Everything you need to know about the wonderful Nicola Coughlan
From Derry Girls to Bridgerton and everything in-between ✨
Last updated 16th Oct 2024
We are HUGE fans of Nicola Coughlan here at Forth 1. From making us laugh in Derry Girls, to her incredible role in Netflix hit Bridgerton, it's fair to say that the talented actress has captured all of our hearts! After an incredible 2024, welcoming her back to our screens in Bridgerton season three, there's no stopping this girl.
Join us as we celebrate her incredible career so far — and find out what's still to come for the brilliant Nicola Coughlan, including this year's Doctor Who Christmas special...
Who is Nicola Coughlan?
Nicola is an Irish actress, known for her starring roles in shows such as Channel 4's Derry Girls (where she plays Clare Devlin), as well as Netflix's smash-hit Bridgerton (where she plays Penelope Featherington — aka, Lady Whistledown).
Appearing in Derry Girls from 2018-2022, she also appeared in Bridgerton from its first season in 2020 — with the latest season revolving more heavily around Nicola's character, Penelope.
How old is she?
Despite regularly playing the roles of teenagers when we see her on the box, Nicola is actually 37-years-old. Nicola was born on 9th January 1987 in Galway, Ireland, and grew up in Oranmore — and yes, that makes her a Capricorn.
Celebrating her 37th birthday, the actress took to Instagram to write: 'So very grateful for all your kind and lovely birthday messages, I’m so excited for this year and to finally share the work I’ve made with people I love so much, I’m so lucky and I love you all 💖'.
Delighting fans, Bridgerton producer Shonda Rhimes took to the comments to add: 'Happy Birthday! ❤️'.
How tall is she?
Nicola reportedly stands at 5ft tall - which is around 1.55 metres, just FYI.
What else has Nicola been in?
Despite being best known for her roles in Derry Girls and Bridgerton, there are plenty of other shows on the box you may have spotted Nicola in!
For starters, she appeared in an episode of BBC One's Doctors (2012), and ITV Encore/Hulu's Harlots (2018).
Veering away from fictional entertainment, the 36-year-old has also made an appearance on The Great Christmas/Festive Bake Off (2019), as well as taking to the panels on shows such as Would I Lie to You? (2021) and Taskmaster (2021).
2021 proved to be a big year for Nicola, with her also landing an honorary spot on the iconic Ru Paul's Drag Race panel. Appearing as a guest judge, Nicola took to Instagram to share her joy at appearing on her favourite show.
Sharing a picture alongside Ru, Graham Norton and Michelle Visage, Nicola wrote: '👠Tonight is the night!! I’m on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, is this real life?!!👠
'I’ve loved this show for ten years, it was the thing I watched in my saddest times and it always brought me such joy.
'Five years ago to this day I had my first meeting with my agent Emma, after we talked about all the serious acting stuff we quickly found out we were both Drag Race megafans and we joked that I’d get on the panel one day, but she along with @vrwpublicity made that dream come true.
'When I was a super broke waitressing in London I used to save up my money to go see the Ru Girls in The Black Cap in Camden and to now be an actual Extra Special Guest Judge blows my mind. I hope you love this episode and the incredible Queens as much as I did 💖
'Also yes I am that short and Ru is that tall, loves it'. (sic)
She has also appeared in multiple theatre productions from 2013-2018. Productions included Chapel Street, Duck, Nadya, Jess and Joe Forever and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
Nicola also appeared in the smash-hit Barbie movie which was released in July 2023 - keep reading to find out everything you need to know about her role in the film.
Is she in the latest season of Bridgerton?
She sure is - it's HER season! Well... Kind of.
As fans of the show will know, each season focuses on the life and relationships of a main central character. Season one followed Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke, with season two following Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma - and the show's latest offering, season three, focusing on Penelope Feathertington and none other than Colin Bridgerton!
Despite season two ending on a rather sour note for the two, thanks to Colin gossiping with his pals, the first look images of season three suggested a rekindling. Thankfully, we can now find out what happens between the pair, with part one and two of Bridgerton season three having landed on the streaming platform (part one on 16th May 2024, and part two on 13th June).
First look images at Bridgerton season three:
Bridgerton series three
Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton).
Bridgerton series three
Penelope Featherington.
Bridgerton series three
Colin Bridgerton.
Bridgerton series three
Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton.
Bridgerton series three
Bridgerton series three
Bridgerton series three
Bridgerton series three
Bridgerton series three
Bridgerton series three
Bridgerton series three
What else is she going to be in?
Rightly so, Nicola is in high demand at the moment! As well as her lead role in Bridgerton season three, and a new podcast, she has multiple projects coming up - including some films!
In November 2023, fans got the very exciting news that Nicola is set to join The Whoniverse, with Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davis teasing that she will join the cast for the 2024 Christmas Special - with filming already having taken place, alongside Ncuti Gatwa as he stars as the new doctor.
Following Russell teasing the news during a Q&A, Nicola took to Instagram to share her excitement, writing: 'Off to the Whoniverse 👽
'@russelltdavies63 the loveliest man in the world, thank you so much for asking me to join you on the joy that is Doctor Who and letting me share the screen with the ridiculously brilliant @ncutigatwa, how lucky am I- I’m loving every minute ❤️❤️'. (sic)
Shortly after, we were then gifted with a first look image of Nicola featuring in the iconic series!
Recently she also starred in the six-part Stan comedy series titled Big Mood, as well as gearing up to hit the big screen in the British comedy film Seize Them!. She will appear alongside Sex Education's Aimee Lou Wood, as well as other huge names such as Nick Frost and James Acaster.
And that's not the only film she's set to feature in, with Enid Blyton's famous book The Magic Faraway Tree getting a big screen adaptation - and Nicola joining the A-list cast! Nicola will feature in the upcoming film alongside the likes of Baby Reindeer's Jessica Gunning and Nonso Anozie (Sweet Tooth, Ted Lasso).
Big Mood was released on 29th March 2024, available to watch on Channel 4. Nicola stars in the series alongside Lydia West, with Channel 4 describing the series as: ‘A vivacious and rebellious portrayal of female friendship when infiltrated by the complexities of a serious mental illness.’
Is she in the Barbie movie?
YAS! In April 2023 it was announced that Nicola will be featuring in the Barbie film, much to fans' delight! She played the role of Diplomat Barbie, with the actress sharing her film poster to her Instagram page in April.
Excited by the announcement, fans took to the comments to share the love, with one writing: 'Lady Whistledown is in her Barbie era 💗💗💗💗💗' (sic), and another gushing: 'SO EXCITED FOR YOU!! You look phenomenal!💖💕💗'. (sic)
Killing Eve star Jodie Comer even shared in the joy, commenting: 'Omgggggg'. (sic)
Nicola joined an impressive cast list for the film, including the likes of Margot Robbie (Barbie), Ryan Gosling (Ken), Sex Education's Ncuti Gatwa (Other Ken) and Emma Mackey (Physicist Barbie), Michael Cera (Allan), America Ferrera (Gloria) and Will Ferrell (CEO of Mattel) - just to name a few! Oh - and did we mention it's narrated by Helen Mirren?!
At the premiere for the film, Nicola shared a heartfelt message where she shared details of her audition process, as well as her love for director Greta Gerwig, and how she fit filming into her busy schedule.
Sharing a truly Barbie-esque pic, Nicola wrote: 'I auditioned for Barbie back in January 22 when I was on holiday with friends, I’d packed one random hot pink dress I hadn’t worn at all and when I had to make my audition tape I thought- this is fate, I have a dress in Barbie Pink!
'I have been obsessed with Greta since Frances Ha, that movie (and all her movies since) have made such a huge impact on me and the prospect of working with her was something I couldn’t even have imagined.
'When I found out she wanted to have me be part of @barbiethemovie, and then that I probably wouldn’t be able to make it work because of my schedule I was firstly elated and quickly heartbroken. So when I was asked if I wanted to pop into Barbieland even briefly my answer was an immediate, and very emphatic yes.
'I don’t have the words to describe this movie, when I wasn’t beaming at the screen with how joyful it made me, or laughing so hard at Ryan Gosling (immediate Oscar TBH) it made me cry unexpected tears. Greta and Noah have written the most beautiful, hilarious script and Margot has made it come to life- not only as the perfect Barbie but as an incredible producer.' (sic)
It’s just the most special thing I’ve seen in a long, long, long time and I can’t wait to watch it again 💖
Find out everything you need to know about the Barbie film right here, which was released on 21st July 2023.
Has she won any awards?
She certainly has! On top of shows she has starred in being nominated for heaps of awards (including Bridgerton's whopping 12 Emmy nominations in 2021), Nicola has been nominated herself for multiple awards, including Best Supporting Actress in a Drama, Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series and Best Actress in a Play.
In 2021, Nicola won the Rising Star Award at the Irish Film and Television Awards, for her epic performance in Netflix's Bridgerton. Sharing the sweet moment she found out the wonderful news, Nicola wrote: 'I flippin won the Rising Star #IFTA and gave a speech where I for some reason thanked Paul Mescal who I have never worked with in my life.
'It is such an unbelievable honour I’m so grateful thank you thank you @iftaacademy!' (sic)
The actress has also received an honourable mention in Vogue Magazine, listed at one of the 12 Best Dressed Women of 2021! Sharing the joy, Nicola wrote: 'As if @voguemagazine’s Best Dressed Women of 2021 are Lady Gaga, Zendaya, and a woman who wore pyjama bottoms to work yesterday (me).
'This is an insane honour and something I owe completely to @aimeecroysdill; my legendary stylist and epically cool pal 🖤🖤🖤'.
What about her and Jonathan van Ness?
If you're a fan of Nicola, you'll have no doubt spotted her feed feature a frequent cameo from none other than Queer Eye icon Jonathan van Ness. Why, you ask? Because the pair are besties!
Attending the Bridgerton season three premiere to support his bestie, Jonathan soon shared a touching post in honour of Nicola, describing her as a: 'confidant, friend, mentor, and really chosen family', adding: 'Seeing Nicola’s heart, drive, resilience, friendship, and passion brings so much to my life. I love you Nicola and am so proud of you!' (sic)
(We're not crying, you are...)
Nicola and American hairstylist Jonathan's friendship dates back to 2018, when they struck up a relationship on social media. Sharing her love for the show Queer Eye, Nicola tweeted a photo of herself wearing a sweater with Jonathan's face emblazoned across it, captioning: 'Put on the new @QueerEye and lasted two seconds into the opening credits and I’m already crying.
'I love it so, so much. And of course I’m wearing my @jvn jumper, need you even ask?'
Liking the Tweet, Jonathan then reached out to Nicola, and the rest is history! The pair have since been besties, regularly supporting each other on social media.
Jonathan even visited the set of Bridgerton in 2020, with Nicola taking to Instagram to share the sweet moment. Sharing multiple photos of the pair on set, she wrote: 'Category is: Bring your cutie pie love dove friend to work day💖
'I mean I do feel like we deserve a @jvn #Bridgerton cameo too, a rival for Queen Charlotte perhaps?'
We can't wait to see what Nicola does next!
Check out these Bridgerton facts you probably didn't know:
The show is adapted from Julia Quinn's novels
Like many successful TV series and films, Netflix's Bridgerton was actually adapted from a book series! The books were written by Julia Quinn, with each one focusing on a different member of the Bridgerton family, and have so far followed the same order - The Duke and I (season one) and The Viscount Who Love Me (season two).
There are a total of nine books in the series.
Queen Charlotte wasn't included in the original books
Although Queen Charlotte was a real-life monarch, she wasn't actually featured in the original Julia Quinn books. Julia seems to stick by her decision, however, saying: "Queen Charlotte is the biggest new character and she's fantastic in every way. I go back and forth between 'Wow, I wish I'd put her in the books', and 'I'm glad I didn't put her in the books because I wouldn't have done her as great as they do her here."
The Queen of England once interrupted Bridgerton filming
Yep, it's true! Bridgerton's creator revealed that the iconic scene that showed The Duke and Daphne plead their case to Queen Charlotte was put under a some-what time constraint when being filmed at Lancaster House in London, with the real Queen - yes, Queen Elizabeth - needing the space to host an event!
Bridgerton is not entirely historically accurate
Despite many aspects of Bridgerton being historically accurate, for example Queen Charlotte being involved in social happenings, not all of the show is as spot on.
The show had cultural experts on hand during production, however Julia Quinn explained the importance of the show taking a different approach, aiming for a diverse reimagining of London's high society. She explained: "It's important to remember that 'Bridgerton' isn't a history lesson. The show is for a modern audience."
Coronation Street's Sally Dynevor is Phoebe Dynevor's mum
Oh, to be a Dynevor! Acting clearly runs in the family, with Sally Dynevor being Phoebe's mum in real life! Sally is most known for her role as Sally Webster in popular soap Coronation Street - and she even competed on Dancing On Ice in the 2022 series!
Prior to Bridgerton, Phoebe Dynevor starred in TV series Snatch alongside Rupert Grint
Before becoming a household name for her role as Daphne Bridgerton, Phoebe Dynevor appeared as Lotti Mott in the 2017 TV series Snatch - a series adaptation of the film of the same name.
Phoebe starred alongisde other huge names such as Harry Potter's Rupert Grint, Emily in Paris' Lucien Laviscount and Skins' Luke Pasqualino.
Julie Andrews voices Lady Whistledown
The legend that is Julie Andrews voices the iconic script of Lady Whistledown in the Bridgerton. The iconic English actress narrates the mysterious gossip writer throughout the series, with her voice being heard in both series one and two.
Bridgerton was not strictly filmed in London
Although Bridgerton is set in Regency London, it was not strictly filmed within the famous streets. Filming locations for the series were scattered around the UK, with the cast and crew heading to Hertfordshire, Yorkshire, Hampshire, Kent, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Surrey, with most of the filming actually taking place in Bath.
Although we hate to ruin the magic of travelling back to the 1800s, many of the show's sets were actually created from CGI. Take a look through the real-life Bridgerton filming locations that you can visit in person!
Bridgerton and The Crown share filming locations
To those of you that thought some of the sets look a little familiar, you may not be that surprised to hear that Bridgerton shared multiple filming locations with popular series The Crown.
Interior shots for both the Duke and Duchess's home and Queen Charlotte's home were filmed at Wilton House, a gorgeous Wiltshire-based estate that was also used for interior shots of Buckingham Palace in The Crown.
The Duke of Hastings' home was filmed in various locations
The Duke of Hastings' home is pretty massive, so it's no surprise that multiple filming locations were used to get that perfect representation! Four different filming locations were used in total, these being Wilton House in Wiltshire, Syon House in Brentford, Castle Howard in York and Badminton House in Gloucestershire.
Wilton House served as the portrait hall, hallway, dining room and entrance hall, while Syon House provided the study and dressing room, and Badminton House being the parlour and mornings rooms. Castle Howard was used for exterior shots that fans will recognise of The Duke's home.
Princess Diana's family home was the inspiration behind the Bridgerton House
There's no denying that all of the luxurious family homes featured in Bridgerton are pretty enviable. Show producer Chris Van Dusen revealed on Twitter that it was in fact Princess Diana's family home that inspired Bridgerton House, writing: 'The interior of Bridgerton House was inspired by my visit to Althorp when I was developing the show. Elegance. Opulence. And that #staircase'.
Bridgerton's tea shop actually existed in the 19th century
Anyone for a cuppa? Yep, the tea shop that Daphne and The Duke frequent was in fact real - located in London's Berkley Square in the 19th century!
Although, it was originally a confectionary store in real life. The shop was originally named the Pot and Pine Apple, but changed its name to Gunter's Tea Shop.
Pride and Prejudice provided inspiration for some of the racier scenes
Bridgerton is no stranger to a saucy scene, with the show taking inspiration for some of the more racy scenes from none other than the legendary Pride and Prejudice.
One particular shot that drew inspiration from the 1995 BBC TV adaptation of Jane Austen's novel is Anthony Bridgerton's wet shirt scene, featured in season two. Producer Chris Van Dusen joked: "Obviously, Colin Firth coming out of that lake with the white shirt is seared in my mind."
The racier scenes were filmed with an intimacy director on hand
With the show being packed with some pretty racy scenes, it's no surprise that filming took place under the watchful eye of an intimacy director.
Regé-Jean Page, who stars as The Duke of Hastings, described the intimacy co-ordinator as taking the 'risk' out of the more, shall we say, 'sexy' scenes.
Many of the classic Bridgerton hairstyles were based on real celebrities
Bridgerton drew inspiration from several places, spanning over various decades! Season one's hair and makeup artist Marc Pilcher told Insider that Audrey Hepburn's hair in 1956 film War and Peace inspired Daphne Bridgerton's curled bangs.
Other hair inspo for characters such as Queen Charlotte and Lady Featherington came from other iconic looks such as Beyoncé's hair in 2002's Austin Powers and a red-headed Elizabeth Taylor.
7,500 bespoke outfits were made for season one alone
Quite the wardrobe! Season two costume designer Sophie Canale revealed that having about 7,500 bespoke outfits from season one helped them create looks for season two, building on the style of all of the women's and crowd costumes.
Producer Chris Van Dusen came up with the idea of modern-day pop songs instrumental covers
The show became an instant hit for a multitude of reasons, with the incredible soundtrack being one of them! As fans will know, the show regularly features modern pop-songs with a Bridgerton make-over - the idea for which came from producer Chris Van Dusen.
Chris had the idea to blend the genres of modern music with orchestral stylings. The series' music supervisor said: "The familiarity of these pop songs performed by a quartet or orchestral seemed the most seamless way to create a 'Bridgerton' musical signature and also support Bowers' beautiful score."
Lady Whistledown's identity wasn't always set on Penelope Featherington
Imagine how differently the show could have turned out if the bright Penelope Featherington wasn't in fact Lady Whistledown! Despite Penelope being revealed as Lady Whistledown in the books, the true identity of the infamous gossip writer for the Netflix adaptation wasn't actually always set in stone.
Characters such as Daphne and Eloise Bridgerton were in the running, as well as Lady Danbury and Brimsley also being contenders.
All actors were fitted with earpieces while dancing
Dancing scenes were made that little bit tricker when cast were required to wear earpieces during filming. Luke Newton, known for playing Colin Bridgerton, touched on the matter, saying: "Hats off to the dancers because they do it every take, and they do it perfectly, and then I step in, and I feel like I've got two left feet because I can not hear the music. I hear everyone else talking!"
Nicola Coughlan originally auditioned for Eloise Bridgerton
After being contacted about auditioning for the show, Nicola originally read for the role of Eloise Bridgerton. it was show producer Chris Van Dusen that actually noticed that she was perfect for the role of the youngest Featherington sister, saying: "I called all of our other producers into the room and showed them the tape. I'm happy to say that everyone loved her as much as I did."
Nicola later described that she drew inspiration for her portrayal of the character from fans of the book series, saying: "I spent a lot of time lurking on online book forums to see what fans thought. I realized that Penelope is this really beloved character, because she's not this perfect girl that all the boys love."
Now read:
Everything you need to know about Bridgerton season three
The ultimate Derry Girls playlist for 90s music fans
Paul Mescal's amazing career so far