Nicola Coughlan Dismisses 'Plus-Size' Claims and Body Positivity Focus
Nicola Coughlan, the Irish actress known for her role as Penelope in Netflix's Bridgerton, has firmly rejected suggestions that she should be labeled as 'plus-size.' In a recent interview, the 39-year-old star expressed frustration over ongoing discussions about her body, stating she finds such comments 'boring' and prefers attention to remain on her acting roles.
Actress Reveals Slimmer Figure During Bridgerton Filming
Appearing on the cover of the April issue of ELLE UK, Coughlan disclosed that she had actually slimmed down before filming the nude scenes that went viral in the third season of Bridgerton. She explained that she was exercising regularly and had lost weight in preparation for the physically demanding scenes, noting she was likely a size 10, with one corset fitting as a size eight.
'I have no interest in body positivity,' Coughlan said, a statement she acknowledged might upset some people. She added, 'When I was a kid growing up, I never thought about that. I didn't look at actors and think about their bodies. So, I actually don't care.'
Public Reaction and Fan Encounters Highlight Frustration
Despite her slimmer figure, Coughlan was surprised to see herself described as plus-sized by some viewers. She remarked, 'How f****d are we that I am the biggest woman you want to see on screen?' This sentiment underscores her broader critique of how body size overshadows professional achievements in the entertainment industry.
The actress recalled an awkward encounter with a fan in a bathroom, where a drunk girl praised her for her body rather than her performance. Coughlan shared, 'I want to die. I hate this so much... It's really hard when you work on something for months and months of your life, you don't see your family, you really dedicate yourself and then it comes down to what you look like – it's so f*g boring.'
Career Background and Current Projects
Nicola Coughlan first gained widespread fame starring in Derry Girls before landing her breakout role in Bridgerton. She has previously expressed determination to avoid typecasting after the sitcom's success. Currently, she is appearing on stage in a revival of The Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre, alongside her former Derry Girls co-star Siobhán McSweeney.
This pushback against body-focused narratives highlights Coughlan's desire to shift the conversation toward her craft and the hard work involved in acting, rather than superficial attributes.
