Nicola Coughlan Clarifies She Doesn't Align with Body Positivity Movement: 'That's Someone Else's Thing'

“I have no interest in body positivity,” Nicola Coughlan stated bluntly, distancing herself from the ongoing discourse surrounding body image in the entertainment industry.

The star of Bridgerton and Derry Girls, Coughlan, 39, has made it clear that she does not wish to be seen as a spokesperson for body positivity. Instead, she aims to redirect attention to her performances rather than her physical appearance.

In a recent interview with Elle UK, she elaborated, “When I was a kid growing up, I never thought about that. I didn’t look at actors and think about their bodies.” Her focus remains on her creative output, not on societal expectations regarding body image.

Despite her diverse roles, Coughlan refuses to be labeled as a champion for body image issues. “There’s a lot of things I’m passionate about; it’s not one of them,” she emphasized, asserting her desire to keep the conversation centered on her work.

Reflecting on her experiences during the filming of Bridgerton, she recounted the peculiar reactions to her body. “I was exercising a lot because I knew I had to, so I had lost a bunch of weight – I was probably a size 10 and one of the corsets was a size 8,” she explained. Yet, she was still labeled as plus-size, prompting her to question societal standards: “How f*cked are we that I am the biggest woman you want to see on screen?”

She recalled an uncomfortable encounter with a fan who praised her body in a bathroom, saying, “I want to die.” Coughlan expressed frustration over the focus on appearance rather than the hard work and dedication she puts into her roles. “It’s so f**king boring,” she lamented.

While she avoids discussing her physique, Coughlan admits to feeling anxious about her career trajectory. Despite her success in two major shows, she recognizes that such achievements do not guarantee future opportunities. “I’ve been very lucky... but that is not a guarantee at all,” she noted.

Additionally, Coughlan voiced concerns about the rise of artificial intelligence in the industry. She believes that as technology evolves, live cultural experiences will become increasingly valuable. “It’s going to become harder and harder to know what’s real,” she warned, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences in theater.