Nicola Coughlan, best known for playing Penelope Featherington in Netflix's Bridgerton, has said she will not feature heavily in the upcoming fifth season. The actress, who rose to fame on Derry Girls, told the Dish podcast that filming for season five has already begun, adding: 'I won't be in it very much.'
Coughlan, who took centre stage in season three as her character's romance with Colin Bridgerton unfolded, said she now enjoys a reduced schedule. 'I come in for a few days and I'm like, 'Yay! How is everyone? I'll see you in two months. Bye!'' she explained, praising the hard work of the main cast.
The fifth season of the period drama will shift focus to Francesca Bridgerton, played by Hannah Dodd, and her relationship with Michaela, portrayed by Masali Baduza. According to an official synopsis, two years after losing her husband John, Francesca re-enters the marriage mart, but her feelings become complicated when Michaela returns to London.
Since her Bridgerton success, Coughlan has continued to build her career. She recently starred alongside Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy in a film adaptation of Enid Blyton's The Magic Faraway Tree, hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live UK, and performed in The Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre in London.
Seasons one to four of Bridgerton are currently streaming on Netflix. A release date for season five has not yet been announced.
