Nicola Coughlan is not ready to hang up her quill just yet. Just months after “Bridgerton” season 3 shattered streaming records and secured a spot in Netflix’s Top 10 most-watched shows of all time, the Irish actress is already teasing what fans can expect from season 4—and it’s shaping up to be another swoon-worthy chapter in the Regency-era drama.
While the spotlight shifts to a new love story, Coughlan isn’t disappearing from the “Bridgerton” world. In fact, she’s delighted in her character’s evolution as a wife, a mother, and a successful secret writer. Here’s everything she revealed about the upcoming season, including new leads, filming updates, and what makes season 4 feel like a classic fairy tale.
Nicola Coughlan Teases “Delightful and Gorgeous” Season for Penelope
Coughlan, who captivated viewers as Penelope Featherington (now Bridgerton), offered new details about season 4 while attending the BAFTA Television Awards on May 11. Speaking with reporters, Coughlan revealed that filming is still underway—and it’s taking longer than usual.
“What’s coming? Lots more romance. We’re shooting it still, takes a long time to shoot ‘Bridgerton,’ takes about eight months, this one’s taken nine,” she joked in a video shared on X. “So it’s a full pregnancy this season of ‘Bridgerton.’”
Coughlan confirmed that her character is now navigating life as a married woman, new mother, and published writer. “I’ve got a ginger baby,” she quipped. “She’s a married woman, she’s a writer, but it’s delightful and gorgeous as always.” Her on-screen romance with Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton, was the heart of season 3 and remains a fan-favorite storyline.
Fans flooded social media with praise when Netflix confirmed in July 2024 that season 3 had officially entered its all-time Top 10 list. Coughlan celebrated the moment with a behind-the-scenes photo dump on Instagram.
“Season 3 just entered the Netflix Top Ten of all time because you’ve watched billions (!) of hours of it which is mental,” she wrote. “I’m so grateful, so please accept some miscellaneous behind-the-scenes joy as a thank you!”
A New Leading Couple Takes the Spotlight in ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4
While Penelope and Colin continue to appear in the show, the upcoming season will focus on Benedict Bridgerton’s journey to love. Based on Julia Quinn’s novel “An Offer From a Gentleman,” the story will follow Benedict, played by Luke Thompson, as he falls for a mysterious woman he meets at a masquerade ball. That woman, Sophie Baek, will be played by Australian actress Yerin Ha.
Coughlan previously told E! News at the TIME Next 100 Gala in October 2024 that she was enjoying her supporting role this season. “It’s quite nice to take a step back and let them [the new romantic leads] do it all,” she said. “We’ve been filming for about a month now. But I get to pop in and out, so I get to come to New York which I couldn’t have done last year, so it’s quite nice.”
Thompson also spoke about his character’s romantic arc, calling it a blend of fantasy and realism. “What’s striking about Season 4 is that it’s the struggle between a proper old-school fairy tale—the romance of it—and the actual reality of the world,” he told Netflix’s Tudum.
Tell us! Are you excited to see Penelope and Colin continue their romance in season 4 of “Bridgerton”? Let us know in the comments below.
Introduction – A Star on the Rise in the Ton
The Bridgerton universe never fails to stir hearts and fuel speculation, but when one of its most beloved breakout stars hints at a major role shift in Season 4, it sends the fandom into a frenzy.
Whether you’ve been swooning over the Bridgertons since the beginning or you just finished binge-watching the latest season, this update is for you. In this article, we’re diving into everything we know about the changing role of this rising star, what it means for the upcoming season, and how it could alter the very fabric of the Ton.
Spoiler warning: it’s Eloise. But trust us, there’s much more to uncover.
Who Is the Breakout Star?
Eloise Bridgerton – The Feminist Force We Can’t Ignore
From her sharp tongue to her rebellious streak, Eloise Bridgerton, played by Claudia Jessie, has stolen hearts since Season 1. She’s witty, independent, and refreshingly uninterested in the marriage mart—unlike her siblings.
But now, in a recent interview that’s shaken the Bridgerton fanbase, Jessie teased a “very different direction” for her character in Season 4.
Claudia Jessie Breaks Her Silence
The Interview That Changed Everything
In an exclusive sit-down with Entertainment Weekly, Claudia Jessie revealed that Eloise’s role in Season 4 will be “more personal, more grounded, and surprisingly emotional.” While she didn’t spill every detail (Lady Whistledown wouldn’t approve), she made it clear: big changes are coming.
A Closer Look at Her Words
Jessie hinted that Eloise would “find herself in new situations that challenge what she thought she believed.” That suggests more than just romantic development—it screams personal growth, self-discovery, and a potential identity crisis.
What Could This Mean for Season 4’s Storyline?
A New Arc or a New Romance?
One of the biggest fan questions: Will Eloise finally find love? Given the heavy focus on romance in the Bridgerton world, it’s hard to imagine her story staying strictly platonic forever.
But knowing Eloise, her romantic journey won’t follow the usual fairytale format. Expect complications, resistance, and plenty of witty banter.
Facing Penelope Again?
Remember her fractured friendship with Penelope Featherington (aka Lady Whistledown)? Jessie hinted that this tension might not be resolved so quickly. Could Eloise’s new journey include a rekindling—or a final confrontation?
Why Fans Are Excited About This Shift
Eloise Deserves the Spotlight
While many characters have had their “season,” Eloise has remained mostly on the sidelines, offering comic relief and counter-narratives. This shift gives her the space she truly deserves.
A Break from Formulaic Romance
Let’s be honest—after a few grand love stories, it’s refreshing to focus on a character whose arc is about more than just finding a suitor. Fans are craving depth, nuance, and something new. Eloise is the perfect vessel for that.
Predictions Based on the Books
Bridgerton Book Fans Know What’s Coming
In Julia Quinn’s book series, Eloise’s story comes in To Sir Phillip, With Love, where she corresponds with a widower and eventually marries him under very unconventional circumstances.
Will the Show Follow That Plot?
Maybe… but maybe not. Bridgerton has been known to remix source material in delightful ways. While Phillip Crane has already been introduced in the show, his future with Eloise is anything but guaranteed.
What This Means for Other Characters
The Ripple Effect on the Bridgerton Family
Eloise stepping into a central storyline could shake things up within her family dynamic. Will her bold decisions clash with Anthony’s protective instincts? Will Daphne return to offer advice? We’re in for emotional fireworks.
Penelope’s Next Chapter Gets Juicier
With Eloise growing in complexity, Penelope’s dual life as Lady Whistledown could get even more complicated. Could Eloise finally uncover her secret? Or become her unexpected ally?
Behind the Scenes – Claudia Jessie’s Creative Input
Collaborating with Writers for Authenticity
Jessie has been vocal about shaping Eloise’s narrative alongside the writers. She wants her character’s evolution to feel real, earned, and honest—especially to young women watching at home.
A Role Model in the Making
By crafting Eloise as both flawed and fearless, Jessie is helping create a character who doesn’t just fit into the Ton—she breaks its rules and reshapes them. That’s powerful storytelling.
Fan Theories About Eloise’s Journey
Is She the New Lady Whistledown?
A growing theory on Reddit: Eloise may take over as Lady Whistledown. It’s a wild idea, but she’s clever enough—and rebellious enough—to pull it off.
A Secret Romance Brewing?
Another theory: a romance with a commoner, maybe someone in the print shop or connected to her feminist ideals. Think of it as Bridgerton meets Les Misérables.
The Cultural Impact of Eloise Bridgerton
A Feminist Icon in a Regency World
Eloise stands out not just for her humor but for her ideals. She questions gender roles, resists tradition, and refuses to shrink herself for others. In a sea of corsets and courtships, she’s a breath of fresh air.
Bridgerton’s Progressive Edge
By elevating characters like Eloise, Bridgerton continues to challenge period drama norms. It’s more than just pretty dresses—it’s meaningful storytelling wrapped in velvet.
How Season 4 Could Redefine the Series
A Shift in Tone and Structure
If Season 4 leans more on character development and less on whirlwind romances, it could signal a new phase for the franchise—one that’s deeper, smarter, and more emotionally layered.
More Than Romance
With Eloise’s evolution, the series could pivot toward themes like identity, autonomy, and social justice, proving once again that the Bridgerton universe is more than just eye candy.
Conclusion – A Season of Change, A Character Transformed
So, what does all this mean? Season 4 is shaping up to be a game-changer, and at the heart of it is Eloise Bridgerton. With Claudia Jessie teasing a richer, more complex role, fans can expect emotional depth, unexpected twists, and a story that goes beyond the ballroom.
Whether you’re rooting for romance or just here for the drama, one thing’s for sure: the next chapter of Bridgerton is going to be one for the history books.
