Bridgerton's Jonathan Bailey reveals how sex scenes look so realistic

Have you ever wondered how film sets make their sex scenes look so realistic? Well, this one intimacy coordinator reveals all the secrets.

Bridgerton's Jonathan Bailey reveals how sex scenes look so realistic
© Samir Hussein/Getty
Bridgerton's Jonathan Bailey reveals how sex scenes look so realistic

If you’ve seen the hit Netflix series The Bridgerton Chronicles you know that there are many explicit scenes. It is interesting to know how filmmakers make these scenes so realistic whilst keeping the actors involved comfortable.

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Jonathan Bailey who plays Viscount Anthony Bridgerton will be the focus of the series' second season. Talking Radio Times earlier this week he revealed all the elements used to ensure sex scenes are realistic for the viewers but also allows the actors to feel comfortable and not too exposed.

He revealed that they use a half-deflatednetball between the actors so their intimate parts don’t touch.

It's amazing how that whole industry has just come on, even in a year. There are new tricks to the trade – little cushions – and it's amazing what you can do with a half-inflated netball.

He then explained the netball a bit more:

If there are two people doing a sex scene, the rule is they must have three barriers separating them and there are certain acts where a half-inflated netball can allow for movement without having to connect physically.

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Bailey also praised Bridgerton’s season two intimacy coordinator, Lizzy Talbot, who also worked on the set during the first season.

He said:

It’s pretty silly really and we have some hilarious moments, but it makes it less awkward.

During an interview on Lorraine to promote the first season, Bailey laughed about the costume he had to wear during one of his PG18 scenes. Indeed the actor had to wear flesh-coloured underwear that was then painted on to make them look like his bare bottom.

Other elements used to make sex scenes more realistic and comfortable for the actors include:

  • Aloe vera gel to stop chafing
  • Nipple daisies for modesty
  • Breath mints so that kissing tastes palatable to both parties
  • Hibu/shibue are strapless thongs so that stick to the pelvis and prevents genitalia from touching
Netflix's Queen Charlotte, a Bridgerton Story: Actors reveal this sex scene was deleted from final cut Netflix's Queen Charlotte, a Bridgerton Story: Actors reveal this sex scene was deleted from final cut