Bridgerton's Simone Ashley defends co-star Nicola Coughlan over nude scene body-shamers

Bridgerton star Simone Ashley quipped "haters are going to hate" as she stepped up to defend her co-star Nicola Coughlan from body-shamers. Coughlan, 37, who captivates audiences as Penelope Featherington in the hit Netflix show, caught the limelight after a six-minute sex scene involving her went viral.

The saucy moment showed Nicola stripping bare and flaunting her "perfect breasts". However, not all attention was positive, with some resorting to body-shaming. Simone, who plays Lady Kathani 'Kate' Bridgerton in the period drama, jumped to Nicola's defence. Speaking at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival on June 15, Simone voiced her support for Nicola in a chat with People magazine.

She shrugged off critics, saying: "Yeah, the haters are going to hate, and I think we can all relate to that, but I really don't think that she's allowing that to bother her."

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Gushing about Nicola's talents, she predicted a "fruitful career" ahead for her dear colleague. In Simone's words: "I really believe in her, as the world does as well, I think Nicola is just absolutely flying." In the same chat, the leading lady, who is currently starring in This Tempting Madness and Picture, also lauded her colleague as "a gorgeous, strong, confident, intelligent woman".

"Seeing her do this press tour and spread so much joy and inspiration to everyone - especially women - all over the world. And I'm inspired by her as well," Simone added.

This isn't the first time Simone has shown support for Nicola. As per People, the Little Mermaid star disclosed that she and co-star Jonathan Bailey lent a helping hand to Nicola and Luke Newton (who portrays Colin Bridgerton) as they took on the lead roles in the series.

Simone had previously said: "Me and Nicola would check in on each other. She is such an inspiration to me and I learned so much from her, and there were times she was giving me advice."

Meanwhile, the Daily Star reports that Nicola garnered a lot of support after she brushed off a backhanded remark about her body type during a press conference in Dublin, Ireland. Her smart and witty comeback has since been applauded worldwide. During the Q&A session, Nicola was told that she had been "very brave" for baring it all on screen. To which she replied: "You know, it is hard, 'cause I think women with my body type, women with perfect breasts."

She added: "We do not get to see ourselves onscreen enough. I am a proud member of the perfect breasts community, and I hope you enjoy seeing them."