Nicola Coughlan’s moment of glory in Bridgerton crowns a refreshingly different rise to the top

When Nicola Coughlan was a young girl, she “wanted to be one of the gay icons”. A bold, brash, unapologetically OTT character – like the ones played by Bette Midler or Liza Minnelli – was, she thought, so much more fun than the classic love interest. But in the latest season of Netflix period drama Bridgerton, Coughlan proves that she can still play the romantic lead to perfection, too – without dialling down her characteristic wit and warmth. 

Since 2020, the 37-year-old actor, who first , has been a much-loved member of ’s sprawling ensemble cast. She’s donned a series of acid-hued Regency ballgowns to play Penelope Featherington, bookish best friend to proto-feminist Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie), the fifth child in the show’s central family. At the end of season one, Coughlan’s wallflower character was unmasked as Lady Whistledown, the anonymous author of a high society scandal sheet. In season three, which concluded this week, it’s finally Penelope’s, and Coughlan’s, turn in the spotlight, as she vows to find a husband – and grapples with her not very platonic feelings for longtime friend Colin Bridgerton called her a “superb screen presence”, while hailed her “luminous, showstopping performance”. “Be in no doubt… this is Nicola Coughlan’s series,” their critic added. “You are basically here for her.”