In the hit series Bridgerton, Jessica Madsen plays the delightfully sarcastic Cressida Cowper. She’s that secondary character you love to hate—a rival of Daphne Bridgerton, begrudgingly jealous of Penelope Featherington, and the new BFF of Eloise Bridgerton in season 3. But it’s Madsen’s real-life announcement that’s making headlines this Pride Month.
Jessica Madsen, a Woman in Love with a Woman
Unlike her character, Cressida, who is desperate to marry the “perfect” suitor, Jessica Madsen has found her soulmate in real life. To celebrate Pride Month, the 32-year-old actress announced she’s in love with a woman. She took to Instagram, proudly stating, “In love with a woman, I say it loud and clear and I’m proud of it.” Although she kept the identity of her partner private, Jessica’s post included vibrant photos, one with rainbow colors smeared beneath her eyes.
Her Bridgerton family showered her with support. Nicola Coughlan (Penelope), Jonathan Bailey (Anthony), and Hannah Dodd (Francesca) filled her comments with hearts. Her on-screen mom, Joanna Bobin, commented, “Well done my little girl! I love you.” Even Julia Quinn, the author of the Bridgerton novels, joined in the applause.
On the fan front, the announcement has sparked imagination. Viewers are already fantasizing about a potential Creloise couple—Cressida and Eloise—on the show. Fans are asking: Could the two young women become a queer couple in Bridgerton? Jessica didn’t shoot down the idea. When asked about it in an interview with Decider, she said, “It would be cool. I like to think it would make sense because [Cressida] hasn’t found a guy. So why not a girl? But hey, I really have no idea.”
Jessica Madsen comes out with not just a personal revelation, but a celebration of love, freedom, and acceptance. Whether her character follows suit on-screen or not, her real-life courage is certainly one for the books.
This article first appeared on grazia.fr – Author: Jordane Guignon
