Nicola Coughlan shares reality of Bridgerton sex scenes with Luke Newton after fears
Part one of Bridgerton's third series will launch on May 16, and Penelope Featherington actress Nicola Coughlan has shared all about life behind the scenes of the show.
Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan has confessed she was fearful and "intimidated" about the prospect of filming sex scenes for the show. With more than 82 million viewing the first series in the first month alone, it then went on to become the most-watched English-language Netflix series of all time, meaning her moments of passion would be watched by an audience greater than the entire UK population.
However, in a brand new interview, Nicola has revealed that she and Luke Newton, who plays Colin, were allowed total "agency" and control over the intimacy. She revealed to the Radio Times: "Oh my gosh, it was definitely intimidating. Hundreds of millions of people watch the show – not five. That’s really scary.
"But Luke and I had a real hand in what we did and how it came across. We decided what we wanted to show and how we wanted to choreograph the scenes." She continued: "People often imagine intimacy coordinators saying, ‘Put your hand here’ or ‘Do this’ – and certain people do it like that, but... we had agency and we could let it flow."
She added that the pair had "physical comfort" with each other and that her co-star was "a dream" to work with. Nicola also prides Bridgerton on the emphasis it has on female pleasure, despite being set in the notoriously oppressive era of the 1800s.
She suggested that, even today, the world is "far more judgmental" of women expressing their sexuality freely than men. The star believes that men can have multiple partners without criticism, but that women will be judged for doing the same thing.
However, the 37-year-old revealed that she is "proud" that her sex scenes - as well as the show generally - are angled towards women.
She added that Penelope is "the most modern heroine" Bridgerton has featured thus far, as she "doesn’t just want marriage and love" but also craves a career.
The actress - also famous for Derry Girls - has portrayed a variety of roles, but doesn't want to be pigeon-holed by her appearance in the Barbie movie.
She had a brief feature as Diplomat Barbie, which was kept short due to it clashing with her Bridgerton filming commitments - but she is very clear that "it's not all about the dolls!"
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"Anyone can play anything," she continued, suggesting that she could change her accent, and hair or even become a bodybuilder.
"People can feel hemmed in – but I feel like I’ve refused to be thus far and I’m going to continue to do so.”
Bridgerton returns for its third season this month, with Part One being released on Netflix on May 16.
Read Nicola's full interview in the Radio Times magazine, out today.