Nicola Coughlan has joked she is ‘besties’ with Kim Kardashian after series one of Bridgerton became a worldwide hit.
The period drama, adapted from Julia Quinn’s novels, became the most-watched series on Netflix at the time of its premiere, with 82million households tuning in.
And with the highly anticipated release of series two set to be released on March 25, Nicola, 35, and the cast reflected on the show’s success and what is in store for the Bridgerton household in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
Nicola Coughlan has joked she is ‘besties’ with Kim Kardashian after series one of Bridgerton became a worldwide hit
Nicola, who rose into the spotlight with Channel 4 comedy Derry Girls, said: ‘I come from a background of small touring theatre, so I’m happy when 15 people watch something.
‘When Bridgerton came out, I was like, “No one’s going to watch,” and then it snowballed. Then Kim Kardashian said it’s her favourite show. We’re ‘besties’ now on Instagram.’
The cast of Bridgerton posed in an accompanying photoshoot for the publication with Nicola joining Claudia Jessie (Eloise Bridgerton) and Charithra Chandran, 25, (Edwina Sheffield) for the front cover.
Bridgerton: The cast posed in an accompanying photoshoot for Entertainment Weekly with Nicola joining Claudia Jessie (Eloise Bridgerton) and Charithra Chandran (Edwina Sheffield)
Dinner party: Charithra put on a busty display in a satin pink number as she enjoyed a delicious spread of food
Paying homage to their characters, Nicola wowed in a yellow ballgown which she paired with Gucci trainers while Charithra put on a busty display in a satin pink number.
Claudia, 32, meanwhile, rocked a mint green dress and tucked into some doughnuts with Nicola for one playful shot.
Nicola, who plays Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton, also talked about the character being revealed as gossip writer Lady Whistledown in the finale of series one.
Good friends: ‘When Bridgerton came out, I was like, “No one’s going to watch,” and then it snowballed. Then Kim Kardashian said it’s her favourite show. We’re ‘besties’ now,’ Nicola said
She said: ‘She’s the most powerful woman in London. Often, we perceive gossip as a very modern invention — but it really isn’t. When women had no agency in their lives, this was all they were deemed to be good for. So why be ashamed to participate in it?’.
Nicola did add of her character: ‘Hurt people hurt people. People don’t treat her nicely, so she’s able to manufacture and move things around at her will.’
Series two will follow Penelope desperate to keep her identity of Lady Whistledown a secret from her best friend Eloise.
Determined: Series two will follow Penelope desperate to keep her identity of Lady Whistledown a secret from her best friend Eloise
Secret: Nicola, who plays Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton, also talked about the character being revealed as gossip writer Lady Whistledown in the finale of series one
Pictured: The March issue of Entertainment Weekly
Bridgerton is set in the ‘Regency era’ which spanned from 1795 to 1837, based on Julia’s beloved novels.
The second season will follow Quinn’s second novel, which follows Lord Anthony Bridgerton’s (Jonathan Bailey) quest for love.
Lord Anthony is keen to find a suitable wife to uphold his family name, after setting his eye on new arrival Edwina, her sister Kate is determined to stop their union.
Jonathan told the publication: ‘You can understand why he’s drawn to both. And they’re both drawn to him in turn.
‘It’s an interesting love triangle; it’s dangerous when it’s siblings. It’s bestial between them in a way season 1 wasn’t. They’re all animals with each other.’
Having taken centre stage in the last series, Daphne will once again in series two, though this time her now-husband Duke of Hastings (Rege Jean-Page) will not appear.
The March issue of Entertainment Weekly is on newsstands nationwide February 18th.
Stay away! After Lord Anthony sets his sights on her sister Edwina following their arrival from India, Kate is determined to put a stop to their union
Coming soon: The highly anticipated release of series two is set to be released on March 2
