Global hit Bridgerton's central character Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan (39), will take a step back and have a reduced role in the upcoming season 5.
On the 18th (local time), according to foreign outlets including Page Six, Nicola Coughlan told E! News in an interview about appearing in Netflix's popular series Bridgerton season 5, "It's bittersweet and nostalgic," and shared her thoughts on the significant reduction in screen time.
Coughlan said, "It has been an incredible and wonderful journey," adding, "I think the true beauty of the Bridgerton universe is that each season unfolds a new story and shows a different side."
Penelope, whom she portrayed, is the secret columnist Lady Whistledown who anonymously spreads gossip about high society and has driven much of the show's intrigue. Her identity was revealed along with a romance with Colin Bridgerton (played by Luke Newton) at the end of season 3, and in season 4, after losing her anonymity she went through conflicts and the backlash of rumors, ultimately retiring Lady Whistledown and settling into life as a mother and wife.
At the end of season 4, the appearance of a "fake Lady Whistledown" succeeding Penelope delivered a major shock to viewers. Coughlan laughed, saying, "I'm really bad at keeping secrets, so the production deliberately didn't tell me who the new writer is. I really know nothing, but it's more comfortable not knowing."
Coughlan, who has not yet been told how many episodes she will appear in for season 5, set to be released in 2027, said, "If the production wants me, I'll always return to Bridgerton," adding, "Even if it's a passing appearance like a simple background on set, I would gladly do it," revealing her deep affection for the series.
Meanwhile, Bridgerton season 5 is expected to feature the series' first "same-sex main romance," centered on Francesca Sterling (played by Hannah Dodd) and Michaela Sterling (played by Masali Baduza).
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