Bridgerton favourite Nicola Coughlan confirms reduced role in season 5: “I won’t be in it very much”

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Nicola Coughlan, known for her role in Bridgerton, has confirmed she’ll be returning for the show’s fifth season, though she’ll have a smaller part. Her character, Penelope, was the central focus of season three, following the big reveal in the first season finale that she was secretly Lady Whistledown.

Coughlan’s career is really taking off. Recently, she’s appeared in the latest season of Big Mood, The Magic Faraway Tree, and even hosted Saturday Night Live UK.

In a recent episode of the Dish podcast, she revealed that filming for season five has begun, meaning she won’t have a large role this season. However, she expressed her willingness to return in the future.

I’m really happy with how things are now. I can visit for a few days, catch up with everyone, and then take a couple of months off. They’re putting in a lot of effort, and I just get to come back and enjoy it. It’s wonderful.

Season five of Bridgerton will focus on Francesca Bridgerton (played by Hannah Dodd), the family’s quiet and reserved middle daughter.

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Fran, two years after the death of her husband John, decides to start dating again, mostly because she feels it’s the sensible thing to do. However, the arrival of John’s cousin Michaela back in London to manage the family estate stirs up a lot of emotions for Fran, making her wonder if she should focus on what’s practical or follow her heart.

The show’s upcoming season will also feature guest appearances by Tega Alexander, Jacqueline Boatswain, and Gemma Knight Jones.

Alexander will play Christopher Anderson, the enigmatic son of Lord Anderson, in The Sandman. Joining the cast are former Hollyoaks star Boatswain as Michaela’s mother, Helen Stirling, and Knight Jones from Mobland as Lady Elizabeth Ashworth.

Recently, Nicola Coughlan shared that she tried out for a popular role on the show Stranger Things.

Okay, so I auditioned for Stranger Things – can you believe it? I went for the role of Robin, the character Maya Hawke ended up playing. Honestly, I think I was close to getting it, but I didn’t quite make the cut. I’m trying to be nice to myself and say I almost got it, though!

She chuckled, saying, “You ever watch a show and think, ‘Wow, I’m glad that didn’t happen to me – I’d have handled it even worse!’”

Bridgerton seasons 1-4 are streaming on Netflix, along with Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.

Read more Bridgerton news on our dedicated homepage

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2026-05-01 22:49