Nicola Coughlan, the Irish actor known for her role as Penelope Featherington in the hit Netflix series “Bridgerton,” has recently expressed her discontent with being labelled a ‘plus-size heroine’ following scenes from the show. In the latest season of ‘Bridgerton,’ Coughlan’s character was involved in intimate scenes with Colin Bridgerton, portrayed by Luke Newton, which garnered significant attention.
During an interview with Time for their “Next Generation Leaders” feature, Coughlan addressed the focus on her body, stating, “I’m a few sizes below the average size of a woman in the UK and I’m seen as a ‘plus-size heroine.’ I worked my a** off for that show. I barely saw my family and friends, and people were just going, ‘But your body…'”
The actress emphasised that she wants to be recognised for her dedication to the Netflix series rather than being defined by her body, rejecting the notion that she is brave for appearing nude on screen. Coughlan clarified, “Don’t call me brave. I have a cracking pair of boobs. There’s nothing brave about that, that’s actually just me showing them off.”
Coughlan has been vocal about her stance on body positivity and representation in the media. At a screening of ‘Bridgerton’ season three in Dublin, she responded wittily to a fan praising her bravery for the nude scenes, highlighting the importance of seeing diverse body types on screen.
The actress previously shared her empowerment in choosing to film the nude scenes, emphasising that it was a deliberate decision she made in collaboration with the show’s intimacy coordinator. She expressed feeling beautiful and empowered during those moments, asserting her confidence and determination to challenge stereotypes.
Nicola Coughlan’s candid remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of focusing on talent and dedication rather than reducing individuals to their physical appearance. As she continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry, Coughlan’s advocacy for body positivity resonates with audiences globally, encouraging a more inclusive and diverse representation in media.