Nicola Coughlan, from Bridgerton, fears repercussions for taking a leading role

Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan has revealed she is apprehensive about the possible “scrutiny” that could accompany her rise to a prominent role.

In the highly anticipated third season of the Netflix series, scheduled for release in May this year, the plot will revolve around Nicola's character, Penelope Featherington, and her romance with Colin Bridgerton.

Even though I'm excited to take on a job like protagonist for the first time the Irish star confessed to fearing the criticism he could face.

“I'm terrified of the scrutiny, the opinions, the number of eyes on me. But at the end of the day, what motivates me to come out of the shadows, even though it scares me, is that I'm so proud of the work I've done, the people I've worked with and the incredible shows we've done. I hope I can show the world, and myself, that sometimes the weird person in the corner can take center stage,” said the beauty in an interview with Harper's Bazaar.

Regarding her work as Penelope, the artist explained that the current season was completely different from the previous two, and that she needed to leave her comfort zone to embrace the spotlight.

“The big difference is that, in the first two seasons, Pen was a secondary character; the strange and excluded. This time, she is in a prominent location. The only problem is that being excluded is actually a niche that I have mastered very well. I feel comfortable there! Strange girl ignored? When can I start?” she joked.

Nicola admitted that despite her success, she is in disbelief about being the protagonist in a romance.

“It’s not because I think I’m hideous, as some people might assume when they hear that; with ideal lighting, I’m a seven,” she said, with great humor. “It’s just not something I had even dreamed of,” he added.