Sam Clemmett and Freddie Dennis had no idea they’d be making Bridgerton universe history when they boarded its prequel Queen Charlotte as the royal footmen, young Brimsley and Reynolds. “I got to have a look at [the script for] Episode 1 and nothing is revealed in it,” Clemmett tells Tudum. “Then we got a call saying, ‘Brimsley has a relationship within this.’ ”
As viewers who’ve seen Episode 2 of Queen Charlotte know, Brimsley’s relationship is with Reynolds, giving the Bridgerton world its first prominent queer romance and expanding our understanding of Regency era Brimsley (Hugh Sachs). While Season 1 of the flagship series featured mention of aristocratic artist Henry Granville’s (Julian Ovenden) tortured love story with Lord Wetherby (Ned Porteous), this is the first time a gay romance is in the spotlight, and Clemmett and Dennis recognized and relished the honor of their roles.
“I’m filled with a sense of pride to bring the first central LGBTQ+ storyline to this incredibly rich and diverse world,” Dennis tells Tudum. “I hope that fans love the storyline as much as Sam and I loved telling it.”
Both actors agree Reynolds and Brimsley’s romance feels lived in from the first moment it’s revealed. As we see in Episode 2, there’s bickering over who has the better room and a physical ease that suggests a passionate connection — this isn’t the couple’s first time maximizing their time together while the king and queen are otherwise occupied.
“We wanted the relationship to have layers and be more than just lust,” Dennis says. “The conversations that we had with [director and executive producer] Tom Verica, in particular, were to do with love and affection and how much these two mean to each other and what they represent to each other.”
The Queen Charlotte team felt a duty to approach the relationship with as much sensitivity as possible. “These are two young men that lead these very isolated lives within the monarchy. Their No. 1 duty in life is to serve the crown. But in their downtime, the only other person they have is [each other],” Clemmet says. “They have this really beautiful emotional support system for each other, and they seek solace in each other.”
Although Reynolds and Brimsley’s connection jumped off the script page, the actors put in a lot of effort off-screen to enhance their chemistry. They’d share midafternoon beers at the pub (a lager for Dennis and an IPA for Clemmett), go bowling or even make up games on the spot with their co-stars India Amarteifio (young Queen Charlotte), Corey Mylchreest (young King George) and Arsema Thomas (young Agatha Danbury). “Because we all like to hang out outside of work,” Clemmett says.
Dennis and Clemmett’s deep bond can been seen in two defining Episode 6 scenes. First, there’s the steamy, sweet bathtub soak, where Reynolds and Brimsley are the most honest they’ve been in all of Queen Charlotte. The moment is particularly poignant for Reynolds, since it’s the first time he isn’t hiding young King George’s struggles from the man he loves.
“I was completely yearning for a moment like that as the scripts came through, because I think I know better than anyone — except maybe [creator] Shonda Rhimes — how deeply sensitive, compassionate and empathetic Reynolds is,” Dennis says. “Given the nature of his work, it’s very difficult for him to show that and be the human being that he wants to be. That was a very, very powerful moment.”
For young Brimsley, the heart-to-heart is a dream come true; all he’s wanted for six episodes is an open conversation with his partner. “It’s duty, duty, duty [for them]. But in this moment, it was just two guys being so present with each other,” Clemmett says. “It was very rare for us as actors because there’s always so much at stake [for them]. It was a really freeing experience.”
“It required a vulnerability on my part as well because I’m not a comfortable dancer,” Dennis admits. He and Clemmett leaned on Queen Charlotte choreographer Jack Murphy, who “completely nurtured” the actors. While their first take was “perfect” when it came to the choreography, both Dennis and Clemmett admit they were so focused on the mechanics of the choreography they forgot the heart of the story.
“But there was a moment where we mess up the dance a little bit, and that made it into the final cut because we giggle about it,” Clemmett says. “That’s actually the truth within that moment. It’s two people that are stealing five minutes with each other just to be present — they wouldn’t have been taught that dance.”
The hunger to enjoy a scant few seconds together — and a love like the rest of the ton — is what powers the emotion of the dance. “The chaos of filming that late and trying to make sure we get it all done is again representative of their relationship because they do only get five, 10, sometimes two minutes with each other,” Clemmett continues.
Despite the pressure, Dennis only sees “unadulterated joy” in the scene. “I felt so emotional that night because it’s such a moment for Reynolds and Brimsley,” says Dennis. “They feel this moment together of reconciliation, given everything that’s preceded that event.”
Yet, that triumphant moment dissolves into one that likely leaves viewers with a huge question: Where is Reynolds? In the Regency era, we see older Brimsley dancing in the same spot he once shared with Reynolds — only now he’s alone. Previously in Episode 6, Brimsely also tells Queen Charlotte that he is, in fact, very single. Thankfully, creator Rhimes confirmed to Shondaland.com that Reynolds is alive. But Reynolds and Brimsley’s duties have apparently gotten in the way of their romance.
“I thought the idea that service takes over was really interesting. When you see Brimsley alone, that’s what that’s supposed to convey,” Rhimes said. “A lot of people ask me, ‘Is Reynolds dead?’ Reynolds is not dead. There’s a lot more I could write about that.”
Naturally, Clemmett and Dennis have their own theories about Reynolds’ whereabouts. “[He’s] on holiday in the Maldives,” Dennis jokes. Clemmett, isn’t so sure, and counters, “Reynolds is obviously in Barbados. Did Freddie say the Maldives? He has no idea.”
It’s only natural for these two on-screen lovers to have one last quarrel. After all, as Clemmett concludes with a smile, “Brimsley and Reynolds fight about anything, and I love them for that.”
