Not the iconic prank we been hearing about! This is incredible.”

This isn’t the first time fans have been treated to a BTS glimpse into life on the Bridgerton set. In 2022, the show’s choreographer posted footage of the Season 2 wrap party, featuring the cast and crew dancing to Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” in their Regency-era costumes.