Nicola Coughlan is ‘terrified’ as 'Bridgerton' season 3 premiere draws closer

Nicola Coughlan, known for playing Penelope Featherington in the Netflix series Bridgerton, admitted to feeling a mix of nerves and excitement as the season three premiere approaches.

In a behind-the-scenes featurette shared on Saturday, May 4, Coughlan expressed her apprehension about Season 3 since it focuses on her character's love story.

"It’s a bit terrifying coming back for Season 3 knowing that the story is your love story," she confessed in the video.

With all eyes on Penelope and Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton, Coughlan's character underwent a significant transformation for the new season.

Showrunner Jess Brownell and Coughlan's co-star Claudia Jesse, who portrays Eloise Bridgerton, are eager for viewers to witness Penelope's evolution.

"I'm excited for everybody to see Nicola Coughlan lead Season 3," Jesse hinted, adding, "I can't wait for people to see it. It's really beautiful."

Brownell described Penelope's transformation metaphorically, likening it to "a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis" this season.

Meanwhile, Coughlan described Penelope's evolution as "amazing" and emphasised how the change benefits her character and helps her "grow in confidence" personally.

"I was like, this is great. Like it needs to go from this to the big change for it to look like a different person," she added.

The anticipation for Penelope's character development is notable, as Bridgerton season 3 is set to premiere on May 16, followed by the second part a month later on June 13.