Derry Girls’ Nicola Coughlan Has Been Cast In A New Netflix Show From The Makers Of Grey’s Anatomy

As one of the breakout stars of Derry Girls, we predicted big things for Nicola Coughlan – and the Galway native has just been cast in a new Netflix series from the makers of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How To Get Away With Murder… basically all of your favourite shows.

Bridgerton, mega-producer Shonda Rhimes’ first original series for the streaming service, is slated to air in 2020.

It’s based on a series of novels by Julia Quinn, and will take us into the “sexy, lavish, and competitive world of Regency London high society”. Here’s the official description:

From the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair to the aristocratic palaces of Park Lane and beyond, the series unveils a seductive, sumptuous world replete with intricate rules and dramatic power struggles, where no one is truly ever on steady ground.  At the heart of the show is the powerful Bridgerton family. Comprised of eight close-knit siblings, this funny, witty, daring and clever group must navigate the upper ten thousand’s marriage mart in search of romance, adventure and love.

Period costumes? High society dames? Gossip, sabotage, romance and intrigue? This show sounds like it was made for us.

Nicola will star as Penelope Featherington, a much-loved character from the books who has a sharp wit and kind heart, but prefers to stand at the side of the ballroom than take centre stage.

Announcing the news on Instagram last night, she said: “I would say this is a dream come true but I wouldn’t even have dared to dream this; honoured, excited, terrified to join Shondaland on Bridgerton!”

For all you Penelope Featherington fans, I’ve been quietly stalking you online for the past few months and it is an honour to be playing your girl, she’s in my heart already and I can’t wait to bring her to life.

Joining Nicola on the cast list is none other than Julie Actual Andrews, who will lend her voice to the character of Lady Whistledown, an unseen but sharp-tongued gossip columnist.

Bridgerton doesn’t have an exact air date just yet, but we’ll be ready with the popcorn when it does. G’wan Nicola!

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• derry girls
• Netflix
• nicola coughlan