It’s no exaggeration to say that Nicola Coughlan is one of everyone’s favourite actors right now. The Bridgerton leading lady, and current Stylist cover star, is beloved for her brilliant acting, with season three of Bridgerton putting her in the spotlight and garnering praise from fans for its depiction of love and sex. As Nicola says to Stylist in her latest interview: “It feels incredible to play this young woman finally owning her desires.” 

Nicola is also a fashion icon, showcasing incredible sartorial choices on screen and on the red carpet. And, in addition to her part as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton, she’s played plenty of impressive characters in her career. 

From Big Mood to Barbie, here are some of Nicola Coughlan’s best roles in TV and film.

It would be impossible not to first mention Nicola’s breakout role in Derry Girls, the much-loved, award-winning Channel 4 comedy. Nicola played the hilarious and relatable Clare, whose mishaps with her four best friends had the whole world in love with them and the show.

This Barbie is a diplomat! Fans were delighted to see Nicola on screen in the blockbuster, record-breaking film, and we were equally in love with the incredible fashion choices she brought to the red carpet while promoting the film.

In the dark comedy-drama Big Mood, Nicola was electric in her role as Maggie. The TV series gained praise from fans for its exploration of friendship and mental health, with The Guardian calling Nicola a “force of nature” for her performance.

A lesser-known role for Nicola, but a great one nonetheless. In the period drama Harlots, she starred alongside Samantha Morton, Lesley Manville and Jessica Brown-Findlay as women navigating the sex trade in 18th century London.

Nicola takes centre stage in Bridgerton season three, with the show following her character, Penelope Featherington, as she embarks on a love affair with Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton). It also captures Penelope’s journey as she matures and progresses from wallflower to leading lady, with plenty of show-stopping costumes that fans already can’t get enough of.     

Stylist’s entertainment director, Helen Bownass, can’t get enough of this season. “I love Nicola finally having her main character moment,” she says. “She steals every scene she’s in and beautifully portrays both humiliation and hope. 

“She’s so sexy, too. I loved seeing her and Colin getting it on in the back of a carriage, and how (depressingly) radical to see a normal-size woman allowed to be desired and desiring. Part two needs to get on my TV ASAP.”

Images: Getty; Channel 4; Netflix