Nicola Coughlan looked sensational while posing for the May issue of Harper’s Bazaar Magazine.
The actress, 37, showed off her effortless sense of style in the snaps as she showed off her curvy figure in a stunning satin pink dress with a plunging neckline.
With the third series of Bridgeton set to premiere next month, the next installment will focus on Nicola’s character Penelope Featherington and her romance with Colin Bridgerton.
And the Derry Girl star admitted she is “terrified of the scrutiny” when taking on the lead role for the first time, but wants to prove that “sometimes the weirdo in the corner can take center stage”.
Nicola candidly admitted: ‘Yes, I am terrified of the scrutiny, the opinions, the amount of eyes on me; but ultimately what brings me out of the shadows, even though it terrifies me, is that I’m so proud of the work I’ve done, the people I’ve worked with, and these beautiful shows we’ve made. made.
Bridgerton leading lady Nicola Coughlan looked sensational as she wowed in the May issue of Harper’s Bazaar’s cover shoot and confessed she’s terrified of the ‘scrutiny’ she may receive for her latest roles.
The actress, 37, showed off her effortless sense of style in the snaps as she showed off her curvy figure in a stunning satin pink dress with a plunging neckline.
“I hope to show the world, along with myself, that sometimes the weirdo in the corner can take center stage.”
Speaking about her role as the much-loved Penelope, she explained how this series of filming for the hit Netflix show has been completely different to the first two, and Nicola has had to step out of her comfort zone to be the center of attention.
“The main difference is that in the first two seasons, Pen was a supporting character, the weirdo in the corner, but this time she is center stage.
‘The only problem with this is that “the weirdo in the corner” is actually a niche that I do very well. I’m comfortable there! “Weird girl no one pays attention to? Where do I sign up?”
Against the backdrop of a Bridgerton-style house, Nicola looked incredible as she showed off her long legs in a flowy black dress with huge, exaggerated shoulder pads.
The Irish actress rose to fame playing Clare Devlin in the Channel 4 comedy Derry Girls, and many fans consider her one of their favourites.
Following a role as Hannah Dalton in Harlots in 2018, she made her West End debut in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie, before appearing in Bridgerton in 2020.
Since the success of the Netflix phenomenon, Nicola has been invited to the Met Gala, appeared on a variety of hit shows including RuPaul’s Drag Race, and was named one of Vogue’s Best Dressed Women of 2021.
With the third series of Bridgeton set to premiere next month, the next installment will focus on Nicola’s character Penelope Featherington and her romance with Colin Bridgerton (pictured).
She confessed to the publication: “I hope to show the world, along with myself, that sometimes the weirdo in the corner can take center stage.”
Nicola’s latest two roles see her take on the lead role, as she plays Penelope Featherington in Netflix phenomenon Bridgerton and Maggie in Channel 4 comedy Big Mood.
Against the backdrop of a Bridgerton-style home, Nicola looked incredible as she showed off her long legs in a flowy black dress with huge, exaggerated shoulder pads.
The star even had a cameo in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie in the summer.
However Nicola admitted that despite her success she is ‘incredulous that I am the protagonist of a romantic program.
She explained, “And it’s not because I find myself horrible, as some people have assumed when I say that (just so you know, in the right lighting I’m a solid seven), but because it’s not something I’ve ever dreamed of.” of.
‘When I was a child, I wanted to be one of the gay icons. “Bette Midler as CC Bloom? God, that’s me! thought six-year-old Nicola. I never tried to be naïve, simply because they never seemed to have the best lines or seemed to be having a great time.’
Before her acting career, Nicola lived in Ireland where she worked as an optician and wondered if she would ever get her big break.
Reflecting on how far he has come professionally, he admitted: ‘When I look back on my life over the last few years, it’s hard to understand how much it has changed.
In 2017, I was working part-time at an optician, about to turn 30, living at home with my parents, not knowing if the whole “acting” thing was going to happen one day or if I was completely fooling myself.
‘Now, in 2024, I’m about to start a world press tour for one of Netflix’s biggest shows. It’s hard for me to understand.
“The funny thing is, I don’t feel any different than the girl who used to call people and tell them they were behind on their eye exam.”
Nicola admitted that despite her success, “she can’t believe I’m the lead in a romantic show.”
In another shot she posed in a strapless white dress adorned with butterflies.
The star showed off her flawless complexion in a close-up
Prior to her acting career, Nicola worked as an optician and reflected: “The funny thing is, I don’t feel any different to the girl who used to call people and tell them they’re behind on their eye test.” ‘
Nicola stars alongside It’s a Sin’s Lydia West in Big Mood, which follows best friends Maggie (Nicola) and Eddie (Lydia), whose friendship is tested after Maggie is diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Around the time of Bridgeton, Nicola was also filming the new Channel 4 comedy Big Mood, in which she also has the lead role.
Starring alongside Lydia West from It’s a Sin, the show It follows best friends Maggie (Nicola) and Eddie (Lydia), whose friendship is tested after Maggie is diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Speaking about juggling the two, Nicola said: ‘Filming Big Mood and the third season of Bridgerton is the hardest I’ve ever worked on and the most proud I’ve been of my work.
“I feel a huge responsibility directing both shows, one is a globally loved phenomenon and the other was written and created by one of my best friends, Camilla Whitehill, and it also happens to be one of the best scripts I’ve ever read.
“I agreed to film both shows at the same time (I never want to disappoint people) and the shoots overlapped for a month in 2023. If you looked inside my brain at the time, I’m sure I would. I looked like a marshmallow manipulated by a rat.
Nicola thanked her two co-stars at the time, Lydia, and Luke Newton, who plays Colin Bridgerton, and gushed: “I don’t know what I did to deserve two kind, talented angels at my side during these shows.” but I am deeply grateful for both.
The May issue of Harper’s Bazaar UK will be on sale from April 11.