He’s known for raising temperatures on risque period drama Bridgerton and as it returns for a fourth season, Jonathan Bailey lifts the lid on those raunchy sex scenes
The Bridgerton actor spills on his raunchier scenes(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Bridgerton heartthrob Jonathan Bailey has spilled on the show’s infamous sex scenes, saying he finds it “hard not to laugh” while filming them. The saucy period drama returns at the end of this month for its fourth season, with Bailey reprising his role as Anthony Bridgerton.
He said: “I know the sex scenes have been a hot topic, but as a cast we get more excited by other scenes which require in-depth emotions.
“I know the sex scenes look glamorous, but on set with cameras, tens of people, intimacy coordinators and everything else – it actually feels a bit silly and it’s incredibly hard not to laugh.”
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The 37 year old has had his fair share of on-screen romps – his first just three minutes into Bridgerton’s first ever episode – but he’s keen to make sure there’s always a reason behind the steam. “I’m not a fan of, ‘Lets get our kit off because we have a scene to film,’” he explained. “It’s got to mean something.”
The next season of the show – the first part landing on Netflix January 29 – focuses on Anthony’s younger brother Benedict (Luke Thompson) who falls for maid Sophie (Yerin Ha) after meeting at a masquerade ball in a fairytale storyline resembling Cinderella. “It isn’t a slow start,” Bailey revealed. “I can’t wait for fans to see the first episode – it really starts off with a bang.”
As well as his part in the runaway success of Bridgerton, it’s fair to say Jonathan is having a bit of a moment. Last year he followed in the footsteps of Idris Elba and David Beckham to become People’s Sexiest Man Alive – something he finds “hilarious.” “But at the same time very flattering,” the Oxfordshire born actor added. “I mean who wouldn’t be flattered?”
His win came off the back of his stellar performances in Hollywood blockbusters Jurassic World Rebirth and the Wicked franchise. The second instalment of the latter, ‘Wicked For Good’, may have received mixed reviews and been snubbed in the latest Oscars noms, but it certainly sky-rocketed Bailey to worldwide fame.
“It was a dream role, and an experience I will never forget,” he said of the film. “We all had the best time, and even though it’s over, I am eternally grateful that, in Ariana [Grande] and Cynthia [Erivo], I have made friends for life.”
In his personal life, the fiercely private actor revealed in 2023 he was dating a “lovely man”, but his current relationship status is unknown. Offering an insight into his life away from the cameras, he did say he keeps “grounded” by his six nieces and nephews.
“When I get to do what the world views as ‘normal things’ like read them a story or build Lego with them – I don’t think they have any idea how happy they make me.”
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