Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey shares advice he was given by co-star Phoebe Dynevor
The 33-year-old also says he's made a "Bridgerton guide for the next sibling who plays the lead".
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Netflix
Bridgerton‘s Jonathan Bailey has been discussing what advice he was given about taking on the lead role in the Netflix romp from his co-star Pheobe Dynevor.
The 33-year-old actor has been speaking to the Radio Times ahead of the show’s second season, which will focus on his character, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton.
Dynevor’s character, Daphne – the Viscount’s sister – took on the lead role in the last series and will reprise her role again in the upcoming series.
“A Bridgerton guide for the next sibling”
Recounting the advice he was given by Phoebe in preparation for filming Jonathan says he was told “to get fit, eat healthily and get as much sleep as possible,” due to the rigorous 14-15 hour days.
“Phoebe was great at counselling me because it’s not something you can explain to your friends and family, who you don’t see for weeks on end. Filming after the success of the first season and during a pandemic made particularly intense,” he continues.
He also says that he has now compiled a notebook which he will pass onto his successor saying, “It’s a Bridgerton guide for the next sibling who plays the lead”.
Jonathan knew he would be the lead in the second season when he was first cast after reading the books by Julia Quinn.
“I knew my character, Anthony, would have a lot of stuff to deal with and it would be very an interesting progression,” he tells the Radio Times. “It’s interesting to get behind these Heathcliff and Darcy characters and explore why romantic male figures are so harsh and toxic towards women,” he adds.
Asked if it was deliberate that he was cast in a straight leading role when he identifies as gay, Jonathan says: “No. My sexuality never came up in my initial conversations with them. I don’t think it was ever an issue.”
The actor, who is currently appearing on the West End in the revival of Mike Bartlett’s play Cock, also says there are no parallels between his role there and his role in Bridgerton.
Bridgerton season 2 begins streaming on Netflix on 25 March. Cock is playing at the Ambassadors Theatre till 4 June. Get tickets here.
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