Nicola Coughlan to have reduced role in Bridgerton season 5

Actress Nicola Coughlan has confirmed she will have a reduced role in the fifth season of the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’. After playing a central character for several seasons, Coughlan described the shift as “bittersweet” but noted that the smaller role offers a “nice and low pressure” environment.

In the series, Coughlan’s character, Penelope Featherington, has transitioned away from her role as the secret writer Lady Whistledown to focus on motherhood and her marriage to Colin Bridgerton. The fifth season is expected to feature a new secret writer, though the successor's identity remains unknown.

Season five will shift focus to Francesca Bridgerton, played by Hannah Dodd, and Michaela Stirling, played by Masali Baduza. The upcoming installment is slated for release sometime in 2027 and is expected to explore the emotional connection between these two characters.