Nicola Coughlan – aka Lady Penelope Featherington – is more in demand than ever, and now the diamond of the season has joined another period drama. Having completed filming on series three of Bridgerton, the actress is trading the Ton for the smoky streets of Victorian London.

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Signed on as a guest star in the Dodger Christmas special, Nicola will join the likes of Christopher Eccleston, Billy Jenkins, Ellie-May Sheridan, Lenny Rush, and Toby Stephens in the upcoming instalment.

Currently, details about the 55-minute special are limited, however, it has been confirmed that Nicola will play British monarch, Queen Victoria. Set to air over the festive period on BBC iPlayer, BBC One and CBBC, the episode features “Fagin and the gang’s biggest heist yet – getting their hands on Queen Victoria’s crown from her Coronation ceremony,” according to the BBC.

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As fans will remember, Dodger first aired in 2022, arriving on our screens with 13 episodes. Following the exploits of The Artful Dodger, as well as Fagin’s gang, the series quickly became a hit, and Dodger even took home the BAFTA for Best Scripted Series last year.

Following Nicola’s appearance in the Dodger Christmas special, fans will next see her in the third season of Bridgerton. Back in October, Adjoa Andoh, who plays Lady Danbury, told HELLO! on the Pride of Britain red carpet that fans can expect the upcoming season to premiere in 2024.

When asked what it was like watching the love story of Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington unfold in the new season, the actress said: “It’s very gratifying because we’ve held our breath for a long time. Because of the way the year’s panned out and that the season’s going to come out next year, the anticipation is going to grow and grow.

“I think people will feel very satisfied,” she added.

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Asked what to expect from the plot of season three, Adjoa teased more “intrigue and romance”.

“We’re going to have some Colin and Penelope,” she began. “We’re going to have some Lady Whistledown action. We’re going to have some pushing and pulling from Lady Danbury.

“More intrigue, more romance, more fabulous outfits, locations, and a bit of ‘how’s your father,’ of course,” she explained, adding: “If you like the show, you’re going to get more of the same with bells on this season.”

The third installment will focus on Colin Bridgerton and Lady Penelope Featherington this time round. It’s expected to follow on from Penelope’s heartbreak at the end of season two, when she overheard Colin’s disparaging words about her at the Featherington Ball.