United Kingdom, June 18 -- Jonathan Bailey "nearly didn't audition" for Bridgerton.

The 37-year-old actor has starred on the hit Netflix show since 2020 - but Jonathan was actually keen to take a career break before he committed himself to the project.

He told The Hollywood Reporter: "I got sent it and I nearly didn't audition.

"At that time, I was really done. I just needed to go and experience the world."

However, Jonathan's attitude changed completely after he read the script.

He said: "I remember just being like, 'Wow, this is going to be massive.'"

Jonathan found shooting Bridgerton to be an "all-encompassing" experience, and he actually welcomed returning to his theatre roots in recent years.

The actor - who returned to Londo...