Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey shares pic of bare bum being slathered with make-up as he reveals secrets behind sex scenes

Talking of his role in Shonda Rhimes' series, he told the publication: "I think there's an inherent curiosity about sexuality because it's linked to tribalism and knowing where you stand with people and how you interact.

"That's why it's always exciting. I think with period dramas - which is a genre that I love - we always know that there'll be an unbuttoning of the corset and maybe a kiss at the end with a firework.

"But what better way to flip that genre like Shonda Rhimes has done.

"I think with Anthony you see his bottom first and then it pans up.

"There's no better way to say, ‘we see the genre and we raise you!’ Bottoms up!"

The show follows Daphne Bridgerton, who is the eldest daughter in a powerful and wealthy family and wants to meet a man and get married.

However, following the death of her father, Daphne must be chaperoned by her possessive older brother Anthony, who is also struggling to find love.

Daphne then comes into contact with the insubordinate Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page) and they come together to develop a plan that will keep her safe.

Anthony is the eldest Bridgerton sibling and dutiful head of the family since assuming his late father’s title of Viscount.

Actor Jonathan has previously starred as Jack Patterson in W1A, Lance Miller in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Edward in Hooten & the Lady, Sam in Crashing, Leonardo da Vinci in the historical drama Leonardo, as well as playing Olly Stevens in Broadchurch.