Nicola Coughlan, best known for her role as Penelope Featherington in Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton, has opened up about her transformative experience filming the show's third season, shedding light on her personal growth and the challenges of playing more mature characters. During her recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Coughlan candidly discussed how she felt stepping out of the comfort zone of her earlier roles and embracing her new identity on screen.
At the age of 35, Coughlan confided, "I realized I was 35 when I was filming this season, and I’d never played an adult. I was like, ‘How do I do this?’" This statement encapsulates the actress's transition from youth to adulthood, as her character, Penelope, takes center stage alongside Luke Newton’s Colin Bridgerton, marking her debut as a romantic lead.
Reflecting on her evolution, Coughlan humorously recalled her earlier appearances, saying, "I looked like Spongebob Squarepants—curly ginger hair, yellow dress, and a bit of a tent situation going on." This light-hearted comparison highlights how much her character has matured throughout the series.
Season three not only presents new romantic dynamics but also incorporates steamy scenes characteristic of the series. Coughlan admitted the transition to performing these intimate moments was both exciting and somewhat intimidating. "It was strange realizing I was going to have to do the sexy scenes, and I thought, ‘Right, here we go,’" she explained, emphasizing the pressure of embodying her character's new sensuality.
Notably, her mother had mixed feelings about these steamy sequences. Coughlan shared, "My mother was so mad at me about those scenes — as if they were my fault, so I didn’t go to the screening with her." This anecdote resonates with many, illustrating the fine line actors often walk between personal lives and their professional choices.
Despite her mother's apprehension, Coughlan took ownership of her body and scenes. She recalled one particularly noteworthy moment: "There’s one scene where I’m very naked on camera, and it was my idea, my choice. It was amazingly empowering." She viewed this bold choice as not just personal empowerment but as something she would be proud of even years down the line—"When I’m 80, I want to look back on this and say, ‘Wow, I looked hot!’"
This confidence and self-acceptance resonate strongly with audiences, threading through the show’s overarching themes of love, empowerment, and self-expression. Her adept portrayal of the challenges faced by women seeking validation, both externally and internally, is part of what makes Coughlan's performance so impactful. She has become not just Penelope Featherington, but also a voice for those grappling with issues related to body image and self-acceptance, especially as her character links troubled backgrounds and portrays significant personal growth.
With the blockbuster success of Bridgerton, Coughlan’s portrayal of Penelope has elevated her to stardom. The show continues to capture viewers' hearts, and Coughlan's relatable narrative offers fans even more to feel connected to as they get swept up in the lavish world of British aristocracy.
Overall, Nicola Coughlan’s experience reflects broader societal themes, making her narrative with Bridgerton one of growth, challenge, and, above all, empowerment. By embracing her role’s demands and tackling personal fears, she has become not just part of the show, but part of a larger conversation about acceptance and confidence on both personal and public levels.
