While the ton may be obsessed with the romantic entanglements of Daphne, Eloise, and the rest of the Bridgerton clan, we've become utterly captivated by another captivating character: the sharp-witted, secretly influential Penelope Featherington, brought to life by the immensely talented Nicola Coughlan.

But how much do we really know about the woman behind the flamboyant gowns and cutting quips? Prepare to be surprised, dear readers, as we delve into 12 fascinating facts about the Irish actress taking the world by storm.

1. A Star is Born (Very Early!): Forget waiting for your big break - Nicola Coughlan snagged her first acting gig at the tender age of 10! While it was an uncredited role as a little girl feeding swans in the 1997 film "My Brother's War," it seems the experience left an undeniable mark.

2. From Spectacles to Stage Lights: Even budding stars need to pay the bills. Before gracing our screens, a young Nicola worked part-time at an optician in her hometown of Galway, Ireland. Imagine the shock on those customers' faces when they realized they were being helped by a future television star!

3. Breaking the Bank (and Stereotypes): Despite her success, Coughlan remains refreshingly relatable. In a 2021 interview, she confessed to still feeling a twinge of anxiety when checking her bank balance. Proof that even with fame and fortune, some things never change!

4. Tweeting Her Way to Stardom: In the age of digital destiny, Nicola Coughlan proved that social media can be a powerful tool for aspiring actors. Her big break arrived via a Twitter casting call, landing her the role of the hilarious and relatable Clare in the hit comedy "Derry Girls."

5. Age is Just a Number (Unless You're in Hollywood):

Coughlan has been refreshingly candid about the pressures faced by women in the entertainment industry. She's spoken out against the pressure to lie about her age to secure roles, defying industry norms and advocating for transparency.

6. A Capricorn with a Cause: Born in January, Coughlan is a true Capricorn, known for her determination, practicality, and unwavering loyalty. And while she may rule the screen, she's equally passionate about fighting for social justice, actively campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights and abortion rights in Ireland.

7. Love is Love (and Penelope Deserves Her Story): A vocal LGBTQ+ ally, Coughlan has expressed her desire to see more queer representation on "Bridgerton" - and we couldn't agree more!

"It's about time we saw some LGBTQ+ love stories unfold in the ton," she declared in a recent interview.

And with season three focusing on Penelope's own romantic journey, perhaps Lady Whistledown has a few queer plot twists up her sleeve!

8. Steamy Scenes and Broken Sets: Speaking of Penelope's romantic escapades, Coughlan recently sent fans into a frenzy with a tantalizing behind-the-scenes tidbit.

It seems things got so hot and heavy while filming a certain intimate scene with Colin Bridgerton (actor Luke Newton) that they actually managed to break the set!

9. Cooking Up a Storm: When she's not busy captivating audiences, Coughlan indulges in her love for cooking. We can only imagine the delectable dishes she whips up in her kitchen! Perhaps a "Bridgerton"-themed cookbook is in order?

10. Facing Fears with a "Fk You" Attitude:** Despite her sunny disposition, Coughlan isn't afraid to confront her fears head-on. And for the record, her biggest fear is open water. She also refuses to be defined by societal beauty standards, describing an upcoming nude scene in "Bridgerton" as a defiant act of body positivity.

11. A Fashion Icon in the Making? While some may criticize her sartorial choices, there's no denying that Nicola Coughlan has a unique and daring sense of style. From bold colors to playful silhouettes, she isn't afraid to take risks and embrace her individuality.

12. A Loyal Friend and Confidante: Beyond the glitz and glamour, those who know her best describe Nicola Coughlan as a true friend, fiercely loyal and always there to offer support and a listening ear.

"She's the kind of person who makes you feel like you can tell her anything," shared a close friend. "And she always knows how to make you laugh, no matter what."

So there you have it, dear readers - a glimpse beyond the corsets and societal expectations to reveal the multifaceted, inspiring woman behind one of television's most beloved characters. We have a feeling this is just the beginning for Nicola Coughlan, and we can't wait to see what she does next!