Nicola Coughlan, the beloved star of Netflix’s hit series “Bridgerton,” has recently found herself at the center of a controversy regarding her appearance on the show. The actress, who portrays Penelope Featherington, has been accused by some online trolls of having her waist photoshopped in promotional stills. However, Coughlan has firmly denied these allegations, attributing her altered appearance to the period-appropriate costumes she wears on set.
In an interview with People magazine, Coughlan explained that the corsetry used in the show significantly impacts her body shape. “If you wear corsetry for long enough, your body really molds to it,” she said. “Sometimes they come in a fitting for a fashion designer and they put a corset on me and I’m like, ‘Oh, you can go tight,’ and they go, ‘What do you mean?’ I’m like, ‘My body now will go whew.’”
Coughlan also addressed the online criticism directly, stating, “I saw some trolls. They were like, ‘They photoshopped your waist,’ and I was like, ‘No, they did not.’” The actress is no stranger to public scrutiny regarding her body, both on and off the screen. During a recent Q&A event in Dublin, she had a witty response when someone called her “brave” for showing her body on the show. “You know, it is hard because I think women with my body type — women with perfect breasts — we don’t get to see ourselves on screen enough,” she said. “And I’m very proud as a member of the perfect breast community. I hope you enjoy seeing them.”
The 37-year-old actress has been vocal about her decision to be “very naked on camera” for the current season of “Bridgerton.” In a previous interview with Stylist, she revealed that she specifically requested certain lines and moments to be included. “There’s one scene where I’m very naked on camera, and that was my idea, my choice. It just felt like the biggest ‘fuck you’ to all the conversation surrounding my body; it was amazingly empowering,” she said. Coughlan added that she “felt beautiful in the moment” and wanted this time of her life to be memorialized. “I thought: ‘When I’m 80, I want to look back on this and remember how fucking hot I looked!’”
The new season of “Bridgerton” has just premiered on Netflix, and fans are eagerly tuning in to see the latest developments in the lives of their favorite characters. Despite the controversy, Coughlan remains a fan favorite, admired for her talent and her candidness about body positivity.
Coughlan’s co-star, Luke Newton, who plays Colin Bridgerton, has also been a topic of discussion among fans. Their on-screen chemistry has led to speculation about a possible off-screen romance. However, both actors have confirmed that they are just supportive co-stars and good friends. In an interview with Extra, Coughlan addressed the dating rumors, saying, “We think it’s really sweet, I think because we truly love each other, you know what I mean? He is a really special person in my life, and I got to do this experience with him.”
Their strong off-screen friendship has undoubtedly contributed to the authenticity of their on-screen romance. Newton mentioned in an interview with Good Morning America that their characters’ relationship was built gradually over the first two seasons, which helped make their love story believable. “It feels like we couldn’t have gone through this process with anyone else,” he said. “It just would not be the same.”
Coughlan and Newton’s camaraderie extends beyond the set. They often share fan edits and memes about their characters, keeping a close eye on the “Bridgerton” fandom. Their mutual respect and understanding have made filming intimate scenes more comfortable. “One of the most important things that you can have is good communication and respect from another,” Coughlan said. “And we had that in spades, thankfully.”
Their friendship began even before filming started, with Coughlan reaching out to Newton via social media after reading the book “Romancing Mister Bridgerton,” which the third season is based on. “We connected from day one,” Newton recalled. Their bond has only grown stronger over time, making their portrayal of Penelope and Colin’s relationship even more compelling.
Despite the challenges and controversies, Nicola Coughlan remains a beacon of body positivity and authenticity. Her refusal to let online trolls dictate her self-worth is inspiring, and her commitment to portraying her character with honesty and vulnerability has resonated with fans worldwide. As “Bridgerton” continues to captivate audiences, Coughlan’s star continues to rise, proving that talent and authenticity will always shine through.
