At the end of Bridgerton season 1, the show left us in a cliffhanger, where we know that Penelope Featherington is Lady Whistledown. Whistledown will continue to spread the gossip through her column among the Nobel society of London. Even the queen agitated because she still doesn’t know who Whistledown is. With season 2 of Bridgerton a mere five days away, the trailer revealed young Penelope struggling to lead her double-life as Lady Whistledown. But does this double-life affect her growing romantic relationship with Collin and her bond with her best friend, Eloise in Bridgerton season 2?

Let’s find out what Nicola Coughlan has to say about her character.

Even Coughlan loves the idea that the creator of the show reveals the secret identity of Lady Whistledown. Nicola Coughlan explains, “if you keep them going for too long, it’s always… not satisfying when it gets revealed. If that’s the thing it’s leading up to you, then you’re always like, ‘Oh, it’s that person? Oh, OK.’ So I think it was such a good idea. Also, because it meant that I get to have loads of fun in Season 2.”

Lady Whistledown is never around the Viscount

In conversation with The Wrap, Nicola Coughlan shares how in season 2 of Bridgerton, she doesn’t share a scene with co-star Jonathan Bailey. Despite Bailey, taking the center of the platform, Penelope and Anthony are never in one scene. Coughlan claims that her character never goes close to Anthony for gossip. Lady Whistledown and Penelope believe more in listening than questioning: That’s her vibe. Does this mean, the storyline in Aubrey Hall (as in the books) will see some changes in season 2?

In the book, the two characters have a scene, where the Viscount saves Penelope from Cressida Cowper’s scathing remarks: This is a rather defining moment in Anthony and Kate’s story, as well. For Kate starts to see Anthony in a different light after this. Yet, if we are to believe Coughlan, then we may not see this scene at all. Perhaps, Colin will do the honors instead? Time will answer all our questions regarding the upcoming season.

Having said that, she remembered she indeed does have one scene with Jonathan Bailey, set at the Bridgeton House. According to her, shooting that scene was particularly fun because every time Jonathan saw her, he would laugh and ask, “Why are you here!?” That’s how much they are not used to sharing a scene. We certainly hope that changes in the later seasons.

What’s in store for Lady Whistledown in Bridgerton season 2?

Season 2 will see a lot of changed in Penelope’s life. However, it’s her close relationships with the two people who understand her, with whom she shares a lot of time, that may be affected. They are Eloise and Collin, Anthony’s siblings. In these two seasons, Coughlan’s character builds a friendship with Claudia Jesse’s Eloise and shares an easy rapport with Colin. Now, that Eloise gets her formal societal entry, we will see more of her at the many balls. Coughlan agrees and said, “Because in Season 1, I’d be like, ‘I’m on my own again. I’m standing here for hours and there’s no one to talk to.’ Whereas now I’m like, ‘Oh, I have a buddy.”

Colin (played by Luke Newton) and Penelope have some interesting interactions in season 2, as they are neighbors. Their relationship grew because they always wrote letters to each other when Colin was away from the town. So, Colin knows the real Penelope and there is no awkwardness between them. In season 2, we can hope to see their relationship progress a bit because it seems the timeline is different in the series than the books. Nicola Coughlan adds, “But he’s very much in his head still. She’s still desperately in love with him, 100% if not more than she was in Season 1. And he’s seeing her in another light, but he’s not. He’s not where she is, let’s say.”

Season 2 of Bridgerton will drop on Netflix on March 25th, 2022. Are you excited for the release?