“I am in love with a woman”

Jessica Madsen plays the wonderfully sarcastic Cressida Cowper on the hit series Bridgerton. She’s that supporting character you love to hate – a rival to Daphne Bridgerton, reluctantly jealous of Penelope Featherington, and Eloise Bridgerton’s new best friend in season 3. But it’s Madsen’s real-life announcement that’s making headlines this Pride Month.

Jessica Madsen, a woman in love with a woman

Unlike her character Cressida, who is desperately trying to marry the “perfect” suitor, Jessica Madsen has found her soulmate in real life. To celebrate Pride Month, the 32-year-old actress announced that she is in love with a woman. On Instagram, she proudly wrote: “I am in love with a woman, I say that loud and clear and I am proud of it.” Although Jessica kept her partner’s identity secret, her post included colorful photos, including one with smudged rainbow colors under her eyes.

Her Bridgerton family showered her with support. Nicola Coughlan (Penelope), Jonathan Bailey (Anthony) and Hannah Dodd (Francesca) filled their comments with hearts. Her onscreen mother Joanna Bobin commented: “Well done, my little girl! I love you.” Even Julia Quinn, author of the Bridgerton novels, joined in the applause.

On the fan front, the announcement has fired up the imagination. Viewers are already fantasizing about a possible Creloise couple – Cressida and Eloise – on the show. Fans are wondering: Could the two young women in Bridgerton become a queer couple? Jessica hasn’t dismissed the idea. When asked about it in an interview with Decider, she said: “It would be cool. I guess it would make sense because (Cressida) hasn’t found a guy yet, so why not a girl? But hey, I really have no idea.”

Jessica Madsen presents not only a personal revelation, but also a paean to love, freedom and acceptance. Whether her on-screen character follows her example or not, her real-life bravery is surely a masterpiece.

**An actress from “The Bridgerton Chronicles” comes out: “I love a woman, I love her very much and I am strong”**

This article first appeared on grazia.fr – Author: Jordane Guignon