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Nicola Coughlan Reflects on Her Character’s Evolution in Bridgerton and Awards Nominations
The recently concluded third season of Bridgerton saw Nicola Coughlan‘s character, Penelope Featherington, undergo a significant transformation, culminating in her marriage to Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton. Coughlan confirms the delightful change in her character’s identity, stating, “Yeah, she’s now Penelope Bridgerton, and that’s the name on the trailer when I go in — it’s quite cute. She’s very much in the family now. It’s very, very sweet. She’s graduated to Bridgerton status.”
Looking forward to the upcoming Screen Actors Guild Awards, where Coughlan received nominations for both drama actress and drama ensemble, she shared her initial disbelief at being recognized. “I did not think I had any chance in the world [to be nominated]. I wasn’t even tuned in,” she admits, recalling the moment her publicist reached out to deliver the news during a busy pre-birthday celebration. “I immediately thought, ‘Something is terribly wrong.’”
With a chuckle, Coughlan reflects on the delightful surprise, calling it a wonderful birthday gift. She expressed her honor at being nominated alongside such esteemed peers, saying, “It means very, very much to me, because I love what I do.” Coughlan reminisces about her admiration for actors like Kathy Bates and Allison Janney, feeling both astonished and grateful to be in their company.
Penelope’s Journey in Season 3
At the start of Season 3, Penelope finds herself in a place of resignation regarding love, a sharp contrast to her earlier aspirations. Coughlan describes Penelope’s emotional state, noting, “She’s kind of accepted her fate [and] given up on the idea of love, which is something that has driven her since the beginning.” However, the return of Colin alters her outlook, a pivotal moment she enjoyed exploring with the show’s creatives. “I remember Jess Brownell, our showrunner, speaking to us about what was going to happen in each episode. It was such a delightful surprise that the first kiss happened in Episode 2. It felt right, and it signified Colin’s realization of his feelings for her.”
Fans often express their hopes for a real-life romance between Coughlan and Newton, to which she humorously dispels the notion, clarifying, “I’m sorry that he’s just my friend. He’s a very dear friend and the best co-star you could ever ask for.” Coughlan highlights their mutual dedication to their roles, essential for the authenticity of their performances.
Insights into Season 4
While Coughlan remains tight-lipped about the specifics of Season 4, she hints at a refreshing new dynamic. “It feels like a totally different energy this year,” she notes, acknowledging the evolving nature of the show and its ability to shift with each couple’s storyline. She shares a whimsical anecdote about a baby on set whom she considers her “doppelganger,” exclaiming, “I was showing my baby pictures to his parents, and we get on well.”
In an exclusive video interview, Coughlan also emphasizes the importance of Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown, and expresses pride in her co-star Jonathan Bailey for his double nominations, acknowledging his contributions to both Bridgerton and the upcoming film Wicked. Additionally, she reflects fondly on her initial accolades for musical performances during her youth, demonstrating the breadth of her artistic background.
Source
www.goldderby.com