Can you hear Lady Whistledown’s quill quivering? Because this week we are joined by Bridgerton’s leading lady, Simone Ashley! Simone first hit our screens in 2019 when she took on the role of Olivia, a key member of Ruby’s Untouchables clique in the hit Netflix show, ‘Sex Education’ where she starred alongside Reign favoruite, Aimee Lou Wood (scroll back to episode three to listen to her epic episode) and featured in that now iconic bus scene. But Simone truly hit the big time this year when she starred as Kate Sharma, the new leading lady of the ton, in ‘Bridgerton’ season two, which had the biggest opening weekend audience figures for an English language show on Netflix, EVER! Like me you may have been OBSESSED with the love triangle between her diamond of the season sister, Edwina (Charithra Chandran) and Lord Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and the electric on-screen chemistry between Simone and Jonathan which has had us all fanning ourselves, let’s be real! To quote Queen Charlotte herself, Simone has been, “flawless my dear,” and next year she will also appear in the Disney remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’ in a yet to be disclosed role. Joining me from the floor of her LA hotel room Simone - amongst the post Bridgerton whirlwind - talks about *THAT* electric chemistry she shared with Jonathan, and how their friendship helped one another during filming. Simone also reveals how the show’s sex scenes ultimately empowered her and how she wants to explore the intimate relationship between the two characters through Kate’s eyes in season three! Plus Simone talks about the show’s game changing representation of the South Asian community.Simone also opens up about how landing the role of Kate helped rebuild herself and her self-worth following a tough period with her mental health and reflects on her journey to the TON - which included moving to LA as a 15 year old, on her own! Simone is the queen of determination and I hope you will be just as inspired by her drive as I was. I also hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives. If you love this episode, please get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxxP.S. Whilst you are here I have something epic to tell you about which you will have heard about on today's podcast! For a limited time only, get your own life-changing PopGrip from PopSockets with 20% off using code REIGN20 at the checkout. Shop here now: go.popsockets.co.uk/joshsmith I am obsessed with their PopGrip - which simply pops out the back of my phone and helps me hold my phone more comfortably, gives me a steady hand when I'm recording those all-important Insta stories & it's so handy for propping up your phone when you are watching TV shows - like Bridgerton - on the go, too. Don't forget to tag me in those selfies showing off your latest must-have accessory, your PopSockets, too queens! P.P.S I AM SO EXCITED THAT WE ARE PARTNERING WITH ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SKINCARE BRANDS, KIEHL’S, FOR THIS SERIES OF REIGN!I created Reign to celebrate women and start important conversations about equality and I am proud to partner with Kiehl’s who have done the same for over 170 years by supporting local communities through multiple charity partnerships.In the spirit of feeling like our best selves, Kiehl’s have introduced a new cream formulation of their best selling Midnight Recovery Oil! Say hello to the Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Cloud Cream, which will not only help your skin look plumped, nourished and radiant, it will empower you to feel FABULOUS and take on anything!It’s rich in Omegas 3 and 6 which help replenish and rejuvenate skin, and with it only taking 7 nights to younger looking skin - I’ll race you to the nearest Kiehl’s store! Or you can shop on kiehls.co.uk