Netflix Actress Defends Herself Against Plus-Size Claims

Nicola Coughlan, the 39-year-old Irish star of the Netflix phenomenon Bridgerton, is setting the record straight regarding the persistent public obsession with her physical appearance.

In a candid new interview for the April edition of ELLE UK, the actress pushed back against being categorized as a “plus-sized” performer, a label she finds both reductive and frustratingly inaccurate.

Coughlan revealed that during the production of the show’s third season, she followed a rigorous exercise regimen that resulted in significant weight loss. She shared that she was likely a size 10 at the time, and at one point, she was even fitted into a corset that was a size 8.

Despite her personal efforts to prepare for the physical demands of her role as Penelope Featherington, she found herself continually labeled by the public as “plus-size.” Reflecting on the bizarre nature of this scrutiny, she recounted an uncomfortable encounter where a fan approached her in a restroom while intoxicated to praise the show specifically because of her body.

Coughlan admitted that the interaction made her feel like she wanted to die, noting how deeply she hated it so much. She emphasized that being reduced to her size is so f*****g boring when she has dedicated months of her life to honing her craft and performing. For Coughlan, the conversation surrounding body positivity is one she prefers to opt out of entirely.

She stated clearly that she has no interest in body positivity, explaining that as a child, she never viewed actors through the lens of their physical forms. She views the obsession with her weight as a distraction that dilutes the artistic effort she puts into her work, arguing that her body is not the most compelling thing about her.

Beyond her role on Bridgerton, which recently concluded its fourth season, Coughlan has become a powerhouse in British and Irish television. She first garnered massive acclaim for her portrayal of Clare Devlin in the beloved sitcom Derry Girls, which established her as a comedic force before she stepped into the Regency-era drama.

More recently, she showcased her range in the 2025 limited series Big Mood, earning a BAFTA Television Award nomination for her performance. Looking forward, the actress is diving into several high-profile projects. She is currently in post-production for The Magic Faraway Tree, an adaptation of the Enid Blyton classic, where she stars alongside Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy.

Additionally, she stars in the next installment of the critically acclaimed Channel 4 anthology drama I Am, titled I Am Helen, where she will star opposite Joe Cole. In her personal life, Coughlan has been in a relationship with fellow actor Jake Dunn since 2024, with the couple making their red carpet debut at the 2025 BAFTA Television & Craft Awards.

Despite intense social media speculation regarding her personal life and frequent (albeit unfounded) rumors linking her to her Bridgerton co-star Luke Newton, she maintains a close platonic friendship with Newton, often speaking highly of their bond.

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