Many might claim to have tuned into Shonda Rhimes’ viral Netflix hit, Bridgerton, for its Regency-era fashion and mysterious Lady Whistledown, but in fact, it was the steamy scenes between Phoebe Dynevor’s Daphne Bridgerton and Regé-Jean Page’s Simon Bassett, the Duke of Hastings, that really hooked viewers.
As we know, the first season of the Julia Quinn adapted period drama focuses on the relationship between Daphne and Simon, and now the actress has provided new insights into why those scenes between the newlyweds are so necessary while appearing at a recent Deadline panel.
“There are a lot of differences between me and Daphne but I think she values family, which I also value, and at a time when women had only one option, she was as determined to make that happen as I am in my career I guess, and I think that was sort of my way into Daphne,” she said.
“I admired her more because she made it happen but she called the shots, and she also found love,” the actress continued. “Their sexual evolution was very important to the storyline and something me, [showrunner Chris Van Dusen], Regé and everyone involved really wanted to tell truthfully and in a way that was safe for everyone.”
What fans might not know is that one of Daphne’s and the Duke of Hastings’ most… intense scenes was actually the first one Dynevor ever shot for the series.
“My first-ever scene was in episode six where Simon is going down on Daphne,” the actress told Grazia.
Intimacy coordinator Lizzy Talbot was behind the steamy scenes, describing her job to The Hollywood Reporter as “making sure that the actors are consenting to the actions that we’re portraying, and that we are making sure that they are comfortable, and that there is zero pressure from outside sources to show more than what they’re comfortable with.”
Even executive producer and showrunner, Chris Van Dusen, alluded to Dynevor’s first scene in a tweet shared in celebration of Bridgerton’s premiere date in December 2020.
“Day 1. These two started with one of our more, um, INTENSE scenes,” he wrote. “Now on the eve of the #Bridgerton premiere, I couldn’t be prouder of this cast, this crew, THIS SHOW—and the MANY people who helped bring it to life. It’s here. It’s finally HERE. I hope you enjoy it.”
As for what we can expect for the show’s second season, creators will be turning to the next book in Quinn’s Bridgerton series: The Viscount Who Loved Me, which follows Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) on his quest for love, where he meets Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley).
And for the many viewers hoping to get another glimpse at the Duke of Hastings (and perhaps another *spoon* moment), that unfortunately won’t be happening. It was confirmed in April 2021 that Regé-Jean Page would not be returning as Simon Bassett, with the announcement made from Lady Whistledown herself.
“Pleasure and a privilege! An honour to be a member of the family—on and off screen, cast, crew and incredible fans—the love is real and will just keep growing,” the actor responded to the official Twitter announcement.
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