Netflix Actress Pushes Back on Plus-Size Label Claims

Nicola Coughlan, the 39-year-old Irish actress best known for her role as Penelope Featherington on Netflix’s Bridgerton, is speaking out about the ongoing obsession with her body.

In a recent interview with ELLE UK, she rejected being called “plus-size,” saying the label is frustrating and simply not accurate. During filming of the show’s third season, Coughlan followed a strict exercise routine and lost a noticeable amount of weight.

“I was probably a size 10, and at one point I was fitted into a size 8 corset,” she said, describing the physical demands of her role. Despite her efforts, she has been repeatedly labeled plus-size by fans and the public, a scrutiny she finds exhausting.

The actress recalled an uncomfortable encounter with a fan who approached her in a restroom while drunk, praising the show specifically because of her body. “It made me feel like I wanted to die,” she said, adding that being reduced to her size is “so f*****g boring” when she has spent months focusing on her craft.

Coughlan explained that she has no interest in body positivity discussions, noting that as a child she never thought about actors in terms of their appearance. “My body is not the most interesting thing about me,” she said.

Outside of Bridgerton, Coughlan has built a strong career in both comedy and drama. She first gained recognition as Clare Devlin on the hit sitcom Derry Girls, and later impressed audiences in the limited series Big Mood, which earned her a BAFTA Television Award nomination.

Looking ahead, she is working on several high-profile projects. She stars in The Magic Faraway Tree, an adaptation of the Enid Blyton book, alongside Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy. She also appears in the Channel 4 anthology drama I Am, in the upcoming installment I Am Helen, acting opposite Joe Cole.

In her personal life, Coughlan has been dating actor Jake Dunn since 2024, and the couple made their red carpet debut at the 2025 BAFTA Television & Craft Awards. Despite rumors linking her romantically with Bridgerton co-star Luke Newton, she maintains that their relationship is strictly platonic and that she values their friendship.

Coughlan’s comments shed light on the pressure actors face regarding their bodies, especially in high-profile roles. She continues to focus on her work and upcoming projects, letting her craft speak louder than public speculation.

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