Long before Luke Newton won hearts as Colin Bridgerton, he was on a path to pop stardom. In the early 2010s, Newton was a member of South4, a boyband he formed with three classmates from The BRIT School. The band even landed a £1 million deal with Eagle Music, and their song "Cougar Town" seemed poised to launch them into the spotlight. But despite their efforts, South4’s fame never materialized, leading Newton and his bandmates to pursue other careers.

For fans of , discovering Newton’s boyband history added an unexpected twist to his already charming persona. Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington and serves as Colin’s love interest, made sure to bring this part of his past back to life. During a ball scene on set, she swapped out the show’s typical orchestral music for South4’s “Cougar Town” as a prank.

The Journey from Pop Star to Period Drama

Luke Newton’s transition from boyband member to beloved Netflix star highlights the unpredictability of showbiz. South4 may not have taken off, but Newton’s persistence in the entertainment industry eventually paid off when he landed the role of Colin Bridgerton. Newton’s boyish charm and charisma, which were no doubt honed during his pop star days, have made him a fan favorite on

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