THIS Major Bridgerton Star Is Taking A Step Back From Season 5. We’re Sad!

Nicola Coughlan's character Penelope was the original Lady Whistledown, the secret author behind London's gossip pamphlet.

By Meghna Rajpal Updated August 19, 2026 1:12 PM

THIS Major Bridgerton Star Is Taking A Step Back From Season 5. We’re Sad!

In recent events, Nicola Coughlan, aka Penelope Featherington from Bridgerton, is taking a step back from her character in the upcoming fifth season, and we are heartbroken. Revealing the sad news to E! News on Tuesday, the actor labelled it as “bittersweet” and said that she had an “epic run.” She further spoke about how each season brings a new story and takes a different disguise. Read to know more about what she said here.

Nicola Coughlan Takes A Step Back From Bridgerton

Coughlan’s character Penelope was the original Lady Whistledown, the secret author behind London’s gossip pamphlet. She wrote under this pen name anonymously about the latest talks and affairs through the town. Unfortunately, her identity was revealed in the third season during her romance with Luke Newton, aka Colin Bridgerton, in the Netflix drama. Watching Penelope struggle with her identity and ambitions while not being able to write unbiased columns about the people of the town throughout Season 4 was a new development. She ultimately decided to retire as Lady Whistledown and to settle into her marriage with Colin and as a mother to her son. However, towards the end, someone else introduced them as the new Lady Whistledown, which created curiosity among people.

Also Read: Here’s Why Bridgerton Actor Phoebe Dynevor Hasn’t Returned To The Show Despite Fans Missing Her

During a chat with the outlet, Nicola admitted to not knowing who the new writer was and said that she was very bad at “keeping secrets.” She also confessed to telling people that she was Lady Whistledown, after which the show makers decided not to tell her. The last season of Bridgerton was about the steamy romance between Sophie and Benedict Bridgerton, inspired by the tale of Cinderella. What are your thoughts on this? Please let us know!

Also Read: Bridgerton Season 5 Teaser Out, Reveals The Next Awaited Love Story!

First Published: August 19, 2026 1:12 PM

Meghna Rajpal

Patriarchy's worst nightmare (with a cute smile). An introvert walking around with Bollywood Music in the background who will avoid meeting you in public. I write about pop culture, fashion, and everything controversial.