Nicola Coughlan, known for her role as Penelope Featherington on Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton, has addressed rumors about her waist being “photoshopped” in the show. The actress clarified that the show’s Regency-inspired costumes, particularly the corsets, naturally shape her body.
“I think if you wear corsetry for long enough, your body really molds to it,” Coughlan told PEOPLE. She explained that her body has adapted to the tight fit of the corsets, which might surprise some fashion designers. “Sometimes they come in a fitting for a fashion designer and they put a corset on me and I’m like, ‘Oh, you can go tight,’ and they go, ‘What do you mean?’ I’m like, ‘My body now will go whew.’”
Coughlan also dismissed accusations from online trolls who claimed her waist was digitally altered. “I saw some trolls. They were like, ‘They photoshopped your waist,’ and I was like, ‘No, they did not,’” she stated firmly.
Luke Newton, who plays Colin Bridgerton, shared his own experiences with the period costumes. Although he doesn’t wear a corset or heels, he noted that the waistcoats significantly impact his posture, aiding his portrayal of the character. “But then as soon as I’m off set, I want to be in the most comfortable outfit,” he admitted.
Earlier this week, Coughlan responded humorously to a comment about her on-screen bravery. At a fan event in Dublin, she was told she was “very brave” for stripping down on the show. “You know, I think it is hard,” she responded, “because I think women with my body type — women with perfect breasts — we don’t get to see ourselves on screen enough.”
Proudly, she added, “I am a very proud member of the perfect breasts community, and I hope you enjoy seeing them.”
Fans of Bridgerton can stream the first part of season 3 on Netflix now, with part 2 set to drop on June 13.
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