Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan reveals her ‘disbelief’ at being the ‘leading lady in a romance show’

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Nicola Coughlan has revealed that she’s in “disbelief” at being the “leading lady in a romance show”, ahead of season three of Bridgerton – saying people assume she finds herself “hideous.” Coughlan’s character Penelope Featherington has appeared as a supporting character in the first two seasons of the hit historical romance series but will take centre stage this summer, with Penelope exploring her love story with Colin Bridgerton, portrayed by Luke Newton. And it’s not because I find myself hideous, as some people have assumed when I say that.” Speaking on her role in Bridgerton, the Irish actress said: “Pen was a supporting character, the oddball in the corner, but this time she’s very much centre stage.” “The only issue with this is that ‘oddball in the corner’ is actually a niche I do very well. “In 2017, I was working part-time in an optician’s, about to turn 30, living at home with my parents, unsure whether the whole ‘acting thing’ was ever going to happen.” Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. Speaking on criticism, she explained: “I’m terrified of the scrutiny, the opinions, the number of eyes on me; but, ultimately, the thing that’s making me step out of the shadows, even though it terrifies me, is that I’m so proud of the work I’ve done, the people I’ve worked with and these beautiful shows we’ve made.” “I hope I can show the world, along with myself, that sometimes the oddball in the corner can take centre stage.” Season three of Bridgerton will be released on Netflix in two parts, on May 16 and June 13 respectively.