Colin Sheridan: Being aware of privilege can make a role model

She may not think of herself as a role model, but if you’re looking for one for your daughter or son, Nicola Coughlan may be a pretty good place to start

Nicola Coughlan stars as  Penelope Featherington in the new series of Bridgerton. Picture: Liam Daniel/Netflix/PA

I am not what you might call Bridgerton’s target audience. But I have an excuse. In the most Irish way imaginable, I have a connection to the show's biggest star. 

“I knew her father,” as we say, and although it may sound cliche, he was the epitome of a gentleman. Yes, I used to work with Lady Whistledown’s dad. An officer and a gentleman, Martin Coughlan reached the rank of Colonel in the Irish Defence Forces, and was regarded by all who knew him as a man of immense decency.