As Bridgerton fans prepare for a new social season, one fan-favorite will be stepping back from the main ensemble.
Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Bridgerton in the Netflix/Shondaland series, emphasized that she’ll “always pop back to Bridgerton” but will be in less episodes this season as she pulls double-duty on Season 6 of Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.
“I feel very lucky,” she told E! News. “It’s the best of both worlds, because I’m currently filming on Only Murders, but I still get to pop back to Bridgerton now and then and see everybody, and it’s just like coming home. You’re like, ‘Oh, hey guys, how you doing?’”
Coughlan noted that while she had an “incredible experience” leading Season 3 alongside Luke Newton’s Colin Bridgerton, it was “so nice and low pressure” taking step back in Season 5.
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“It’s bittersweet. I feel like, God, I had such an epic run. I think that’s part of the beauty of that world is it keeps reinventing itself. Every season being a new story—it takes on a different guise,” said Coughlan, adding, “I’ll always pop back to Bridgerton if they want me. If I can be set dressing, I’ll be there. No problem.”
In June, Coughlan was one of several local talents announced for Season 6 of Only Murders in the Building, which takes Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez to London, following the mysterious death of Tina Fey’s Cinda Canning.
On Tuesday, Coughlan wrapped production on Only Murders. “Oh @onlymurdershulu how I’ve loved being a part of you! Has been so special to watch the trio trade The Arconia for Big Tesco (may or may not have made up that plot point). This girl, and her curls are wrapped,” she wrote on Instagram.
