Fans are buzzing after new set photos showed Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan sporting a baby bump, sparking questions about whether the actress is expecting. Here's what the photos actually reveal.
Is Nicola Coughlan pregnant?
New behind-the-scenes photos from a brand-new Roald Dahl adaptation in production for Netflix show Coughlan with a prominent baby bump, carrying a large floral duffel bag.
However, the baby bump appears to be part of Coughlan’s role, not a real-life pregnancy. She is playing Mary Malony in an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s short story Lamb to the Slaughter, which features a pregnant character, as per What's on Netflix.
In the scene being filmed, Coughlan’s character is seen having an intense moment with a barking black German Shepherd police dog outside a police station.
The new Netflix series is based on Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected and is currently filming in the UK. It also stars Then Barbara Met Alan actor Arthur Hughes, who was seen outside the police station wearing a brown suit and tie and looking like a tired detective.
Nicola Coughlan and boyfriend Jake Dunn
{{/usCountry}}Nicola Coughlan and boyfriend Jake Dunn
{{/usCountry}}Nicola Coughlan is not pregnant, and she is also not married, but she is in a relationship with 24-year-old British actor Jake Dunn. While Coughlan hasn't spoken about her love life extensively, she has been romantically linked to Dunn for a while. After months of speculation, Coughlan confirmed their relationship on February 12, 2025, when she shared a birthday tribute to Dunn on her Instagram Story, writing, “Happy Birthday [red heart emoji]," as per People.
Dunn, also an actor, attended the Guildhall School for Music and Drama in London and rose to fame after being cast in Disney+'s Renegade Nell, where he plays the villain, Thomas. He was also recently cast in William Tell with Ben Kingsley and Connor Swindells.
The couple went red carpet official in April 2025, attending the BAFTA TV Craft Awards nominees' party together for the first time on April 25, walking the red carpet in matching black outfits.
About her new Netflix project
Coughlan is part of new Netflix adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected. Coughlan is playing Mary Malony in the adaptation of Dahl’s short story Lamb to the Slaughter. Orchid Pictures is producing the series under Hocus Pocus Productions. The show is expected to have six episodes, as per What's on Netflix.
Netflix bought the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021, giving it access to the author’s full collection of stories and characters. Since then, Netflix has released projects such as The Twits and Wes Anderson’s Dahl short films.
Tales of the Unexpected was previously made into an ITV series by Anglia Television. It ran for nine series from 1979 to 1988 and was known for its dark stories and surprise endings. Roald Dahl also introduced some of the early episodes.