Loved-up Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan confirms romance as she cuddles up to younger actor

Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington in Netflix's Bridgerton, was seen heading home after a date night in London with Renegade Hell actor Jake Dunn

Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan has seemingly confirmed her relationship with Renegade Hell actor Jake Dunn as the pair were pictured holding hands while heading home from a romantic night out.

The couple, who were previously rumoured to be dating but kept their romance private, were seen hand-in-hand and hugging in London on Wednesday night. Nicola, who plays the much-loved character Penelope Featherington in Netflix's Bridgerton and is also known for her role as Clare Devlin in Channel 4's sitcom Derry Girls, was seen wearing a black dress paired with black tights and shoes, and a loose mustard cardigan.

The 37-year-old Irish actress paired her outfit with a crossbody bag and earrings. British actor Jake wore dark green cargo trousers paired with white shoes and a white and red sweater. He also had a baseball cap on that he removed at some point to shield Nicola from the paparazzi.

According to reports, Nicola and Jake were on their way home after a date at the Auld Shillelagh, an Irish pub in Stoke Newington, London, when the photos were taken on October 23. The couple haven't commented publicly on their relationship, but rumours began to spread earlier this year when they attended the premiere of Renegade Hell in March together.

Then in June, Jake's Renegade Hell co-star Alice Kremelberg posted a photo with the two of them. Nicola and Jake were also seen together at the All Points East festival in London in August and were smiling while enjoying the music event.

After the latest photos were posted by Deux Moi on Instagram, fans of Nicola expressed their happiness as one said: "Nicola is so beautiful and hot. Jake is gorgeous. Together they make a lovely couple." Another added: "My baby girl looks so happy." One more commented: "She's so beautiful she deserves the world and more."

Fans commented on an unrelated post Jake published a month ago, with one saying: "Jake, you and Nicola are the most beautiful and sweetest couple. I love seeing you together, I wish you all the best and I wish you happiness. Bless you!"

Many people also flooded the comment section of Nicola's latest Instagram photo, praising her and urging her to stay positive. One person wrote: "We love you and Jake." Someone else added: "I hope you and Jake are okay, please don't listen to the haters."

A fan said: "You deserve the world. Thank you for being the amazing human being that you are and supporting causes you believe in, for inspiring me and being my role model, for your hard work and everything you stand for. Beauty inside and out."

It comes amid speculation about Nicola's dating status, with some fans wondering whether she was dating her Bridgerton co-star and on-screen husband, Luke Newton, who plays Colin in the Netflix show. However, shortly after the premiere of the latest season of Bridgerton, Luke confirmed his romance with professional dancer Antonia Roumelioti as the couple were seen during a date in London.

In an interview with Time magazine earlier this month, Nicola said she has a "gorgeous friendship" with Luke but said there is no romance between them away from the TV show. The actress said: "A lot of people really want me to marry Luke. We have this gorgeous friendship.

"We have such a love for one another and this experience that I'll never have with someone else again. Isn't it gorgeous that a man and woman can have that sort of relationship with one another?"

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