Full Breakdown
Nicola Coughlan Rejects Body Positivity Label, Calls Focus on Appearance 'Boring'
3/8/2026, 10:02:59 PM
Coughlan's Stance on Body Positivity
Nicola Coughlan, the Irish actress known for her roles in Netflix's *Bridgerton* and Channel 4's *Derry Girls*, has publicly distanced herself from the body positivity movement. In an interview with *Elle UK*, Coughlan stated, “The thing I say sometimes that pisses people off is I have no interest in body positivity.” She expressed that discussions surrounding her body are uninteresting and detract from her work as an actress. Coughlan emphasized that during her childhood, she did not focus on the bodies of actors, stating, “I didn’t look at actors and think about their bodies. So, I actually don’t care.”
Experiences During *Bridgerton*
Coughlan's comments come in light of her experiences filming nude scenes in *Bridgerton*, particularly during the third season, where her character, Penelope Featherington, engages in a romance with Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton. Despite losing weight and fitting into a size 8 corset while preparing for these scenes, she was still labeled as a "plus-size" actress. Coughlan found this characterization perplexing, remarking, “Then people talked about how I was plus size and I was like, ‘How f***** are we that I am the biggest woman you want to see on screen?’”
Frustration with Public Discourse
Coughlan articulated her frustration with the public's fixation on her appearance, recalling an uncomfortable encounter with a fan who praised her body in a bathroom. She described the experience as distressing, stating, “I want to die. I hate this so much.” She conveyed that the attention on her physical appearance overshadows the dedication and effort she puts into her roles, saying, “It’s really hard when you work on something for months and months of your life, you don’t see your family, you really dedicate yourself and then it comes down to what you look like – it’s so f****** boring.”
Personal Insights and Broader Implications
In addition to her views on body image, Coughlan discussed her recent ADHD diagnosis, which she described as providing her with a better understanding of herself. She noted, “It feels like I got the handbook to my brain that I wasn’t given when I was born.” This insight has allowed her to approach her life and career with more grace.
While Coughlan's comments critique narrow beauty standards in media, they also highlight a broader conversation about the representation of diverse body types in the entertainment industry. However, her remarks did not specifically address the perspectives of the LGBTQ+ community or other marginalized groups within the body positivity discourse.
Conclusion
Coughlan's rejection of the body positivity label and her call for a focus on her acting rather than her appearance resonate with ongoing discussions about the pressures faced by public figures. Her candid remarks challenge societal expectations that often prioritize physical appearance over professional accomplishments, underscoring the need for a shift in how we perceive and discuss body image in the entertainment industry. The full interview with Nicola Coughlan will be available in the April issue of *Elle UK*, on sale March 10, 2026.
