Netflix While we assumed Nicola Coughlan would return to Bridgerton for season 5, she did confirm she won't be in it much. The 39-year-old actress has portrayed Penelope Bridgerton - formerly Penelope Featherington - on the show since season one. Her character's love story with Colin Bridgerton was the focus for season three, but now that there's a "new" Lady Whistledown, there were questions about how much Penelope would be featured going forward. "Season five had started filming already, so I won't be in it very much," Nicola confirmed in April 2026 on the "Dish" podcast.