The top behind-the-scenes Bridgerton facts you never knew about

Behind-the-scenes Bridgerton facts are sure to get fans of the Netflix period drama excited, as we get to learn that little bit more about the hit show. Since premiering on Christmas Day 2020, Bridgerton has taken the world by storm and was even reportedly projected to be viewed by 63 million households in its first 28 days on the platform. Lead actors such as Rege-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor have now become household names. And we just can’t get enough of the Bridgerton costumes. 

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Many fans will now be asking the ultimate question: will Bridgerton have a second season? But whilst we might need to wait a little longer to hear any confirmation from Netflix, there’s still more to discover about its debut season. 

These are the top behind-the-scenes Bridgerton facts you probably never knew.

Eloise and Penelope are friends in real life

The friendship between Eloise and Penelope's, dubbed by some as Peneloise, played by Claudia Jessie and Nicola Coughlan respectively, is one of the show’s highlights. 

Bridgerton author Julia Quinn reportedly told OprahMag.com that their on-screen connection reflected their actual growing friendship. 

"They became such good friends in real life, and you could totally see that. I tell people you've got this great romantic chemistry, but there's also BFF chemistry here to love," Quinn said. 

Whilst Coughlan told Seventeen that Claudia: "is the kindest, sweetest person. She's so open and such a talented actor."

We only hope we'll get to see more of their friendship if Netflix confirms a second season.

Bridgerton had 7,500 costume pieces

We all know how beautiful the Bridgerton costumes are, so it’s perhaps no surprise that to create such a glamorous Regency-era look, there needed to be some serious attention devoted to creating the outfits.

Bridgerton costume designer Ellen Mirojnick told Harper’s Bazaar that: “They wore a different dress to every ball, aside from the amount of dresses that would take place from morning ‘til dinner."

She explained: “So we knew just roughly that this was going to be a large, large endeavor.”

“Basically, all together, inclusive of our principal wardrobe, there were costume pieces equaling 7,500,” Mirojnick revealed.

All the work that went into them was definitely worth it when we see the fabulous costumes on screen.

Anthony Bridgerton’s actor originally auditioned to play the Duke of Hastings

Speaking to OprahMag.com, Jonathan Bailey, who plays Anthony Bridgerton, reportedly revealed that he did in fact audition for the Duke of Hastings role initially. 

"It wasn’t until I was talking to the production company and Chris Van Dusen, the showrunner, and at the end of the meeting we’d spoken about family, and men in society, and women in society, and our own personal experiences," he said. 

"And they said, 'Have you thought about Anthony? We’re gonna send you some scripts to read because we think you might be an Anthony.'"

Jonathan is so well-suited to playing the eldest Bridgerton sibling, it seems almost impossible to imagine him as Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings now. 

Boxer Will Mondrich was based on a real fighter

In Bridgerton, fans saw Simon’s friend and professional boxer Will Mondrich, played wonderfully by Martins Imhangbe. Imhangbe recently revealed to GQ UK that his character was actually based on a real boxer named Bill Richmond. Richmond is understood to have became the first black boxing entrepreneur in the 19th century. 

Discussing the effect boxing had for Richmond, Imhangbe explained: “He found a lot of favour in society due to his charisma and his boxing ability.” 

“He used boxing as a way out and as a way to provide for himself and his family. In the first season we see the early stages of Will trying to build that reputation and who he is.”

We can’t wait to see if a second season of Bridgerton will develop Will’s character in line with Bill Richmond’s inspirational figure.

Queen Charlotte's wigs weren't that comfortable 

Queen Charlotte’s amazing wigs are undoubtedly show-stoppers. But while actor Golda Rosheuvel may have looked fabulous as she played the flamboyant character, it's been suggested that she didn’t always find them that comfortable. 

According to OprahMag.com, she told told them that: "wearing them, sometimes was a challenge. I'll be honest. The weight of them is quite something. But keep yourself fit, eat healthily, a lot of core muscle and back muscle exercises. And you know, they are a pleasure to wear. (I say with a little twinkle in my eye.)"

They might be slightly heavy, but the look of these grand wigs really makes Queen Charlotte stand out. 

Now all we need is Bridgerton season 2 to be confirmed!