Nicola Coughlan is teasing the upcoming season of Bridgerton! Speaking at the BAFTA Television Awards on Sunday, May 11, the actress, 38, opened up about season 4 of the Netflix series, in which she plays the role of Penelope Bridgerton (formerly Featherington).
“What’s coming? Lots more romance,” Coughlan said in a video shared on X. “We’re shooting it still, takes a long time to shoot Bridgerton, takes about eight months, this one’s taken nine. So it’s a full pregnancy this season of Bridgerton.”
“We got new leads this year, Luke Thompson, who we’re used to, Yerin Ha, who’s new and gorgeous, sort of a Cinderella story,” she continued.
“In terms of me, I’ve got a ginger baby. She’s a married woman, she’s a writer, but it’s delightful and gorgeous as always,” Coughlan added, referring to Penelope Bridgerton.
Her comments come after she took the lead for season 3 of the drama alongside her co-star Luke Newton, who plays the role of her on-screen love, Colin Bridgerton.
Viewers got to see the love story between Penelope and Colin blossom throughout the season, including scenes of the pair as a married couple with a newborn son. Just months after the episodes were released, Bridgerton entered Netflix’s top 10 shows of all time list in July 2024. Coughlan marked the achievement with an Instagram carousel of photos and videos from her time on set.
“Season 3 just entered the Netflix Top Ten of all time because you’ve watched billions (!) of hours of it which is mental,” Coughlan captioned the post.
“I’m so grateful, so please accept some miscellaneous behind the scenes [sic] joy as a thank you!” she added.
When it comes to Bridgerton, fans don’t just watch — they obsess. And now, thanks to Nicola Coughlan (a.k.a. Penelope Featherington), the anticipation for Season 4 just skyrocketed. She recently dropped a few tantalizing hints, and yes — romance is back in full bloom, with an emotional twist: motherhood.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything Nicola teased, what this could mean for her character, and how the show might evolve in unexpected but thrilling ways. Ready to get swept into the world of love, lace, and late-night scandals? Let’s go.
Who Is Nicola Coughlan? A Quick Recap
From Derry Girls to Regency Royalty
Before she became the talk of the ton, Nicola was melting hearts as Clare in Derry Girls. Her comedic timing and authenticity won her loyal fans — and then came Bridgerton. As Penelope Featherington, she went from a quiet observer to the scene-stealing Lady Whistledown.
The Romance We’ve All Been Waiting For
Penelope and Colin: A Slow Burn Ready to Ignite
Season 3 finally gave us the love story we’ve been begging for: Penelope and Colin Bridgerton. But Nicola just revealed that the romance doesn’t end there. In fact, Season 4 may dial it up a notch.
“There’s definitely more romance,” Nicola said in a recent interview. “You’ll see Penelope as a mother — and that brings a whole new dynamic.”
Sounds like things are about to get deliciously complicated.
Penelope as a Mother: A New Chapter Begins
From Scandal Sheets to Sleepless Nights
This twist — Penelope becoming a mother — adds emotional depth to her already complex character. Bridgerton has always played with traditional roles, and now it’s ready to tackle motherhood in the Regency era. Expect less high society fluff and more raw, real moments.
Balancing Love and Responsibility
Penelope’s journey as a mother while navigating romance could mirror the modern woman’s challenge: having it all. And knowing Bridgerton’s writers? They’ll make it messy, heartfelt, and deeply relatable.
What This Means for Season 4’s Tone
A Shift from Pure Fluff to Emotional Grit
Sure, we love our ballroom dances and steamy glances, but Season 4 might bring more heart and realism. Nicola’s storyline hints at character development that goes beyond scandal and into the soul.
Still Full of Glamour — Just With Depth
Don’t worry — the show won’t ditch its signature glamour. But now, expect it wrapped around richer emotional arcs. Think more “Jane Austen meets modern motherhood.”
Lady Whistledown: Will Penelope Keep Writing?
Juggling Secrets and Swaddling Clothes
Being both Lady Whistledown and a mother? That’s a juggling act worthy of a full-blown spinoff. Fans are dying to know: Will she retire her quill, or keep spilling society’s secrets?
The Double Life Gets Riskier
Now that more people know her secret identity, the stakes are higher. Add a child into the mix, and the consequences of discovery grow even more dire.
What About the Bridgertons? Are They Involved?
A New Era for the Bridgerton Family
The Bridgertons are known for supporting one another, even when chaos strikes. With Penelope now part of the family (thanks to Colin), the family dynamics are sure to shift — and hopefully, strengthen.
Season 4 Predictions: What’s Coming?
Emotional Highs, Romantic Lows
From Nicola’s hints, it’s clear: Season 4 will test Penelope in ways we’ve never seen before. She’s not just the quirky girl next door anymore — she’s a lover, a mother, and possibly still the sharpest pen in London.
Behind-the-Scenes Scoop
Nicola’s Candid Take on Filming
Nicola’s interviews suggest she’s deeply connected to this new version of Penelope. Her excitement is palpable — and when actors care this much, the performance hits different.
Costume Changes: Will Motherhood Alter Penelope’s Look?
Goodbye Yellow, Hello Maturity?
We’ve seen Penelope transform her wardrobe to reflect her growing confidence. As a mother, will her style become more subdued? Or will she keep that vibrant flair?
Fashion fans, take notes.
Fans React: Social Media Is Buzzing
💬 “We’re Not Ready — But We’re So Ready”
Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit exploded after Nicola’s reveal. Fans are both thrilled and terrified of what this could mean. Emotional rollercoaster? Guaranteed.
Themes to Watch in Season 4
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Identity vs. Responsibility
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Love After Marriage
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Motherhood’s Emotional Toll
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Secrets and Their Consequences
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Redemption Arcs & Forgiveness
Why Nicola Coughlan Deserves an Emmy
Emotional Range, Meet Sharp Wit
From tears to sarcasm, Nicola brings Penelope to life with authenticity. If Season 4 delivers on its emotional promise, Nicola could — and should — walk away with some serious awards buzz.
What Nicola’s Reveal Really Means for Bridgerton
A Deeper, Bolder, More Human Story
In short, Bridgerton is growing up. Nicola’s storyline signals that the show isn’t just about fluff and flirtation — it’s about evolution, womanhood, and fierce love.
Final Thoughts: Buckle Up, Bridgerton Fans
Season 4 is shaping up to be one of the most emotionally charged yet. Thanks to Nicola Coughlan, we’re stepping into a world that balances desire with duty — and does it with elegance and empathy.
The romance is far from over. In fact, it’s just beginning… again.
