Sales of 'Bridgerton' novels rocket in wake of hit Netflix series

Watch: Bridgerton trailer

Sales of the Bridgerton novels, penned by American writer Julia Quinn, have exploded in the wake of the hit Netflix series.

The Duke And I, the first book in the series, now sits on top of the New York Times fiction best-sellers combined list for both print and e-books.

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The second book, The Viscount Who Loved Me, currently resides at number six in the chart, with the fourth book, Romancing Mr Bridgerton, at number seven.

According to the books' publisher, it's the first time any of the original titles have hit the list at the same time.

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Speaking to People, Quinn's editor Lyssa Keusch, an executive editor at the publisher Avon Books, said: “These books have been beloved since their original publication, and we expected there would be renewed interest in them, but I don't think anyone anticipated this level of response.

“We're all absolutely thrilled to reacquaint loyal fans with the Bridgerton family and to introduce a whole new audience to this unforgettable world!”

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Another spokesperson for the publisher added: “Sales of all eight books in the series have increased exponentially since the premiere of the show, propelling the first book, The Duke And I, to number one on the NYT bestsellers list and The Viscount Who Loved Me and Romancing Mr. Bridgerton onto the list as well.”

The Netflix series, created by Chris Van Dusen and the first of a number of projects produced by Grey's Anatomy's Shonda Rhimes, has been a huge hit for the streamer, with its raunchy depiction of debutantes in regency London.

Speaking in December, ahead of the show’s release, Quinn said: "The idea was, 'What if [Queen Charlotte] had used her position to elevate people of color to positions of power? What would society look like then? It was a reimagining. You see it and you think, boy, that's how society should be.

"I think [fans are] going to be really amazed at how you can take something and not adapt it word for word — because it's absolutely not — and yet still stay so incredibly true to the characters and story."

According to Netflix’s own figures, it was watched by more than 63 million households during its first 28 days on release.

That makes it the fifth most-watched Netflix series ever.

It's also made instant stars of British actors Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor, daughter of long-time Coronation Street star Sally Dynevor.

The show was confirmed for a second series last week.

Watch: Bridgerton creator on season two