It’s not long until the release of the highly-anticipated series three of Netflix hit Bridgerton.

And as Nicola Coughlan stars in the leading role as Penelope Featherington, fans have been left completely shocked upon learning her real age.

The Irish actress rose to fame playing schoolgirl Clare Devlin in Channel 4 comedy Derry Girls, and it seems she has had everyone fooled as they assumed she is a lot younger than she actually is.

Fans were stunned to learn Nicola is 37-years-old, despite predominantly playing parts a lot younger than her real age.

In Bridgerton, Nicola’s character Penelope is the youngest of the Featherington brood and is only 18-years-old.

The upcoming series will see friends-to-lovers romantic beginnings of Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton).

Meanwhile in Derry Girls, Nicola’s character Clare was 15-years-old in the first series in 2018, meaning Nicola was around 30 when filming.

She currently has another leading role in Channel 4’s Big Mood alongside Lydia West.

While this is the character closest to her age, Maggie, who is learning to navigate her life with her best friend while also managing her bipolar disorder, is 29-years-old.

Fans couldn’t believe the star’s age as they took to Twitter to express their shock.

They wrote: ‘Nicola Coughlan is a brilliant actress – so hilarious in The Derry Girls. I was flabbergasted to learn that she is 37. I thought she was in her 20s !!’; ‘Nicola Coughlan is 37?!?! What the hell. I honestly thought she was one of those baby actors like Millie Bobby Brown’.

‘just found out that nicola coughlan is 37….. THIRTY SEVEN YEARS OF AGE i’m in shock she looks in her mid 20s’; ‘im watching derry girls and what do you mean nicola coughlan is almost 40?!?’

‘i can tell the new bridgerton viral tweet genre is going to be “nicola coughlan is 37!!!”’; ‘YOU’RE TELLING ME NICOLA COUGHLAN IS A WHOLE 37 YEARS OF AGE???

‘How can you look me in the eye and tell me that woman isn’t, AT MOST, 25. I refuse to believe it. Conspiracy is afoot.’

The new Bridgerton trailer was released on Thursday as fans get ready for its return, with part one premiering on May 16 and part two premiering on June 13.

The trailer begins with glamorous shots of the ton with Lady Whistledown stating: ‘Dearest gentle reader, we have been apart for far too long. At last London’s fashionable set has made it’s return.

‘And it seems that out bon ton is moving with the changing tide. So, too, is this author.’

Nicola’s character Penelope is then seen in a frenzy as she states: ‘I cannot live at home any longer. I must take a husband!’

In perfect timing, the object of her affection Colin is then seen stripping off in a car showcasing his muscles as his brother jokingly asks him when he got so ‘sturdy’.

Penelope is then left upset at her struggle to find a husband as Colin offers to help her, saying: ‘If a husband is what you seek, let me help you. Are we not friends?’

The next scenes show Penelope struggling to attract a suitor with a fair few awkward encounters, as she says to Colin while gazing at him adoringly: ‘I would not be angry if you found me to be a lost cause…’

The tension between them then continues to build as Colin’s sister Eloise voices her concern over whether Penelope might actually be seeking a husband in him.

The next scene shows Penelope transform into a series of stunning dresses in the hopes of attracting attention as Colin begins to notice her beauty.

Colin is then asks his mother: ‘Mother do you believe the best foundation for love is friendship?’, before she advises him: ‘It is rare but you must follow your heart!’

Penelope and Colin then meet in a garden at night, breathless, before the trailer cuts out – leaving fans wanting to know more of what happens between the pair.