Nicola Coughlan is ready to sashay back into Bridgerton with more flair than a ballroom full of Regency-era ruffles—and this time, things are getting delightfully queer! Our favorite 37-year-old Irish actress has already wooed the hearts of viewers as Penelope Featherington (aka Lady Whistledown, spoiler alert!) and is now prepping for Season 4 with Luke Newton’s Colin Bridgerton. But hold onto your corsets, because romance isn’t just brewing for her this time—it’s getting even spicier for another Bridgerton sibling!
In a recent interview, Nicola spilled some tea (and probably a bit of sherry) about what’s coming next. She practically pranced with excitement as she hinted at her return, ready to dazzle us all as Penelope once again. And let’s not forget: Season 4 isn’t just about Penelope’s glow-up from wallflower to Mrs. Bridgerton, oh no. There’s a whole new flavor of love in the air, and it’s rainbow-hued.
Apparently, Francesca Bridgerton (played by Hannah Dodd) might just be dipping her toes (and hopefully more) into a same-sex romance. Bridgerton fans everywhere just did a collective spit-take with their afternoon tea. Nicola confirmed what we all suspected—everyone’s absolutely buzzing about this new queer storyline.
Speaking to Good Morning America like the queen she is, Nicola gushed, “As a cast, we’ve been desperately craving a queer storyline—like, where’s the gay love, people?!” She didn’t say that last bit exactly, but we know she was thinking it. “Representation is super important,” she added, with the enthusiasm of someone who’s about to witness something epic, “And trust me, Hannah and Masali [Baduza, who plays Michaela Stirling] are going to knock this one out of the Regency park. Like, grab your bonnets and buckle up.”
She didn’t stop there—because Nicola is nothing if not a full-on romantic cheerleader. “Bridgerton tells all kinds of love stories,” she said, while probably spinning in a pirouette of joy. “It’s about time everyone felt seen, including the queer community.”
Oh, and just in case you were worried about Penelope’s future? Well, our girl is thriving. Apparently, she’s returning to the show as a “happily married woman with a ridiculously cute baby.” So basically, while Francesca might be off having the sapphic romance of the century, Penelope is living her best domestic life with Colin. “They went through all the drama last season,” Nicola hinted. “Now, they’re just back to be madly in love and have the time of their lives. You know, like when you’re married, except without the socks on the floor and passive-aggressive dishwashing.”
So, get ready, because love—of all shapes and forms—is about to flood the Bridgerton world, and Nicola Coughlan is here for it, with a wink and a Regency-era flourish!
@gma @nicolacoughlan on #Bridgerton’s queer love story🏳️🌈 ❤️ #time100next ♬ original sound – Good Morning America
