Jonathan Bailey has confessed that filming the intimate moments in Netflix’s hit period drama Bridgerton is far less glamorous than it appears on screen — and often leaves him struggling not to laugh.
The 37-year-old actor, who plays Anthony Bridgerton, the eldest of the eight siblings at the heart of the series, said the show’s famously steamy scenes can feel surprisingly awkward during filming. Based on Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels, Bridgerton follows the powerful family as they navigate love, scandal and society in Regency-era London.
In an interview with the Mirror, Bailey admitted that the reality of filming romantic scenes is very different from how viewers might imagine it. “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,” he said. “It’s incredibly hard not to laugh.”
While the show is widely known for its sensual moments, Bailey explained that the cast place greater value on scenes that demand emotional depth. “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,” he added.
The actor also stressed that intimacy on screen should always serve a purpose. “I like to make sure those scenes mean something,” Bailey said, adding: “I’m not a fan of, ‘Let’s get our kit off because we have a scene to film.’”
Looking ahead, Bailey teased what fans can expect from the upcoming fourth season of Bridgerton. “It isn’t a slow start,” he said. “I can’t wait for fans to see the first episode – it really starts off with a bang.”
The new season will shift its focus to Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, and Sophie Baek, portrayed by Yerin Ha, as their romance unfolds following a magical masquerade ball.
Bailey also reflected on being named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” last year, calling the title “hilarious” but admitting it was still flattering. “I mean, who wouldn’t be flattered?” he said.
Since rising to global fame on Bridgerton, Bailey has expanded his career with roles in Jurassic World Rebirth and the film adaptations Wicked and Wicked: For Good.
The latest season of Bridgerton will be released in two parts, with part one landing on 29 January and part two arriving on 26 February, each featuring four episodes.
