It’s the Netflix period drama taking the country by storm – Bridgerton, a raucous romp that could well be called the Regency era’s answer to the Kardashians, or Downton Abbey… but with a lot more bed-hopping!
Based on the series of novels from the same name, the show comes from uber-producer Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy, How To Get Away With Murder and Scandal), and as well as a cast of beautiful actors, all the action is narrated by none other than Dame Julie Andrews, playing secret society gossip Lady Whistledown. “Let it be known, if there’s a scandal, I shall uncover it. And share every last detail,” Dame Julie promises.
It follows eight siblings as they work the marriage market to their favour, flitting around glittering ballrooms with witty banter and illicit liaisons.
Among them is Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor – whose mother is Coronation Street star Sally.
Daphne is introduced to the London social season in 1813, and the naive youngster is soon enthralled with the most eligible bachelor in town, the dashing Simon, Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page).
We caught up with Phoebe and Regé-Jean to find out what attracted them to the show and why the couple’s romance resonates so much with modern-day viewers...
Bridgerton is such a different take on a period drama. What did you make of it when you first read the script?
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