Luke Newton gained widespread fame for playing Colin Bridgerton in the Netflix series “Bridgerton.” However, he’s not a newcomer to the entertainment world. Let’s take a deeper look at the life and career of this British actor and singer.
1. Born in South-East England
Born on February 5, 1993, in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, Luke Newton has faced his share of challenges. He grew up with his younger sister, Lauren. After his parents separated, his mother, Michelle, remarried in 2006. Newton battled dyslexia from a young age, doubting whether he could ever become an actor.
2. First Break in TV
In 2010, Newton landed his first major TV role as Luke Atwood in the teen drama series “The Cut,” which aired on BBC Two. This gig marked the start of his acting career and helped him gain valuable experience.
3. Dreamed of Being in The X Factor
Newton dreamed of participating in “The X Factor,” inspired by his aunt Lucy. While studying theater at Northbrook College, he joined a boy band called South4 in 2012. The band included members Oli Reynolds, Joel Baylis, and Henry Tredinnick. Like the Spice Girls, each member had a nickname. Luke was “Classy South,” the posh one. They signed a hefty £1 million record deal but their single, “Cougar Town,” flopped. South4 disbanded by the end of 2012.
4. Return to Acting
After his musical setback, Newton returned to acting. He appeared in series like “Mr Selfridge,” “Doctors,” and Disney Channel’s “The Lodge,” where he showcased his singing skills. Speaking to Public magazine, he shared how surreal it was to star in a Disney production, calling it a dream come true. His role in “The Lodge” lasted for two seasons and 25 episodes, ending in 2017.
Luke Newton, 2016
5. Horror Flick and Audition Wins
In 2018, Newton made an unusual turn, appearing in the horror TV movie “Lake Placid: Legacy,” where his character met a grisly end. The next year, he auditioned for Bridgerton. Initially auditioning for the role of Simon, Duke of Hastings, Newton set his sights on Colin Bridgerton after reading the script. “This is the role I want,” he told The Independent. And, lucky for him, everything worked out.
6. Food Lover
Like his character Colin Bridgerton, Newton is a foodie. “I love the dinner scenes,” he told the New York Post. “Being fed what I like to think of as a Sunday roast all day? Not the worst gig.”
Luke Newton (Colin Bridgerton) and Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Featherington) in The Bridgerton Chronicles
7. Private Life
Newton keeps his private life fairly under wraps. He reportedly dated his “The Lodge” co-star, Sophie Simnett, though neither confirmed nor denied it. More recently, he was in a relationship with actress Jade Davies, but they split in early 2023.
Luke Newton’s journey from aspiring singer to one of the stars of “Bridgerton” is nothing short of captivating. Despite his challenges, he’s managed to carve out a niche for himself in the competitive world of acting. Keep an eye on this rising star, as his story is far from over.
This article first appeared on grazia.fr – Author: Jordane Guignon
