Nicola Coughlan has shared that her character Penelope Bridgerton will have a reduced presence in the upcoming fifth season of Bridgerton. In a recent interview on the Dish podcast, Coughlan explained, "Season five had started filming already, so I won't be in it very much. I'm always happy to come back. I think it's a genuinely lovely job to come back to."
Having been the focus of season three alongside Luke Newton's Colin Bridgerton, Coughlan is now enjoying a lighter workload. "I have it so good now 'cause I come in for a few days," she teased. "I'm like, 'Yay! How is everyone? I'll see you in two months. Bye!'"
With Penelope stepping away from her Lady Whistledown persona in season four, showrunner Jess Brownell hinted at a new voice for the ton. "Starting with Genevieve, the modiste in Season 1, to Penelope as Lady Whistledown, and now looking at Sophie as a maid," Brownell told Tudum, "it's really key for us to explore the lives of these women who do work..."
As season five focuses on Francesca Bridgerton and Michaela Stirling, fans can expect a shift in dynamics. While Penelope embraces motherhood and a quieter life, the news of a new gossip columnist opens up the ton's secrets to fresh perspectives.