Everything you need to know about the wonderful Nicola Coughlan

We are HUGE fans of Nicola Coughlan here at Hits Radio. 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!

Join us as we celebrate her incredible career so far - from her success on the small screen, the big screen and everything in-between! From where her career began, to upcoming projects, awards and more - here's everything you need to know about the brilliant Nicola Coughlan.

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 38-years-old. Nicola was born on 9th January 1987 in Galway, Ireland, and grew up in Oranmore — and yes, that makes her a Capricorn.

Netflix shared a sweet birthday post for the actress on her 38th birthday, writing: 'happy birthday to our galway girl nicola coughlan! 🪶🫶'. (sic)

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 38-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).

Undoubtedly, 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.

In 2024, she also starred in the six-part Stan comedy series titled Big Mood, which was released on 29th March and 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.’

Nicola Coughlan also hit the big screen again in 2024, in the British comedy film Seize Them!. She appeared alongside Sex Education's Aimee Lou Wood, as well as other huge names such as Nick Frost and James Acaster.

What's next for Nicola?

Miss Coughlan is set to feature in Enid Blyton's famous book The Magic Faraway Tree's big screen adaptation - 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).

In November 2024, Nicola thrilled fans by sharing a sneak peek at her woodland fairy character, Silky, in the upcoming film, with a still on Instagram. It was met with delighted comments, such as: 'Childhood dreams unlocked 😍' and 'I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited about a film before 🧚‍♀️❤️🧚'.

The Magic Faraway Tree will be released on 27th March 2026.

Nicola will also return for series 2 of the Channel 4 comedy Big Mood. In December 2025, the first look photos from the series were released, which also stars Lydia West. The release date for series 2 has not yet been announced, however it will be in 2026.

Has she been in Doctor Who?

She has! In November 2023, fans got the very exciting news that Nicola was 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 her filming 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!

The episode later aired in December 2024, titled Joy to the World. Nicola took to her Instagram to share some behind the scenes snaps, thanking Russell and Ncuti.

Is she ON Bridgerton?

She sure is, and season three was her season!

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:

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 💖

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 herself has been nominated for multiple awards, including Best Supporting Actress in a Drama and Best Actress in a Play. In 2021 she picked up a Rising Star Award, as well as Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Television Actress Award in 2024.

Just before her 38th birthday in 2025, Nicola was also nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series at the SAG Awards, for her performance in Bridgerton - as well the show itself picking up yet another nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

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!

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

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• nicola coughlan
• bridgerton
• derry girls