Nicola Coughlan has admitted it's "really sweet" fans think she's dating Luke Newton

She told Extra: "We think it's really sweet, I think because we truly love each other...

"He is a really special person in my life, and I got to do this experience with him.

"I'll never get to do something like this again, on this scale... It's so nice having such a lovely friend that I can do all this with."

Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton's relationship will be the focus of the new season, with plenty of steamy scenes which 'Derry Girls' star Nicola confessed were "terrifying to watch back" at first.

She said: "It's crazy because I felt like those scenes would be terrifying to watch back, and they were initially...

"But then when I watched them, I went, 'No, they're everything we wanted them to be and more'.

"They're really romantic. They're beautifully written. They feel sexy, they're exciting. I couldn't be happier, honestly."

She also turned to Phoebe Dynevor and Simone Ashley - who were the leading ladies in the first two seasons of 'Bridgerton' - for advice on stepping into the spotlight, and the 'Big Mood' actress hopes to do the same for her own successor.

She added: "Simon and Phoebe were both incredible. They are gracious and kind, and they led this show with just that, with grace and kindness.

"They both made it known to me, they were like, 'We're here if you need us.' They were just there, they were at the end of the phone. They've been so supportive, and I feel so grateful for that.

"And I'll be there for the next lady. I don't know her yet, but whoever she is, I'm on the end of the phone."