Bridgerton is two months away from returning for its second season, where we'll get to catch up with our favourite characters from season 1 (minus one notable character) and meeting some new ones.

Sex Education star Simone Ashley has been cast as Kate Sharma, a new love interest of Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), although the two are sure to lock horns along the way.

The show challenged race conventions in season 2, as the Sharma family are the books' Sheffield family reimagined as being of Indian descent.

What to read next

Here's your first look at her in the role, with other some new season 2 pics for good measure.

simone ashley, charithra chandran, bridgerton season 2
Netflix
simone ashley, bridgerton season 2
Netflix
bridgerton season 2 everything you need to know plot cast trailers
Netflix//Netflix

Recently, actress Adjoa Andoh spoke about what we can expect from her character Lady Danbury in season 2, telling Digital Spy: "Well, if you remember, at the start of season one, the Duke had been absent for a while. Lady Danbury has many fish to fry, and many people who she loves and wishes to challenge and support – you'll see more of that going forward.

"I think there's plenty to keep Lady Danbury busy, Duke or no Duke. There are pies with her fingers in, all over."

phoebe dynevor, jonathan bailey, bridgerton season 2
LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

Penelope Featherington/Lady Whistledown actress Nicola Coughlan also teased the second season, telling fans that they can expect some more "heavy" scenes.

"The drama has amped up a lot," she said to Radio Times. "As I say, we're shooting all those big dramatic scenes for the end. It's exhausting but very satisfying.

golda rosheuvel, bridgerton season 2
Netflix
luke newton, luke thompson, jonathan bailey, bridgerton season 2
Netflix

"I think it's safe to say that you (will see more of Penelope's life). And you know, those final moments of series one was definitely a peek into her life. I think in series 2 you kind of see how the sausage gets made and all that's happening."

Bridgerton season 1 is now available to watch on Netflix. Season 2 will premiere on March 25. Secret Cinema with Fever Present Bridgerton opens in February 2022 in a secret outer London location. To purchase tickets, head here.

Bridgerton Collection Volume 1 (books 1-3) by Julia Quinn
Avon Bridgerton Collection Volume 1 (books 1-3) by Julia Quinn
Credit: Avon
Bridgerton: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
Avon Bridgerton: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
Credit: Piatkus
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
Piatkus The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
Credit: Piatkus
An Offer From A Gentleman by Julia Quinn
Piatkus An Offer From A Gentleman by Julia Quinn
Now 44% Off
Credit: Piatkus
Romancing Mr Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Piatkus Romancing Mr Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Now 60% Off
Credit: Piatkus
To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn
Piatkus To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn
Now 46% Off
Credit: Piatkus
When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn
Piatkus When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn
Credit: Piatkus
It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn
Piatkus It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn
Credit: Piatkus
On The Way To The Wedding by Julia Quinn
Piatkus On The Way To The Wedding by Julia Quinn
Now 32% Off
Credit: Piatkus
The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn
Piatkus The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn
Credit: Piatkus