Nicola Coughlan reveals audition for her next major role after Bridgerton success
'I like that, having to prove myself,' she said.
Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan has said she still had to audition for her next role – despite her global success on the hit Netflix show.
The Galway native shot to fame playing 'wee lesbian' Clare Devlin on Lisa McGee's much loved Channel 4 comedy. From there, she skyrocketed to global fame when she landed the role of Penelope Featherington in Netflix smash hit series Bridgerton.
But despite her global success, Nicola said she still had to audition for her next role in Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree.
She told the RTE Guide: “People don't think of actors as freelancers but that is what we are. People will assume that I just got offered the part [in upcoming movie The Magic Faraway Tree], but I had to audition for it. I like that, having to prove myself. I don't want to keep doing just one thing. As much as I loved Derry Girls, I don't want to do that again. And once Bridgerton is done, I don't want to do that again either."
READ MORE: Bridgerton fans left stunned as insider shares Nicola Coughlan hair revelation
READ MORE: Nicola Coughlan's secret love life, height and explicit Bridgerton sex scene
Nicola's Bridgerton character Penelope's relationship with Luke Newton's Colin has been the main focus on season three of the hit show.
She says it's "bittersweet" that her character will still appear in, but take more of a backseat, in season four, but will always be grateful for playing Penelope.
"I think as I've got older that I've got better at living in the moment and I appreciate things as they are and appreciate those moments for what they are. This is such a rare thing that Luke and I have got do and if the show continues to adapt all eight books, that will only be 16 people in the world who have had this experience. And I was one of them. So how cool is that?"
When Nicola auditioned for Bridgerton, she never expected to land a role so quickly.
She added: "I auditioned for the part, and, not to be down on myself, thought that I just did an okay job. I also thought that would be the first audition of many to get onto a Shonda Rhimes Netflix show. Two weeks or so following the audition, I got a call offering me the part and thought that feels to easy, like 'Why would they want me?'."
Nicola's agent reasoned playing Clare in Derry Girls may have had something to do with it.
"I was thinking, 'this isn't Derry Girls in any way'. But Shonda has amazing instincts for who she feels is right and it's hard to argue with her track record for TV. It was such a boost and even though it has been five years, I still can't believe it, like 'How did I get so lucky?'."
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
