Nicola Coughlan, the beloved actress known for her role as Penelope Featherington in the hit series "Bridgerton," recently had a hilarious and empowering response to a comment about her body. This moment, captured during a fan screening, showcased her wit and confidence, earning her even more admiration from fans.
At a fan screening event in Dublin on June 6, Nicola was praised for her bravery in playing Penelope, a role that includes some nude scenes.
The comment about her being "very brave" was intended as a compliment, but Nicola turned it into a moment of empowerment and humor. “You know, it is hard, ’cause I think women with my body type — women with perfect breasts — we do not get to see ourselves onscreen enough,” she quipped.
Her response didn’t stop there. With a playful grin, she added, “I am a very proud member of the perfect breasts community, and I hope you enjoy seeing them.
” The audience erupted in applause and laughter, appreciating her candid and confident reply. This moment, shared widely on social media, highlighted Nicola’s ability to address body image issues with both grace and humor.
Nicola, 37, has often spoken about the challenges and empowerment she finds in filming "Bridgerton’s" more intimate scenes. In a Q&A session before a special preview of "Bridgerton" Season 3, Part 2, she shared her thoughts on the matter.
“It’s a lot… My sister is here tonight and she was all brave and hard. I was like, ‘Maybe just close your eyes for a bit, there’s nothing I can do.’ They’ve really masterminded this in order to watch these scenes, this is the most intense one, I would say probably,” she explained, referencing her family's reaction to the steamy scenes with co-star Luke Newton, who plays Colin Bridgerton.
Nicola has faced body-shaming comments throughout her career, but instead of letting them bring her down, she decided to take control of her narrative. In an interview with the U.K.'s Stylist magazine, she revealed that she specifically requested to be "very naked" on camera in Season 3. “I specifically asked for certain lines and moments to be included,” she stated.
“There’s one scene where I’m very naked on camera, and that was my idea, my choice. It just felt like the biggest ‘f–k you’ to all the conversation surrounding my body; it was amazingly empowering.”
This decision was not just about pushing back against negativity but also about celebrating her body and feeling beautiful in the moment. “I felt beautiful in the moment,” she added. “And I thought, ‘When I’m 80, I want to look back on this and remember how f–king hot I looked!’”
Nicola’s bold stance and hilarious comebacks have made her an inspiration to many. She continues to challenge societal norms and promote body positivity, reminding everyone that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Her journey from dealing with body-shaming to embracing her body and using her platform to inspire others is nothing short of remarkable.
Fans and fellow actors alike have rallied behind Nicola, praising her for her confidence and advocacy. On social media, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “Nicola Coughlan is a queen! Love how she handles criticism with such grace and humor,” one fan tweeted. Another commented, “Her response about the ‘perfect breasts community’ made my day! More power to her!”
Nicola Coughlan’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of representation and body positivity in media. As she continues to break barriers and challenge stereotypes, she paves the way for more inclusive and diverse portrayals in television and film.
What do you think about Nicola's approach to handling body-shaming? How can more media figures follow her lead in promoting body positivity? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
