Nicola Coughlan has received high praise for her role in the new period drama Bridgerton.
The eight-part series dropped on Netflix on Christmas Day, and is already proving to be a huge hit with viewers.
Set in early 19th Century London, the series follows eight close-knitted siblings of the powerful Bridgerton family, as they attempt to find love.
Derry Girls’ star Nicola plays the lovable Penelope Featherington in the show, with many fans taking to Twitter to praise her performance.
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One viewer tweeted: “I didn’t think I could love Nicola Coughlan anymore! Obsessed with Bridgerton.”
A second fan wrote: “I’m only halfway through Bridgerton, but Nicola Coughlan needs an entire season dedicated to her character.”
A third penned: “I think Penelope is already the coolest character in #Bridgerton and Nicola Coughlan is hilarious and so expressive.”
I didn't think I could love @nicolacoughlan anymore! Obsessed with #Bridgerton
— Joanne Langley (@joannelangley) December 27, 2020
Also I love Nicola Coughlan in Derry Girls and adore her as Penelope in Bridgerton too. I've heard that she's in her own story later on in the series so I'll be anxiously awaiting that adaptation for a while.
— Samantha Potter (@ultim8samantha) December 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/TheActress55/status/1342512575255175171
I’m only halfway through Bridgerton, but Nicola Coughlan needs an entire season dedicated to her character.
— Ellie Harris (@MrsBefuddled) December 26, 2020
The mother is so genuine in her desperation for her GIRLS.. these ✨girls✨ … @nicolacoughlan is killing me with those cheeks and that hair. She looks stunning. It’s such a refreshing FACE and smile and ugh. #girlcrush #Bridgerton #BridgertonLiveTweet
— RewatchWithMe Livetweets (@RewatchL) December 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/emneilsen101/status/1343003037854384128
i mean.. @nicolacoughlan as penelope featherington is the proof that perfection exists! #BridgertonLiveTweet #Bridgerton
— duda. | wylan's day (@heronthxrn) December 27, 2020
Give Penelope Featherington all the love, and a happy ending! Rooting for my girl @nicolacoughlan! #Bridgerton pic.twitter.com/a7ME6HC2Cu
— Movie & TV Spoilers (@spoilersforyou1) December 26, 2020
One thing I’ve learned this holiday season after bingeing #DerryGirls, The #GBBO, and #Bridgerton? Nicola Coughlan is a treasure we should all appreciate. pic.twitter.com/E5SpK0qsEG
— Meaghan Darwish (@meag_darwish) December 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/DaniMcCabeS4W/status/1342567857868124162
https://twitter.com/annafiteni/status/1342540094570426369
I think Penelope is already the coolest character in #Bridgerton and Nicola Coughlan is hilarious and so expressive #bridgertonnetflix #NicolaCoughlan
— BrokenBaroque (@broken_baroque) December 25, 2020
Appearing on The Graham Norton Show earlier this month, Nicola said: “Penelope is a young girl who is a member of high society but feels very much like an outsider.
“We see her in her first year debuting, meeting the queen and going to balls; and she feels completely uncomfortable about it.
“She’s a wallflower, she stands at the back and doesn’t dance with anyone.”
“But she’s a fascinating character because she starts off very innocent but goes on this amazing journey in the series which really changes her.
“She’s also very clever and quick witted, and you see that when she’s with her best friend Eloise. She’s also a real romantic, when you see her around Colin Bridgerton. So she’s got many, many sides to her.”
Comparing Penelope to her Derry Girls’ character Claire, Penelope said: “Penelope and Claire are really worlds apart.”
“Claire is super high energy and says everything that’s on her mind, whereas Penelope rides a steady wave, but she observes everything, she takes everything in.
And going from comedy to a drama is a dream, really, I feel so lucky with the parts I’ve gotten,” she added.
Bridgerton is streaming on Netflix now.