AceShowbiz - Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan has shared details about her involvement in the upcoming fifth season of the Netflix hit, revealing she will appear only briefly. Speaking on the April 29 episode of Waitrose's "The Dish" podcast, the actress explained that filming for season five had already begun before she was called back, meaning her screen time will be limited.

"Season five had started filming already, so I won't be in it very much," Coughlan said. Despite this, she expressed enthusiasm for the role and willingness to return in the future. "I'm always happy to come back. I think it's a genuinely lovely job to come back to," she added, highlighting the flexibility she now enjoys with the show. "I have it so good now 'cause I come in for a few days. I'm, like, 'Yay! How is everyone? I'll see you in two months. Bye.'"

Coughlan has portrayed Penelope Bridgerton (née Featherington) since the series debuted in 2020. Based on Julia Quinn's bestselling regency romance novels, Bridgerton follows the romantic journeys of different Bridgerton siblings each season. Penelope’s character became central in season three during her friends-to-lovers storyline with Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton.

One of the significant changes from the original book series occurred with the character of Lady Whistledown, the anonymous gossip columnist. In the Netflix adaptation, Penelope was revealed as Lady Whistledown but chose to retire the persona in part two of season four, which premiered on February 26. The retirement was short-lived as a new author soon assumed the role.

Coughlan and Newton both returned for season four, which aired earlier in the year. This season shifted focus to Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Beckett (Yerin Ha), while Penelope and Colin supported the new couple’s romance and managed their own lives as newlyweds and first-time parents. Penelope’s decision to end her work as Lady Whistledown was a pivotal moment, marking a significant evolution for her character.

Showrunner Jess Brownell discussed Penelope's growth during the season four Tudum interview in February 2026. She explained that Penelope had outgrown the need to use Lady Whistledown as a tool to reclaim her voice. "Penelope went through such a giant growth arc last season. She's not the powerless girl who needs Whistledown to take back her voice anymore," Brownell said. The character still values gossip as a form of power and information for the voiceless but acknowledges it's time to step aside from that role.

Amid fan speculation, Nicola Coughlan addressed rumors about additional intimate scenes between Penelope and Colin that did not make the final cut. Responding on Instagram on June 21, she dispelled these rumors, confirming that viewers saw all the key moments involving the couple.

As season four concluded, a new, undisclosed author took over the Lady Whistledown identity. This change is expected to continue into season five, which will focus on Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela’s (Masali Baduza) romantic storyline. This gender-swapped narrative has sparked some controversy among fans, but the cast and crew have stood firmly behind the show's commitment to representing queer romance on screen.

Julia Quinn, the author of the original Bridgerton novels, responded to backlash over the adaptation's changes in May 2025. She acknowledged some disappointment but expressed surprise at the harsh criticism directed at the show and its cast. Quinn emphasized that the books remain available for readers who prefer the original stories, and she will not rewrite them to match the series. "I think it's gonna be a heart-wrenching, emotional season, which is what [Francesca's book] When He Was Wicked was," she said.

Throughout her time on Bridgerton, Nicola Coughlan has become a fan favorite, especially due to the complex, evolving nature of Penelope Bridgerton. While her role will be reduced in the upcoming season, her impact on the series remains significant, and her character's journey continues to resonate with audiences.

With the show's direction shifting focus to other Bridgerton siblings and new storylines, fans can expect fresh dynamics and romance in season five. Despite fewer appearances, Coughlan has expressed openness to returning whenever the story calls for Penelope's presence. For now, fans can look forward to the new challenges and developments awaiting the Bridgerton family on Netflix.