BRIDGERTON has returned to Netflix today, with the first part of the eagerly anticipated third season dropping on the streaming platform this morning.
Fans have been earnestly awaiting the return of the popular Regency Era TV show, with this season's romance focusing on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and his lifelong friend Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan).
5
5
5
At the end of Season 2 of the show, Penelope overheard Colin stating that he would never marry her, and during this series, the third Bridgerton child aims to win back her friendship, with the pair eventually falling in love.
Penelope is supposed to be around 19 years old in the show, however, actress Nicola is actually 37 years old.
The actresses age is blowing people's minds on social media, with one person taking to X to comment: "You’re telling me Nicola Coughlan is a whole 37 years of age?
"How can you look me in the eye and tell me that woman isn’t, at most, 25? I refuse to believe it. Conspiracy is afoot."
Read more Bridgerton stories
A second person said: "Nicola Coughlan is 37?!"
A third cried that it "makes no sense" that the star is only three years off turning 40.
And this is not the only time Nicola has had to play a character that is much younger than she is.
The Irish star first shot to fame playing Claire Devlin in Derry Girls.
Most read in Celebrity
HEARTBREAKING FIND ‘I’m devastated’ Stacey Solomon sobs as Pickle Cottage is ‘robbed’
SO RAD Sophie Radford shares behind the scenes footage from sister Katie’s gender reveal
CLOSE BOND I get why people say Damian filming my steamy scenes is weird, says Liz Hurley
LOST OUT ‘I’ll never not be by your side for a fight again’ vows Paris Fury after defeat
Her character was in Sixth Form, making her around 17 years old, and the series finished in 2022, when Nicola was 35.
So what is the secret to Nicola's youthful looking complexion?
Fans left 'screaming' as Netflix release first look at Irish star Nicola Coughlan in Bridgerton season 3
Nicola has said that she swears by drinking two litres of water a day.
Taking to her Instagram stories, she previously said: "Newsflash guys, water’s good for skin!”.
She jokingly added: “Can’t believe I was the first woman alive to realise the health benefits of water".
The Barbie star also revealed that she is a massive fan of Lush, and thanks their products for her youthful looking skin.
She said that she uses the brand's Eu Roma as a toner, which is available for just £8.
She advised her followers to "always moisturise your eyes and your neck", using Lush's Enchanted Eye Cream (£20) and Cosmetic Lad moisturiser (£30).
And to finish off her skincare routine, Nicola uses the Full of Grace facial serum, which costs £10 and contains murumuru butter which is highly moisturising and gives your skin a shiny and smooth finish.
Why is Bridgerton still so popular?
By deputy TV editor, Felicity Cross
WHEN Bridgerton landed during lockdown, it swept us all into a world of bejewelled gowns, lavish balls and endless bonking - and the world went mad for it.
Even the sexless second series didn’t damp down TV viewers’ lust for the Regency romp and fans have eagerly anticipated the arrival of the third series.
And they won’t be disappointed.
The opener finally gives us some action from gorgeous series two newlyweds Anthony and Kate in scenes that would make your granny blush.
There’s drama and intrigue as the hunt for Lady Whistledown hots us, and laugh out loud comedy from the chaotic Featherington family.
But ultimately the season belongs to new romantic leads Colin and Penelope, whose will-they-won’t-they love story is fun, flirty and utterly believable and its, ahem, climax at the end of episode four will take your breath away.
Is Bridgerton still must-watch telly? Corset is.
As well, as her Lush skincare routine, Nicola said that her youthful looks may have something to do with genetics.
She said: "My mum looks really young, that’s the main reason I look young".
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The star also joked to E! News that growing up in the West of Ireland, where there is "no sunshine", has also likely helped her to maintain a youthful glow.
Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.
5
5
