Bridgerton fans were left reeling when it was announced that Regé-Jean Page was exiting the show as the Duke of Hastings after season one.
The Netflix Regency-era drama became the streaming giant's biggest series to binge watch with the Duke and Daphne becoming the It Couple of Lady Whistledown's gossip page, but what will happen to Daphne without her Duke in season two?
Daphne Bridgerton actress Phoebe Dynevor has revealed that Daphne is still very much part of the family – in fact, she's running the show now she's married and is a mother.
"Daphne has become the adult of the family," Dynevor told Entertainment Weekly. "She's found what she's looking for — she's had a baby, she's a wife and mother. There's a real confidence and womanhood about her this season."
The actress added that Daphne is "running the family because she's the one who's settled now" and that she's the one trying to pass on her knowledge to her siblings, especially to Anthony who is being pushed to find a bride.
"She is the rock of the siblings in this season, which is quite nice to play. Daphne's leading the way in terms of knowing what love is, what it means, and what marriage means, and she's trying to pass on that knowledge to Anthony."
Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) will be the main character in season 2 and Daphne will be there for him as he searches for the love of his life.
"Daphne has a really good knack of not only empathising with people around her," the actress adds, "but also seeing their blind spots. She did it with Simon, and now she's doing it with Anthony."
Will he find love? Well, rumour has it, there is to be a rather awkward love triangle for Anthony to look forward to involving siblings, so that should take care of Lady Whistledown's column for a while.
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.
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