Nicola Coughlan addresses weight comments: ‘I am just one real-life human being’

Nicola Coughlan, a prominent star from Doctor Who, recently confronted online trolls who directed hurtful remarks about her weight towards her. Known for her roles in popular shows like Bridgerton and Derry Girls, Coughlan was compelled to address these comments publicly on Instagram.

In her post, which reached her 6.3 million followers, the 37-year-old actress expressed, “If you have an opinion about my body, please, please don’t share it with me. Most people are being kind and not trying to be offensive. However, I am just one real-life human being, and it’s incredibly challenging to bear the weight of countless opinions about my appearance coming my way every single day.”

This is not an isolated incident for Coughlan. Back in 2021, she made headlines when she attended the Golden Globes in a stylish tulle gown complemented by a black cardigan. Unfortunately, she faced harsh criticism from a social media user who remarked, “The fat girl from Bridgerton is wearing a black cardigan at the Golden Globes. No matter how chic you are, if you’re a plus-size girl, you’ll always find a black cardigan to wear out of your discomfort.”

In response, Coughlan took to Twitter, stating, “I thought the cardigan looked fabulous. Molly Goddard showcased them on her runway. Also, I have a name.” She emphasized the importance of evaluating actors based on their talent rather than their appearance, suggesting that focusing on weight-related criticism undermines the progress being made toward increased diversity in the arts.

Fans can catch Nicola in the holiday-themed Doctor Who special titled Joy to the World, where she portrays a character named Joy who checks into the enigmatic Time Hotel, where she encounters the Doctor, otherworldly beings, dinosaurs, and an intriguing briefcase. Discussing her role, Coughlan admitted her unfamiliarity with the Doctor Who universe, but expressed her excitement about the opportunity. She said, “When they asked me, I was super enthusiastic. But when I tried to dive into the research, I found myself overwhelmed. The best I can do is give my all in acting and hopefully delight the Who fans.”

Doctor Who’s Joy to the World is set to air on Christmas Day, promising an engaging experience for viewers.