Steamy period drama Bridgerton has boosted the UK economy by £275 million over the last five years, according to Netflix.

The streaming giant says the Regency-era drama – known for its fabulous costumes and fluffy take on historical romance – supported almost 5,000 local businesses over the past five years.

The figure – calculated in-house by Netflix – is understood to be made up of both direct and indirect spending around the production of the show – now into the second half of its third season.

It does not include other benefits from Bridgerton, such as increased employee earnings or themed events and activities around the TV show, such as a high tea experience, themed tours, and tourism or any shop selling merchandise.

Although set in Mayfair, London, the series is filmed in locations including Bath, London, and Surrey.

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Executive producer, Shonda Rhimes, who is the founder of Bridgerton production company Shondaland, opened trading at London Stock Exchange on Friday in honour of the show’s success.

The 54-year-old said: “The Bridgerton universe occupies a special space in culture, resonating with young and old alike, creating conversation, starting trends and influencing everything from baby names to weddings.

“The shows have also had a seismic impact on the UK economy, boosting it by a quarter of a billion pounds over the last five years and supporting thousands of jobs and businesses.

“It is clear that the business of art and culture can make a huge economic contribution to local communities. I could not be prouder.”

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Anna Mallett, vice president of EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) production at Netflix, praised Rhimes’s “genius as a storyteller and her global influence”.

She added: “The UK is our home and this is one part of our huge investment in creating stories our members will love.”

Julia Hoggett, chief executive, London Stock Exchange plc, said she was “thrilled to celebrate the significant economic and cultural impact” of the film and creative industries in the UK.

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The series, which premiered in 2020, is based on a series of eight books, written by American author Julia Quinn.

Series three focuses on the love story between Penelope Fetherington, played by Derry Girls’ Nicola Coughlan and Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton.

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It’s been hailed the raunchiest season yet.

Bridgerton is available to stream now on Netflix.

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