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Huge update on Netflix smash hit Bridgerton after raunchy carriage scene was snubbed for BAFTA gong
It's hard to believe it's now been almost five years since the first series dropped on Netflix
SERIES five AND six of Bridgerton are going ahead after Netflix made a huge multi-million pound investment in the show's future.
The greenlight for the new seasons takes the programme way beyond its current four season batch of shows, the most recent of which was filmed last year.
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The Bridgerton story is likely to follow the rough pattern of the novels by Julia Quinn and it's thought the next book which will serve as inspiration is expected to be Elouise Bridgerton’s story, To Sir Philip, With Love.
But nothing is a given in Netflix's distinctive version of the story.
A TV insider said: "After introducing the controversial gender swap at the end of series three which saw Michael Stirling switched to Michaela, there is a chance execs could skip ahead to Francesca’s story.
"They certainly weren’t afraid to dabble with Julia Quinn’s timeline by swapping the order of Colin and Benedict’s tales."
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The good news about continuing the Bridgerton saga comes as series three received a nomination at this week’s TV BAFTA awards, with Colin and Penelope’s saucy carriage sex scene up for the Memorable Moment gong.
It was beaten by Chris McCausland's moving dance on last year's Strictly Come Dancing.
Series four, which started filming at the end of 2024, will follow the story of the second Bridgerton son, Benedict, played by Luke Thompson.
I exclusively revealed last year how Netflix had invested millions in building a huge new Regency-style set on the edge of London, shifting everything from its traditional home on the stunning streets of Bath.
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It's hard to believe it's now been almost five years since the first series dropped on Netflix starring Phoebe Dynevor and Rege Jean Page, before series two came along and helped firmly catapult Jonathan Bailey to Hollywood superstardom.
Last year's third series did similar wonders for the career of its leading lady Nicola Coughlan opposite her character's love interest, Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton.
Netflix were approached for comment.
Watch the video to see the intimacy coordinators sexiest TV scenes
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Timothy having a laugh
TIMOTHY SPALL reckons playing for laughs is really tricky and that doing serious dramas, such as Wolf Hall, are “a piece of p**s”.
But the veteran actor likes a challenge, which is why he’s starring in new comedy, Death Valley.
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The Welsh show, which starts on May 25 on BBC One, sees him play John Chapel, a retired actor who tries his hand at real detective work and helps out a local police officer, played by Gwyneth Keyworth.
But Timothy reckons that he’s always struggled to emulate the talents of the characters he has played over the years – except in 2014 when he portrayed the artist JMW Turner in the movie, Mr Turner.
He said: “I’ve played all sorts of experts and the only thing I have done is play a painter – and I ended up painting a bit, that’s all.”
'Thrilling ride'
ITV has revealed some first-look images of Martin Compston as he joins Red Eye for its second series.
The Line Of Duty star will appear with Jing Lusi, who is back as DS Hana Li, along with Lesley Sharp and Robert Gilbert.
Martin said: “I’m hoping to give viewers another thrilling ride.”
Gordon serves up doc
GORDON RAMSAY is making a new Apple TV+ documentary following elite chefs around the world as they compete for the industry’s most coveted award.
Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars will see the telly chef and his production company, Studio Ramsay Global, partner up with food expert Jesse Burgess for the eight-episode series.
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The show will go behind the scenes of the high-stakes world of fine dining, and follow the chefs from London to Mexico City and Copenhagen as they battle it out to win or maintain prized Michelin stars.
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It promises to give unique access to the process.
But Gordon will remain behind the cameras to executive produce the series.
Woolly return
THE BBC will celebrate the 30th anniversary of kids’ cartoon Shaun The Sheep with a new series.
Produced by Aardman, the makers of Wallace & Gromit, it will launch with a double episode on May 24 on BBC One and iPlayer.
The 1995 film Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave, which saw the debut of Shaun, will air just before.
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