How old is Nicola Coughlan? Bridgerton star reveals reaction to fans finding out her real age-Sabrina Barr and Robert Oliver-Entertainment – Metro

The time has almost come for Bridgerton season 3 part 1 to be released on Netflix, and fans can’t wait to devour the romance brewing between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton.

Nicola Coughlan has blown viewers away as Penelope (and her secret alias Lady Whistledown) since the very beginning, while harbouring a secret crush on her longtime friend Colin, played by Luke Newton.

The Barbie and soon-to-be Doctor Who star first rose to fame in Derry Girls as Clare Devlin, leading many to assume at the time that she was a similar age to the endearing schoolgirl.

So some were shocked to learn she isn’t actually a teenager… the Irish actress revealed to Metro.co.uk how she reacted when fans finally found out her real age.

How old is Nicola Coughlan?

Nicola Coughlan is 37 years old.

‘I found out that my face has gone viral. I found out this week, yeah,’ Nicola said cheerfully while being interviewed with her Bridgerton co-star Luke, 31.

When asked how she feels about fans being shocked to discover her real age, she added: ‘I mean great. I take it as a compliment.

Penelope Featherington is ready for the winds of change to sweep her up in the new episodes (Picture: Liam Daniel/Netflix)

Nicola was the angelic diamond of the season at the New York premiere of Bridgerton season three (Picture: Guerin Charles/ABACA/Shutterstock)

‘Yeah, it’s nice. It’s like, growing up in the west of Ireland with no sunshine, that’s what that’ll do for you.’

Plenty of fans have taken to social media to express their astonishment over finding out that Nicola is 37, as the actress could have easily passed as the same age as her characters.

On X, Kiki commented: ‘You’re telling me Nicola Coughlan is a whole 37 years of age? How can you look me in the eye and tell me that woman isn’t, at most, 25? I refuse to believe it. Conspiracy is afoot.’

Sophia expressed her feelings much more succinctly, simply shouting: ‘Nicola Coughlan is 37?!’

The actress first soared to fame as schoolgirl Clare Devlin (far right) in Derry Girls (Picture: Jack Barnes/Channel 4)

The beloved Channel 4 series came to an end in 2022 (Picture: Peter Marley/Channel 4)

Comparing Nicola’s Clare to Siobhán McSweeney’s Sister Michaels from Derry Girls, Janel on X was stunned to find out that the two actresses are only seven years apart in age.

‘Nothing has sold me on the “millennials are aging at a weird pace” theory more than the realisation that [Nicola and Siobhán] are only 7 years apart in age.’

Mikayla and Nicola, both fans of Bridgerton and Derry Girls, said their minds were blown and that it ‘made no sense’ that Nicola was only three years away from turning 40.

The illusion of Nicola being a younger age might have something to do with her only getting into regular acting in her late 20s.

The latest season of Bridgerton will see Colin and Penelope’s friendship develop into something more (Picture: Netflix/Liam Daniel)

The co-stars were a striking duo on the Bridgerton red carpet (Picture: Gregory Pace/Shutterstock)

At the time of Derry Girls’ first episode in 2018, it had been Nicola’s first proper work for six years.

By then she was already 31 and by the time she began filming Bridgerton she was another year older.

The trailer for the third season of Bridgerton – which is being released in two batches this summer – had fans apparently ‘fainting’ with its intensity after nearly two years away.

The Shonda Rhimes hit period drama will be returning to screens in May and then June, with the focus this time around between Nicola’s character Penelope and Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton.

Bridgerton season 3 part 1 is premiering on Netflix on Thursday May 16, followed by part 2 on Thursday June 13.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More