STEAMY period drama Bridgerton is boosting the economy as well as setting pulses racing — bringing in an estimated £275million.
Netflix says the Regency-era series, a worldwide hit, has created jobs, helped 5,000 British firms and promoted tourism.
Yet the streaming giant’s figure does not include spending on themed tours or merchandise.
Make-up, carpet and duvet firms have agreed collaborations and retailer Primark has its own range of Bridgerton pyjamas.
The show has also sparked a “Regencycore” trend, with fans flocking to stately homes and parks in filming locations including Buckinghamshire, Somerset, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire and London.
Visit West, a local visitor economy partnership for the West of England, reckons Bridgerton has brought in tourism worth £5million.
Its third series, starring Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington, is reckoned the raunchiest yet.
Theresa Wise, boss of the Royal Television Society said: “It’s remarkable how Bridgerton has resonated with audiences worldwide.
“But it has done more than that.
“It’s provided jobs in the local area where it is shot and delivered over quarter of a billion pounds to the UK economy.”
Series creator Shonda Rhimes added yesterday: “The business of art and culture can make a huge economic contribution to local communities.
“I could not be prouder.”
It comes after Warner Bros said last year that movie Barbie, much of it filmed in Watford, gave the UK economy an £80million boost.
