9 surprising facts that you need to know about ‘Bridgerton’

Bridgerton racked up an unmatched number of fans just a few days after it was released on Christmas Day of last year.

More than 80 million households in countries on every corner of the continent have tuned in to be initiated into the Bridgerton universe.

 

It is undeniably an exciting period drama series with so much going for it at the moment so here are 9 surprising but exciting facts about this Shonda Rhimes and Julia Quinn creation:

  1. There is no Queen Charlotte in the original Bridgerton book series

Queen Charlotte who is played by Guyanese-British actress Golda Rosheuvel is a new addition to the Bridgerton cast list. The character is included by showrunner Chris Van Dusen so as to bring more historical framework to the show. Although debated by a number British historians, it is believed that Queen Charlotte who was married to King George III was of mixed heritage, and the first biracial family member of British royal family.

  1. The Bridgerton family colour is a Wedgewood pale blue hue          

In keeping with the regency era style, Wedgwood blue which featured in every wealthy home, was the colour chosen for the Bridgertons’. The pale blue hue and the style of decor communicate elegance and sophistication much like a number of the interior décor options available from the home depot ads at price points that are easy on the budget. If you have seen the show or when you eventually watch the show, you will notice that the home decor on set for each family home was colour consistent and delectable.

  1. Julie Andrews is the voice of Lady Whistledown

It was heartwarming to find out that multiple award-winning actress Julie Andrews from Sound of Music, Mary Poppins and The Princess Diaries is a big part of this sensational project. While the rest of the cast worked from multiple locations in the United Kingdom, Julie Andrews is said to have contributed to the writing of her Lady Whistledown script and recorded her narrations from a studio in New York.

  1. The part about a Bridgerton Intimacy Coordinator

There are a number of steamy intimate scenes in the first season of the British period drama series. Phoebe Dynevor who plays Daphene Bridgerton has remarked that she was comfortable during the intimate scenes on set because they had rehearsed weeks before filming started properly, at the request of the intimacy director, Lizzy Talbot. So, we have Lizzy Talbot to thank for some of the most natural choreographed steamy scenes that can be watched on Netflix.

  1. The Bridgerton children first names follow an interesting pattern

A very exciting fun fact is that the Bridgerton children’s first names follow an alphabetical order which includes the first eight letters of the alphabet. See for yourself. There’s Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory and Hyacinth. It is apparently a grand tradition of the Bridgerton family that many viewers might have missed or been confused about even until one of the very last scenes of season one.

  1. Rege-Jean Page who plays the Duke of Hastings has Zimbabwean roots.

An alumnus of the Shonda Rhimes acting society for his role in the show For The People, Rege-Jean Page is of a mixed heritage background. This star character that has had millions swooning spent a huge portion of his childhood in Zimbabwe before moving to London to pursue Engineering at university.

  1. Similarities between Bridgerton, Princess Diana and The Crown

The interior of Buckingham Palace used in The Crown is the same location as the Clyvedon Castle where Daphne and Simon spend their honeymoon. This exciting fact has raised a number of eyebrows among viewers with a keen eye for detail. Also, the staircase which features in the Bridgerton home is said to have been inspired by the staircase at Princess Diana’s family home in Althorp.

  1. Bridgerton had over 7,500 costume pieces custom made for the show

Ellen Mirojnick, costume fashion designer for Bridgerton has said that she did not prioritize historical accuracy with respect to the outfits worn in the drama series. Instead, there was a preference for modern elements and bold colours as is seen donned by the Featheringtons. These choices had more to do with giving the show a modern quality as well as honoring the Shonda Rhimes aesthetic.

  1. Actresses who Play Eloise and Penelope are best friends in real life

Warning, this might count as a spoiler so if you are reading this and you are yet to watch this spectacular drama series then here is your nudge to go watch it now. Actresses Claudia Jessie and Nicola Coughlan who play Eloise and Penelope in the series are actual friends in real life. In the show, their friendship is endearing and serves as an anchor for both of them so it is delightful to know that what we see on screen is just a glimpse into what they share off screen.