Nicola Coughlan has firmly rejected assumptions that she is 'plus-sized' while disclosing that she wore a size 8-10 during her nude scenes in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton. The 39-year-old actress, known for her roles in Bridgerton and Derry Girls, has expressed her disinterest in promoting body positivity, describing any criticism or uproar surrounding her figure as profoundly 'boring.'
Challenging Industry Perceptions
In a candid interview for the cover of ELLE UK's April edition, Nicola shared that she had 'lost a bunch of weight' prior to filming her viral nude moment in Bridgerton's third season. She emphasised that during production, she was likely a size 10, with one of her corsets fitting as a size eight. This revelation led her to question societal norms, stating, 'How f****d are we that I am the biggest woman you want to see on screen?'
Disinterest in Body Positivity
Nicola openly admitted, 'The thing I say sometimes that p****s people off is I have no interest in body positivity.' She elaborated on her perspective, recalling her childhood when she never focused on actors' bodies. '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,' she asserted. The actress clarified that while she is passionate about many issues, body positivity is not among them, attributing it to 'someone else's thing.'
Frustration with Fan Interactions
Reflecting on past encounters, Nicola described her discomfort when fans praised her figure, feeling it diminishes the value of her professional efforts. She recounted an incident where a 'really drunk girl' approached her in a bathroom, commending her body after watching Bridgerton. Nicola responded, 'I want to die. I hate this so much.' She expressed frustration that months of dedicated work, including time away from family, often get reduced to discussions about appearance, which she finds 'so f*****g boring.'
Personal Life and Career Insights
Nicola also offered rare insights into her relationship with boyfriend, actor Jake Dunn, noting their efforts to maintain connection despite busy schedules. 'We try our best. I send him annoying videos all the time and then, you know, a lot of Facetime, but he's super-busy,' she shared. She admired his independence, saying, 'Before we were together, I just thought he was a really talented actor. But I love when people have their own stuff going on.'
Avoiding Typecasting
Despite her success in Bridgerton and Derry Girls, Nicola has actively worked to avoid being typecast. She acknowledged the risk after Derry Girls' unexpected popularity, wondering, 'Am I going to play this character forever?' Fortunately, Bridgerton provided a distinctly different role, helping her diversify her portfolio. Currently, she stars in a revival of the 1907 production The Playboy Of The Western World at The National Theatre, alongside former Derry Girls co-star Siobhán McSweeney.
Health Challenges and Priorities
Recently, Nicola faced health setbacks, catching a bug that has affected her well-being. Following medical advice, she announced she would be unable to greet fans or sign autographs after performances to prioritise her health and ensure she can continue performing. In a heartfelt message, she expressed gratitude for the show, writing, 'Thank you so much to everyone who's come to see The Playboy of the Western World so far, this show is a joy to be in and I'm loving every moment.' She hopes for understanding as she focuses on recovery.
The April issue of ELLE UK, featuring Nicola Coughlan, is available for purchase from 10 March.
