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The focus of our attention is Nicola Coughlan and Jake Dunn's developing romance. In fact, the Bridgerton actress and the Renegade Nell actor made their first appearance together on the red carpet on April 24, two months after she publicly acknowledged their relationship on social media.
Arriving at the BAFTA Television and Television Craft Nominees' Party wearing a black Carolina Herrera minidress with a large tulle bow flowing down the back, Nicola was the season's diamond. Jake, meanwhile, accessorized her outfit with an all-black ensemble, his white button-up shirt's collar showing through the sweater.
The pair's most recent appearance follows the Derry Girls alum's heartfelt homage to Jake's 25th birthday on her Instagram Story in February. In addition to a snap of her love's side profile, she simply wrote with a red heart emoji, "Happy Birthday."
However, since they were spotted strolling through the streets of London in October following a night out, their romance has been the talk of the town for a while. And during Mitski's performance at the All Points East festival in August, the 38-year-old was seen cuddling up to Jake.
Although it's obvious that Nicola is only interested in one eligible bachelor, Bridgerton fans were curious as to whether she was attracted to a particular on-screen romance because she kept her personal life private. She did, after all, turn up the heat in season three with costar Luke Newton, who in June revealed that he was seeing dancer Antonia Roumelioti.
The Big Mood actress, however, dispelled those rumors.
"Many people genuinely want me to wed Luke," she told TIME in October. "Our friendship is so beautiful. I will never have this experience with another person again because of how much we love each other. The fact that a man and woman can have that kind of relationship is beautiful, isn't it?
Nicola disclosed that their off-screen relationship helped them handle their sex scenes, despite the fact that they are merely friends.
"You'd think filming a scene like that with someone who's a friend," Luke told E! News in May of 2017, "who has been your friend for, like, four years, would be a daunting experience, but actually it was a reassuring one."
"It seemed really secure. "Space to explore these scenes and find new and interesting ways," he added. "The show is known for the steamy scenes, so we wanted to really encapsulate the Colin and Pen love story. Their humor and all these different genres their relationship showcases."
