Release date for ‘steamy’ Bridgerton season three as Derry Girls’ Nicola Coughlan reprises role

Netflix announced yesterday its “ultra-sexy” period drama will return in May and June.

Co Galway native Coughlan, who played Clare Devlin in Lisa McGee’s award-winning comedy Derry Girls, will reprise her role as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton.

Announcing the season three premiere date yesterday, Netflix said: “Get in the carriage, dear readers, it’s almost time for Bridgerton season three.

“You’ve burned for a fake dating flirtation. You’ve swooned over enemies becoming lovers.

“Now it’s time for a friends-to-lovers romance when Bridgerton returns for its third season in 2024.

“At the centre of the ballroom will be wallflower [and secret scandal sheet writer] Penelope Featherington and her long time crush, world traveller Colin Bridgerton.

“That means this spring will officially be filled with #Polin, as fans have nicknamed the duo - and you’re about to see Penelope and Colin in a whole new way as they step into the spotlight.”

Despite, Featherington giving up on her long-term crush, Bridgerton, after hearing his disparaging words about her last season, she has decided it’s time to take a husband.

But lacking in confidence, her attempts on the marriage mart fail spectacularly.

Meanwhile, Bridgerton has returned from his summer travels with a new look and a serious sense of swagger.

But he’s disheartened to realise that Featherington - the one person who always appreciated him as he was - is giving him the cold shoulder.

Coughlan revealed earlier this year, that season three will be “scandalous, magical and romantic”.

"The Bridgerton fandom is one of the most passionate in the world and I know you are dying to know what’s to come in season three,” she told fans at Tudum, a global fan event at Ibirapuera Park, in São Paulo, Brazil, in June.

"This season Penelope returns to London determined to become a new woman with a new independence and determination.

"I can promise you quite the scandalous season and we cannot wait to take you along for the carriage ride.

"Both Colin and Pen have done some growing up and only time will tell how their friendship will develop. I can promise you are in for a magical and romantic season.”

It has been a busy year for 36-year-old Coughlan, after starring in one of 2023’s biggest movies, Barbie, alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

Robbie spoke of her love for Coughlan at the Irish premiere of Barbie during the summer.

“Isn’t she just the best,” Robbie said, “I told you today, I just love Ireland, I love the Irish, Nicola being in the movie is just another icing on the cake for the Barbie movie.”

Bridgerton season three will be split into two four-episode batches with part one premiering on May 16, and part two arriving on June 13.