" He ’s a really special soul in my life . "

When costars have amazing chemistry on and off-screen, fans have a hard time separating what’s fiction and what’s fact.Bridgerton’sNicola Coughlanknows all about that, and she’s setting the record straight.

Let’s just say it’s filled with a lot of yearning and possibly an answer to the “will they, won’t they” trope that’s been plaguing them for seasons, and people — including me — are truly excited about it.

Well, the two didn’t just build a connection on set; they also formed a real friendship behind the scenes, which added fuel to the fire and sparked those dating rumors.

During a recent interview withExtraat the series NYC premiere, Nicola addressed the online chatter and set the record straight about her relationship with Luke.

“We think it’s really sweet,” Nicola said when asked about the dating gossip. “I think because we truly love each other.”

“He is a really special person in my life, and I got to do this experience with him. I’ll never get to do something like this again, on this scale… It’s so nice having such a lovely friend that I can do all this with.”

There you have it, folks; they’re just friends. But I think that should be celebrated, too. We don’t give enough appreciation to platonic relationships and just how meaningful they can be.

But let’s give credit where it’s due. Their acting deserves applause because their chemistry translates off-screen so effortlessly. And we’ll get to see more of that when Part 1 ofBridgerton’s Season 3 premiere airs May 16 on Netflix.

And for more Nicola, check out her fullExtrainterview below:

Nicola Coughlan posing in an elegant off-the-shoulder gown with structured details and gloves at the 'Bridgerton' Netflix event

Netflix

A screenshot of a social media comment expressing excitement about the tension between characters Penelope and Colin

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Comment on social media that says, "That last breathless 'Penelope' is definitely NOT how you say your friend's name, COLIN"

One comment says, "Omgooooooosh. it's giving she fell first, he fell harder. I'm screaming"

Comments on a social media post discussing a person's feelings for Pen and anticipation for a reveal

Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan looking at each other with longing in a scene from "Bridgerton"

Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan laughing at a Bridgerton premiere

Closeup of Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan at a "Bridgerton" premiere

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Nicola Coughlan posing in a sparkling dress with a black tie detail at an evening event

Two men from the TV show Friends, one in a plaid jacket, laughing and engaging in friendly wrist hold

Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan as Colin and Penelope in "Bridgerton"