The Netflix period-drama FINALLY sees Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton go from friends to lovers

After what has felt like YEARS of anticipation, the third series of Netflix period-drama Bridgerton finally landed on our screens last week.

And it’s pretty safe to say the most recent instalment has absolutely lived up to the critically-acclaimed romance hit’s already stellar reputation.

I mean, how could it not? It’s got another huge-name cast of global superstars, even more illustrious 19th century costumes, a brand new batch of incomparably-catchy Mozart-esque remixes and more plot twists than even notorious busybody Lady Whistledown herself can keep track of.

As well as the already-mentioned aspects of Bridgerton which have sent viewers wild in the days since it landed on the streaming service, there’s one particularly devastating scene in episode two which only a handful of viewers have picked up on.

As fans of the most recent addition will already know, this series turns viewers’ attention to fan-favourite Penelope Featherington, who has finally set her sights on finding herself an eligible husband, having made her debut in The Ton all the way back in 2020.

Much to fans’ delight, the third series shows former wallflower Pen (played by Derry Girls legend Nicola Coughlan) blossoming into a confident young bride-to-be. The only issue? She has absolutely zero confidence when it comes to bagging a bloke.

Enter a newly-glowed-up Colin Bridgerton (played by Luke Newton), Pen’s long-term family friend who she’s secretly harboured feelings for since the debut series.

Soon enough, globe-trotting womaniser Colin offers to tutor young Pen in the ways of charming high-society gents, only to end up falling head over heels for her himself. I know, it’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for!

The latest series focuses on friends-to-lovers Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan). (Netflix)

Prior to coming to terms with his romantic feelings, however – while Penelope is courting new love interest Lord Debling – Colin is asked by Pen to kiss her for the first time, on the basis of her being more prepared for when she does find ‘the One’.

At first, Colin objects, not wanting to affect the friendship he has shared with the Featherington favourite since their childhood.

After she begs him, however – reminding him that she has never been kissed – the two become embroiled in a throe of passion, and begin intensely locking lips in the garden of Penelope’s home.

After several seconds, however, an overwhelmed Pen pulls away, thanking Colin for the heart-bursting moment they’d shared.

What only a handful of viewers have seemingly noticed, however, is that there’s actually a brief moment during this jaw-dropping interaction where Colin is seen edging slightly closer to Pen, in what appears to be his attempt for a third kiss, only to be knocked back.

Colin appears to go in for a third kiss. (Netflix)

It’s true! If you look really closely, there’s a brief moment where Colin looks at Pen like she’s his third slice of cake.

And we’re not the only ones to have clocked on, with some branding the moment ‘heartbreaking’.

“i SWEAR he was gonna go in for thirds if she hadn’t run away,” one penned on X this week, sharing a clip of the sweet interaction.

Another went on: “he was gonna go in for a third!!! i am f*cking livid man. just before she said thank you, if u look closely he tilted his head and leaned JUST A LITTLE BIT that it would go unnoticed – why havent i noticed that before”.

“Yes.. you can actually see him leaning in a third time if you see closely!,” a third continued.

Another added: “This is when i know Penelope really did made peace with the fact that she might never find a husband. It was heartbreaking to see. I know exactly what she’s thinking. Its something to remember for the rest of your life”

Bridgerton season three part one is streaming on Netflix now.