Nicola Coughlan, the 39-year-old actress renowned for her role as Penelope Featherington in the Netflix series Bridgerton, has recently spoken out against the relentless public scrutiny surrounding her body. In an interview published in the April edition of Elle UK, Coughlan shared her frustrations about being labelled as “plus size” and how she believes that focus on her appearance detracts from her work as an actress.
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In the interview, which was released on March 5, Coughlan highlighted the oddity of being perceived as plus size despite her consistent fitness regime while shooting the hit series. During production, she noted that she had lost weight and was wearing corsets in sizes typically considered smaller, yet still found herself at the receiving end of comments about her weight. She expressed disbelief, stating, “How f—-d are we that I am the biggest woman you want to see on screen?”
Coughlan found herself increasingly frustrated with the way her body has been discussed in the media and by fans alike. Reflecting on an encounter in a public restroom, she recounted a woman’s drunken praise centred solely on her physique while watching Bridgerton. Coughlan described her feelings during that interaction, saying, “I want to die. I hate this so much,” indicating the deep-seated discomfort she experiences when her professional achievements are overshadowed by discussions about her appearance.
Throughout the interview, Coughlan argued that focusing on her body rather than her talent is ultimately “boring.” She has invested extensive hours into her acting career and believes that the conversations surrounding romantic and dramatic narratives should centre on performance, not physique.
Despite being appreciated for her authentic portrayal of vulnerability in nude scenes during the third season of Bridgerton, Coughlan has firmly stated that she does not wish to become an advocate for body positivity. She expressed her disinterest in the movement, clarifying that her childhood experiences did not involve thinking about the bodies of actors on screen. “I have no interest in body positivity,” she remarked. “There’s a lot of things I’m passionate about, but it’s not one of them.”
Coughlan has made efforts to communicate her feelings about the scrutiny directly to her followers. In January 2022, she addressed online comments regarding her body through an Instagram post, urging fans to refrain from sharing their opinions about her appearance. “If you have an opinion about my body please, please don’t share it with me,” she implored, emphasizing the emotional toll that such scrutiny takes on her mental well-being.
The actress understands the nature of public life and the scrutiny that comes with being in the entertainment industry. However, she pleads with audiences to focus on her work rather than her physical attributes, acknowledging her status on screen while maintaining a desire for some separation between her art and her person. “If you have an opinion about me that’s okay,” she conceded. “I understand I’m on TV, but I beg you not to send it to me directly.”
The insights shared in this interview reveal Coughlan’s commitment to her craft and her hope for a shift in the conversation surrounding body image in the media. She challenges the standards and labels that often create an unnecessary burden for performers.
As the discussions about body image persist, Coughlan’s commentary serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing artistic dedication over superficial evaluations. The April issue of Elle UK, which includes her interview, is set to hit shelves on March 10, while the highly anticipated season of Bridgerton continues to stream on Netflix.