Bridgerton season 3 spoilers follow.
Bridgerton stars Nicola Coughlan and Claudia Jessie have teased "tension" between their characters Penelope Featherington and Eloise Bridgerton in the upcoming season.
Bridgerton season three part one arrives on Netflix in May, with the storyline centred on the blossoming relationship between Penelope and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) - the brother of Eloise.
In the season 2 finale, viewers saw the two best friends come to blows after Eloise learned of Penelope's other identity, Lady Whistledown, the prolific gossip writer of the Ton's newsletter.
In an exclusive cast and crew Q&A attended by press, the two cast members confirmed that tension from the fight will continue into next season.
"They didn't make up off-camera," says Claudia Jessie. "I think the level of the betrayal is quite large so I don't think it's going to be made up quickly, however, it's probably quite good.
"They're so young. I always try to remind myself how young they are and Eloise comes from a really comfortable place. A really comfortable background," she continues. "This is a big blow - the first. Especially with a friendship at that age it's so huge, so there's still a lot there.
Jessie added: "I'd love to say that we started [scene one] and we're like 'back together'. They're not."
Nicola Coughlan claims Eloise is "absolutely fuming", with Jessie agreeing that this was "probably good fuel" for her character.
Executive producer Shonda Rhimes added that the two's friendship is important to the third series.
"I think it's kind of the second love story of the season," she said. "It's one of my favourites to watch."
It's suggested that part of the pair's upcoming tension could be down to Eloise's protective nature with her brother Colin.
"The Bridgertons, it's such a beautiful bond they all have," says Jessie. "It's so nice to see them together. We love doing those scenes together as well.
"They're protective at the best of times but I think this has been such a big thing for Colin as well with all the things that have been revealed in Whistledown, but also, I think Eloise has still got a [big love] for Penelope and it's a huge thing."
She added: "It's a rock and a hard place, but it was great for us. There were so many scenes that we got to do together as well. We loved being on set with each other."
Colin actor Luke Newton agreed that the close bond between all three makes it a "triangle" but "not like a romantic love triangle". Jessie agrees, calling Eloise "often a third wheel".
As for what viewers can expect from the rebellious debutante this season, Jessie admits Eloise somewhat conforms to the Ton's traditions to see what all the fuss is about.
"It goes against every part of her nature," she says. "It goes against everything but I suppose what's good about Eloise is she's sort of stubborn, almost in spite of herself and I guess it's a great opportunity for her to, almost in Eloise's way, say 'Let's see what everybody's cracking on with'.
"Let's see what they're all banging on about," she adds. "They seem to be doing this every year, with no problem. So I think it's an opportunity to see Eloise do something like this but still within Eloise's way. It's funny, if anything."
Bridgerton seasons 1-2 are streaming now on Netflix, along with Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Season 3 premieres in two parts, on May 16 and June 13.
