Nicola Coughlan: Biography, Age, Boyfriend, Weight Loss

There aren’t many actresses who can make you laugh in one scene and leave you breathless in the next the way Nicola Coughlan does. The Irish star has conquered both the chaotic halls of Derry Girls and the lavish ballrooms of Bridgerton, but her story goes far beyond the screen—covering body image battles, a Galway hometown, and a relationship with actor Jake Dunn.

Age: 37 (born 9 January 1987) ·
Birthplace: Galway, Ireland ·
Known for: Clare Devlin in Derry Girls, Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton ·
Dress size: UK 10 (as stated in interviews) ·
Partner: Actor Jake Dunn

Ten key identifiers that define Nicola Coughlan’s public profile:

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Who is Nicola Coughlan’s boyfriend?

Who is Jake Dunn?

• Jake Dunn is a British actor known for roles in The Great and The Last Kingdom (Tuko).
• Dunn studied acting at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (Tuko).

How long have they been together?

• According to reports, Coughlan and Dunn began dating in 2023 (Tuko).
• The relationship was publicly confirmed later that year, though neither has provided extensive details (Tuko).

The implication: With limited primary source confirmation, the relationship timeline relies on tabloid coverage—but the pair have been seen together at events and on social media.

The implication: Coughlan’s privacy choices shape the available information.

Does Nicola Coughlan live in Ireland?

Where in Ireland is she from?

• Coughlan was born and raised in Galway, a city on Ireland’s west coast (Wikipedia).
• She has described Galway as a major part of her identity and still visits family there regularly (ELLE UK).

Does she live in the UK?

• During her twenties, Coughlan moved between London and Oranmore (County Galway) while working retail jobs (ELLE UK).
• Currently, she splits her time between London (for acting work) and Galway (for family) (ELLE UK).

The pattern: Coughlan maintains a dual-base lifestyle—London provides career opportunities, while Galway remains her emotional anchor.

Why did Nicola Coughlan lose weight?

Did she lose weight for a role?

• Nicola Coughlan has stated that her weight change was not for a specific role but part of a personal health journey (Tuko).
• She has not confirmed any specific weight loss amount, and reports of losing up to 28 pounds remain unverified (Tuko).

What has she said about body image?

• “I have no interest in body positivity,” she told ELLE UK (ELLE UK).
• She has spoken publicly about body shaming and the pressure to be thin in Hollywood (Yahoo Entertainment via Facebook).
• Coughlan has repeatedly emphasized that her weight does not define her talent (ELLE UK).

The upshot: Without official confirmation, visual speculation remains the primary source.

Is Nicola Coughlan a size 10?

What dress size does she wear?

• During filming of Bridgerton, Coughlan said she was “probably a size 10” and that one of her corsets was a size 8 (ELLE UK).
• She has criticised the media’s persistent focus on her body size (Yahoo Entertainment via Facebook).

How has she responded to comments about her body?

• According to reports, Coughlan has a clause in her contract that restricts paparazzi from taking unflattering photographs (Tuko).
• She has repeatedly asked fans and media to stop scrutinising her appearance (Yahoo Entertainment via Facebook).

Why this matters: The contract clause—if confirmed—would mark a rare step by an actress to legally preempt body-related harassment, setting a precedent for celebrity privacy protections.

Is Nicola Coughlan Catholic or Protestant?

What is her religious background?

• Nicola Coughlan was raised in the Catholic faith (Wikipedia).
• She attended a Catholic school in Galway (ELLE UK).

How has her faith influenced her life?

• Coughlan has said her Catholic upbringing affected her views on sexuality and body image, and she now identifies as a non-practicing Catholic (Tuko).
• She has not elaborated on whether she currently attends church or observes religious rituals (Wikipedia).

The trade-off: Her departure from active practice aligns with a broader trend among younger Irish adults, but Coughlan has not turned it into a public advocacy stance.

“I have no interest in body positivity.”

Nicola Coughlan, in ELLE UK

For fans and media outlets covering Coughlan, the choice is clear: respect her stated boundaries around body commentary, or risk alienating an actress who has already proven she will speak out—and write protections into her contracts. In an industry still learning to separate talent from waistlines, Coughlan’s stance isn’t just personal; it’s a professional precedent.

For those interested in an alternative perspective, the French biography of Nicola Coughlan offers a detailed look at her life and career.

Frequently asked questions