Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington, found out she was Lady Whistledown from online fan forums. The Shondaland show follows the Bridgerton clan in Regency-era London as they navigate high society in search of their perfect match. Following their every move is the omniscient Lady Whitsledown, a Gossip Girl-like character who reports the latest scandals and pairings of Grosvenor Square in a newsletter she releases throughout the show.
Coughlan shared in an interview with Variety that she found out about her character's secret identity through online forums. She initially auditioned for the role without having read the books or knowing the true nature of her character.
The reveal of Penelope as Lady Whistledown was a surprising twist in the show. Unlike Gossip Girl, which saved the revelation of the blogger's identity for the series finale, Bridgerton unveiled this secret earlier in the season. It added an exciting element to the story as characters like Eloise Bridgerton tried to uncover the identity of Lady Whistledown throughout the show.
With the truth about Lady Whistledown now exposed to viewers, Bridgerton season 2 is expected to delve deeper into the consequences of this revelation. Penelope's role is likely to expand as she continues to navigate her dual identities, balancing her relationships with her fellow characters and her newfound fame as Lady Whistledown. The show will have many questions to answer and fans eagerly anticipate exploring these new storylines in the next season.
Overall, Nicola Coughlan's discovery of her character's true identity through online fan forums adds an intriguing layer to the behind-the-scenes process of creating Bridgerton. It highlights the importance of connecting with the passionate fanbase and the impact their discussions can have on the show's development. As Lady Whistledown's secret is no longer a mystery, viewers can look forward to uncovering new secrets and scandals in the upcoming season of Bridgerton.
