Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan Uses Art to Send a Powerful Message on Body Shaming

In episode five of Bridgerton, Colin turns Penelope (played by Nicola Coughlan) to the mirror and undresses her slowly, whispering all the things he loves about her in her ear as an orchestral version of Ariana Grande's "POV" plays in the background. I instantly gasped as I knew what was coming next.

The highly anticipated sex scene between the friends-to-lovers is perfect; it's filled with tension, passion and Penelope even takes charge in the bedroom. As Penelope stood naked in front of the mirror, my first thought was about how refreshing it was to see a body-type I could relate to on screen — curves and all. I felt seen in that moment and I'm sure many other women will too. I was also happy that Coughlan made this artistic choice, following the agonising discourse and body-shaming she's been subjected to over the years.

The actress has not held back on this topic and has long established that she would rather the world didn't focus so much on her body. In 2022 she shared a post on Instagram, alongside a comment: "If you have an opinion about my body please, please don't share it with me. It's really hard to take the weight of thousands of opinions on how you look being sent directly to you every day."

Even recently, the actress was subjected to back-handed body shaming in public. During a post-screening Q&A in Dublin, a journalist told Coughlan she was "very brave" to go nude on screen. In a response that has now gone viral, the actress replied with her trademark wit: "You know, it is hard 'cause I think women with my body type — women with perfect breasts — we do not see ourselves onscreen enough," as the audience laughed and cheered. "I am a very proud as a member of the perfect-breasts community. I hope you enjoy seeing them." Now, that's how you do it.

Coughlan shouldn't be considered 'brave' for showing her body. And by saying it, the implication is that her body is something to be ashamed of. The negativity towards Nicola's body stems from society's deeply ingrained view of "perfection", especially when it comes to women. In western society, we have historically idolised thinness, often portraying it as synonymous with beauty and success. As soon as someone doesn't fit into that box, the world is quick to judge and scrutinise. The lack of representation for different body types within the media only perpetuates the idea that those who doesn't fit one standard are less desirable or worthy of respect. The backlash surrounding Coughlan baring her body just stems from the fact that she is comfortable being sexy and dares to be desirable. She lives her life unapologetically and a light so bright can rile lot of people up.

The actress used art and her usual humour to flip the online discourse about her body on it's head, turning it into a positive moment. "I specifically asked for certain lines and moments to be included," she told Stylist Magazine. "There's one scene where I'm very naked on camera, and that was my idea, my choice. It just felt like the biggest 'fuck you' to all the conversation surrounding my body; it was amazingly empowering." Coughlan also revealed that she "felt beautiful" during those scenes and wanted to be able to "look back on this and remember how fucking hot I looked".

I understand that by writing this, I am adding to the conversation but I'm just desperately waiting for the day where seeing a variety of body types on-screen is just a normal, non buzz-worthy event and doesn't stir up body shaming. I would hope that the world would just focus on the scene itself; it's hot, steamy and up there with some of the best sex scenes in the whole series. For Coughlan, it's also an empowering moment, where she not only felt beautiful baring all, but was able to shut some trolls up in the process. So, thank you Nicola Coughlan, for representing all women with perfect breasts so well.

Aaliyah Harry (she/her) is the associate editor at PS UK. She writes extensively across lifestyle, culture and beauty. Aaliyah also has a deep passion for telling stories and giving voice to the voiceless. Previously, she has contributed to Refinery29, Grazia UK and The Voice Newspaper.