Is She Dating Bridgerton Co-Star Luke Thompson?
Harriet Cains currently finds herself amidst rumors that she’s dating her Bridgerton co-star Luke Thompson. Are they really together? The question of Harriet Cains’ boyfriend has piqued the curiosity of fans and media alike, especially after recent public appearances.
Is Harriet Cains dating Luke Thompson, aka Benedict Bridgerton? Harriet and Luke haven’t addressed the dating rumors, which began when they were photographed at Vanity Fair’s Rising Stars party in January 2024. In the picture, Luke planted a kiss on Harriet’s head as they posed with their arms firmly around each other’s waists.
And what’s more, back in 2021, Harriet shared an edited picture of Luke surrounded by love hearts on her Instagram with the caption: “My favorite Luke soz @lukenewtonuk.” But all the clues could also suggest that the pair have a very strong platonic relationship.
| Bio-Data of Harriet Cains | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Harriet Cains |
| Date of Birth | 17 September 1993 |
| Age | 30 years |
| Place of Birth | Nottingham, UK |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Known For | Philippa Featherington in Bridgerton, Jem Walker in In the Flesh |
| Training | Television Workshop |
| Social Media |
Luke Thompson: Instagram , elle.com.au
The Rumor Mill: Harriet Cains and Luke Thompson
Thompson and his Bridgerton co-star, Harriet Cains, who plays Philippa Featherington, have sparked dating rumors for months. Here’s what to know about Cains and why there’s dating speculation between her and Thompson.
The pair was spotted being cuddly at the Vanity Fair EE Rising Stars party on Jan. 31, 2024. Neither Cains nor Thompson confirmed or denied the romance speculation themselves, even after many outlets covered the rumors of their offscreen romance. Cains posted an Instagram from the event but ignored a comment about whether or not she was dating Thompson.
Thompson, who doesn’t have social media, explained his desire for privacy in a Vestal magazine interview. “I don’t think ‘shy away’ is the right word,” he said of his approach to social media. “For many actors, social media is an ingenious way of continuing the performance. So on some level, I’d love to get involved; I just don’t think I can make it work. I’ve realized that a constantly updating platform is not something I feel equipped to deal with; it takes a sledgehammer to my attention span. And I want to be able to focus when I need to. It also seems like a lot of effort, so maybe I’m just horrifically lazy.”
The 35-year-old actor reiterated that stance again in an interview last month with Country & Town House. “I don’t really find [fame] weird. I think it can be,” he said. “I feel it’s more of a choice than people make it out to be. I think if you want to stay private, you can do it. It’s a trade-off, though. It does mean you have to turn down some things you’d maybe quite like to do. But I don’t buy that it’s something you’re subjected to.”
Signs of Affection or Just Good Friends?
Cains got playful on Instagram, posting that Thompson was her favorite Luke on the Bridgerton set back in 2021, hinting that the two are at least good friends. Thompson’s co-star, Luke Newton who plays Colin Bridgerton, also shares his first name. “My favorite Luke soz @lukenewtonuk,” she wrote.
Thompson addressed being one of two Lukes during a The Guardian interview in April 2024. Playing the brother of another actor named Luke, “It’s OK because I tend to be referred to as ‘Lukey T’ and he’s ‘Newts.’ There’s a whole flurry of acting Lukes suddenly….I grew up thinking I was the only Luke in the village but it’s back in fashion. We’re all roughly the same age, so there must have been a Luke moment back in the late ’80s/early ’90s!”
Life-Changing Role for Harriet Cains
In an interview with Country & Town House, Cains shared her impressions of the Bridgerton cast and how her character, Philippa, differs from her in real life.
“I absolutely adore her,” she said of Philippa. “She doesn’t take life too seriously and she always lightens the mood. It’s so interesting to play someone who doesn’t think before she speaks. Usually there’s a subtext to play with but not with Philly.”
Of working with the cast itself, Cains said, “It’s a playground. I feel like I’m about to go into year 10 at school. Everyone’s very playful and the vibe is just so fun. Which is a blessing considering how much time we all have to spend together. I love working with Polly Walker and Lorraine Ashbourne. I learn so much from them.”
She also touched on how the show has and hasn’t changed her real life. “It’s been life-changing but paradoxically nothing has changed at all!” she said. “I still go about my life exactly as I did before, but just a little less worried about how I will pay my bills.”
Who is Harriet Cains?
Harriet Cains is a British actress who plays the role of Philippa in Netflix’s Bridgerton. Before the period drama she was best known for her role as Jem Walker in the BBC’s In the Flesh. She trained at Television Workshop and during her time at the drama school she landed roles in a few short films and starred in the Hollyoaks spin-off Hollyoaks Later before bagging her BBC gig.
Age and Background
Born on 17 September 1993, Harriet is 30 years old at the time of writing. Her September birthday makes her Virgo girlie. The Bridgerton actress was born and raised in Nottingham.
| Career Highlights of Harriet Cains | Details |
|---|---|
| Known For | Philippa Featherington in Bridgerton, Jem Walker in In the Flesh |
| Training | Television Workshop |
| Notable Roles | Hollyoaks Later, In the Flesh, Bridgerton |
| Awards and Nominations | Various nominations for her role in Bridgerton |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram |
For now, the rumors about Harriet Cains’ boyfriend remain just that—rumors. Whether their relationship is romantic or purely platonic, Harriet and Luke’s bond certainly adds an extra layer of intrigue for Bridgerton fans. Stay tuned as this story continues to unfold both on and off the screen.
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