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I think often people don’t appreciate enough the core of what Nic is doing in favour of a projection of what they want to see from her - I miss her more carefree sm content too, but I’m far more excited for the direction of her career, especially when there’s so much news about what we have to look forward to.

So here’s a reminder of the great new updates about Nicola in the past three weeks alone.

Following a surprise casting announcement for Only Murders in the Building in June, there was:

* Lancôme event appearance

* Filming leaks with Martin Short, Steve Martin, Selena Gomez and Jodie Whittaker.

* Surprise filming leaks and info about a new project previously unknown - Rhino aka Operation Wipeout.

* Off-menu podcast live episode.

The month hasn’t even ended yet. Nicola fans who value and appreciate the amazing work she’s doing has so much to celebrate. Exciting times ahead.

Kate Winslet won double BAFTAs in 2023 for her performance and for best drama as co-creator of I am Ruth (with Dominic Savage).

Nicola is taking up the mantle of the central female character from Kate in the previous installment of the anthology. To say how thrilling it is to see Nicola take on challenging roles of this caliber among generational acting talent like Kate, is an understatement.

What we know so far about Nicola’s new project that is currently in production.

After the first filming leaks on Monday 6 July from Edinburgh, fans found the official website of the production company with more details about the creators, cast and synopsis of the film.

There are several working titles for the film currently - Rhino and Operation Wipeout.

Nicola is given first billing as the only cast member listed. The plot revolves around a female teacher who has formative influence on the social consciousness of the teenagers she educates - given Nicola’s first billing, it follows that she is playing this role.

The creators of the film include Paul Laverty (as writer) and Ken Loach as producer (see images below). This is notable as both men have been frequent collaborators over the past 3 decades and have won numerous awards, including multiple BAFTAs and the Palm D’Or (at Cannes) for their work together. Ken Loach is considered a legendary British filmmaker whose works regularly appear on lists of modern classics and taught in film schools around the world.

Fun fact - Nicola did her masters dissertation on the improvisational work in Ken Loach and Mike Leigh films.

While official announcements have not been made yet, this is likely to follow after filming has ended or as soon as festival presentation is ready to be announced for one of the major film festivals (Cannes, Venice, Sundance, TiFF, etc).

This is an incredible project for Nicola and places her among serious actors like Olivia Colman and Kate Winslet. It’s a real pleasure as a fan to see her claim the prestigious space in which her talent belongs.

Further tidbits have leaked since the initial photos:

July (date unknown) - MUA from the film shares the products she is using on the female lead of the film, including Nicola’s signature nuface and tatcha products. The post confirms co-producers Ken Loach and sixteen films and Potboiler productions (previously known).

So excited for this one. The director and writer both have incredible CVs and what an amazing opportunity for Nicola to lead a project with such a timely message. This is going to be buzzy.

I love seeing this collage getting updated! To think that 8 of 16 projects were just this year alone. 2026 - the year of Nicola Coughlan 🙂‍↕️

Nicola being her funny and charming self for an hour straight. The stories she covers are so eclectic and varied - her shenanigans with Siobhan, meanderings about childhood fixations, tv shows, the antics of classic boy bands, inexplicable habits and much much more!

Can’t wait for the video to be out on YouTube. In the meantime, you can listen to it anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Making headlines from a fan sighting when the film hasn’t even been officially announced yet!

So much to look forward to with Nicola. Can’t believe she’s yet again filming simultaneously or back to back with OMTB and this new untitled film. She really does never stop.

Honorable mention to TMFT sequels that are yet to be filmed (in 2027) and Bton5 where Nic will make a cameo appearance.

Being able to collaborate with people with the same strong moral convictions is so rare and incredible. I’m so glad Nicola’s new project is penned by this acclaimed great of British film, Paul Laverty, who is also someone with a long track record of vocal advocacy for the oppressed and disenfranchised.

Going by his previous works, this new film is going to explore some of the most challenging social issues of our time.

Nicola will be tasting the Siobhán McSweeney menu 🍴 Derry Girls forever!

One more pleasant surprise!