Simone Ashley has shown her support for her Bridgerton co-star, Nicola Coughlan . The 29-year-old actor hit back at some of the online criticism about Coughlan’s appearance during a recent press conference at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in Monaco. These remarks came after Coughlan responded to criticism about her character in Bridgerton , including playfully hitting back at a fan who called her “brave” for doing sex scenes in the show .

During the press conference in Monaco, as reported by People , Ashley came to her co-star’s defense, as season three of the Netflix series follows Penelope Featherington’s (played by Coughlan) romance with Colin Bridgerton (played by Luke Newton). “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,” she said about Coughlan, while noting that her friend has more important things to focus on. “She has a strong and fruitful career and entire life ahead of her.

And I really believe in her, as the world does as well,” Ashley added. The British actor, who plays Kate in Bridgerton, continued to praise Coughlan and all the work she’s done throughout her career thus far. “I think Nicola is just absolutely flying,” she added.

“She is 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.” Ashley then acknowl.