Bridgerton star Ben Miller was left shocked by the steamy content of the popular Netflix series, which he described as far more explicit than he had anticipated. The 58-year-old actor, known for his role as Lord Featherington, shared his astonishment during an appearance on the ITV1 show, Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, which aired on December 22. During the show, alongside other guests Moira Stewart and Anita Dobson, Miller discussed his career and reflected on his experience after tuning in to watch the series for the first time.
Reflecting on his character's demise at the end of the first season, Miller revealed how surprised he was by the level of "hanky panky" present within the narrative. He said, "Not only I had no idea. See, what I thought I was in was a sort of Jane Austen drama." His assumption, he explained, stemmed from the character's role as the family's father figure, which led him to believe the show would have a more genteel, reserved approach to storytelling. "Because I was placed as the sort of father figure of this family, bit of a ne'er-do-well and all I did really was sort of peer out from behind a newspaper at various drawing room goings on," he quipped.
This lighthearted conversation turned to Miller's shock upon viewing the series, where he emphasized, "I had no idea all the hanky panky was going on behind the scenes because I was not involved... when I watched the show I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe it. Shocked. Because as far as I was concerned it was a very sort of genteel Jane Austen-like, sort of very well-behaved." It’s safe to say his expectations didn’t quite line up with the series’ portrayal of intimate encounters.
Alan Titchmarsh, hosting with joviality, chimed in on the popular show with his own observations, critiquing aspects of its set design, particularly the iconic wisteria plant. He remarked, "I really want to love it but... the wisteria drives me nuts. I mean it flowers every single day of the year - here it is December with snow and the wisteria is in full bloom, I can't do it." This whimsical critique added humor to the conversation, exhibiting how even beloved productions can evoke spirited discussions among viewers.
Miller's piece of insight suggests he may not be done with Bridgerton just yet. Earlier this year, during another interview with Good Morning Britain, he hinted at the possibility of his character’s return, stating, "I never saw him die - and that's the cruci... with some ruffians and then he just wasn't there." This intriguing statement leaves room for possibility, feeding the hopes of fans eager for more content from the series.
The anticipation is palpable as Bridgerton fans await the fourth season, set for release 2026, following the success of season three which premiered this past May. The timeline assures viewers won’t have to wait too long before embarking on more of the show's signature blend of romance, drama, and those unexpected risqué moments. Miller's reflections on the unexpected twists and turns of the plot demonstrate not only his personal astonishment but also mirror the viewer experience—one filled with delightful surprises.
Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, where this conversation unfolded, continues to air, capturing moments of candid interviews with beloved public figures, encapsulating what many enjoy about television—the unexpected truths unveiled and the laughter shared around them. With quotes from both Titchmarsh and Miller lighting up the episode, their playful exchange reminds us all how sometimes the best stories can be the ones keeping us guessing, both on-screen and off.
