Exclusive Interview
‘Bridgerton’s Simone Ashley Reveals Nostalgic Connection to Key Kanthony Scene in ‘Picture This’
If you’re a Bridgerton fan who’s tuned into star Simone Ashley‘s new Prime Video rom-com Picture This, then you’ve likely noticed one major connecting element between the two titles: Syon Park Conservatory. Ashley didn’t shy away from acknowledging the behind-the-scenes trivia when Swooon caught up with the star for the film.
The Brentford, London, location served as the site of Lady Danbury’s (Adjoa Andoh) ball in Bridgerton‘s second season, marking Kate (Ashley) and Anthony’s (Jonathan Bailey) first official meeting after their spontaneous horse race earlier in the same episode. As fans will recall, the fiery enemies-to-lovers duo got off to a rocky start after she overheard his comments about his supposed requirements for a wife.
While Syon Park Conservatory may have been the site of Kanthony’s initial friction, it had a bit of a happier context in Picture This, serving as the backdrop for photographer Pia’s (Ashley) sister’s wedding, where she reconciles with her first and only love, Charlie (Hero Fiennes Tiffin).
Prime Video
“Yeah, that was kind of weird,” Ashley told Swooon about the deja vu moment of filming in the familiar location. It turns out that Fiennes Tiffin didn’t know as he chimed in, “I didn’t realize you’d done that there.”
“It’s a great location,” Ashley admitted, adding, “Very nostalgic.”
In classic rom-com fashion, Pia’s happily ever after with Charlie is just one of the feel-good moments throughout the fresh title, and Ashley is certainly open to exploring more within the genre, saying she’d “love to do another rom-com.”
As her first official foray into the rom-com movie sphere on screen with Picture This, Ashley shared, “I love that when you watch them, it kind of gives you that idea that love is possible, and I was so excited to be a part of that kind of world.”
When it comes to her personal taste in rom-coms, Ashley loves “all the classics,” which include My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Other Woman, Notting Hill, Love Actually, and When Harry Met Sally. Perhaps Picture This has the potential to become a new instant classic? Either way, Ashley’s certainly a rom-com queen on the rise.
Let us know what you think of the Bridgerton and Picture This connection in the comments section below, and stay tuned for more on Ashley as we look forward to her Bridgerton return in Season 4.
Additional reporting by Avery Thompson.
Bridgerton, Seasons 1-3, Streaming Now, Netflix
Picture This, Streaming now, Prime Video
