She has replaced Phoebe Dynevor as Bridgerton’s leading lady and like her predecessor will appear in a number of steamy and risqué sex scenes.
Nicola Coughlan, 37, who has been cast as Penelope Featherington for the third series of the Netflix bonkbuster, has revealed that she was left ‘terrified’ of filming the intimate moments with co-star Luke Newton – because she is an Irish woman.
The third series, in which part one will air on May 16, will see Ms Fetherington pursue Colin Bridgerton, played by Mr Newton, 31.
As Irish women have historically tended to have a reputation of being prudish, Ms Coughland told the Six O’Clock Show that she originally thought she couldn’t do the steamy scenes.
‘I am so excited, I can’t wait,’ she said. ‘It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Luke Newton who plays my love interest is so wonderful.
Nicola Coughlan has revealed that she was left ‘terrified’ of filming the intimate moments with co-star Luke Newton in Bridgerton
The third series, in which part one will air on May 16, will see Nicola’s character Ms Fetherington pursue Colin Bridgerton, played by Mr Newton, 31
‘And even my wig has been upgraded. This season is really funny and romantic, they’ve incorporated a lot of rom com elements.
‘And it’s not one to watch with the family. Take of that what you will.
‘It was terrifying. I am an Irish woman, and any Irish woman would feel like they can’t do this.
‘And then I went and realised, it’s my job so I better.
‘I had a great partner, and it was terrifying, but really liberating. I was exhausted by the end.’
The third series of the hit regency romance, which follows the eight Bridgerton siblings attempting to find love, will pick up with Penelope and Colin’s love story.
Phoebe Dynevor, 28, starred in the period drama in season one – which saw her take part in multiple sex scenes with actor Rege-Jean Page, 35.
In the final episode of season two, Penelope heard Colin’s snide comments to the other gentleman about her and has decided to finally give up one her long unrequited feelings for him.
Nicola said: ‘It was terrifying. I am an Irish woman, and any Irish woman would feel like they can’t do this’
She added: ‘I had a great partner, and it was terrifying, but really liberating. I was exhausted by the end’
Penelope has decided to take a husband during the third season, hopefully one who will allow her independence to continue her double life as Lady Whistledown, a source of gossip who writes newsletters on the current social happenings.
On the other hand, Colin returns with a new swagger but is left disheartened to find his close pal Penelope, who always appreciates him, is giving him the cold shoulder.
Colin becomes desperate to mend his relationship with Penelope and offers to help her build her confidence to find a husband.
When his lessons start to pay off for her, Colin must make a decision whether his feelings are friendly or something more.
Speaking to the One Show on Wednesday night, she said the romance scenes made her ask for a PG version for her parents to watch.
‘It’s a very action packed season,’ she said.
‘I got to see some last night and I was bouncing off the walls with excitement.
‘She (Penelope) did her time, she’s waited, it’s about time for Penelope.
‘I asked for a PG version for my family because I’m not doing that. Also now having seen it last night, I’m really not doing that.
‘Watch with your mum if you want, I won’t be watching it with mine. I’ll have to get her a separate Netflix account.’
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