Bridgerton season 3 gets first-look images teasing 'Polin' romance

Netflix has released a set of first-look photos for Bridgerton season 3, teasing the new romance that will be taking centre stage.

Released during the streamer's annual fan event TUDUM, the images show the developing love story between Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton).

One picture shows a disheartened Penelope gazing out of a window, while another features a newly confident Colin returning from his summer travels.

We also see photos of Colin and Penelope smiling as they attend an event together, and another which shows them staring intently into each other's eyes as their relationship becomes more complicated.

Bridgerton season three will see Penelope finally give up on her secret crush on Colin after overhearing his comments about her.

However, her plans to take a husband don't go too well, due to her lack of self-confidence.

Resolved to find herself a match who will respect her independence and allow her to continue her double life as Lady Whistledown, Penelope makes plans to get married.

Meanwhile, Colin is confused to find Penelope giving him the cold shoulder after his summer travels, and is determined to mend the relationship between the pair.

He offers to help Penelope build her confidence and find the right match.

However, Colin soon finds himself feeling conflicted over her, forcing the friends to finally address their true feelings toward each other.

Nicola previously gave fans a hint at what to expect from the new season, revealing that there will be steamy scenes between the fan-favourite characters.

"Because we've had two seasons of build-up, it's probably going to be the former," she told Variety when asked if season three will be straight-up sexy or more of a slow burner.

Bridgerton seasons 1-2 are streaming now on Netflix, along with Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.