Bridgerton season three will feature a lot more of Francesca Bridgerton, but the actress playing the character is going to look very different indeed.
In news that is sure to intrigue Lady Whistledown, current Francesca actress Ruby Stokes is leaving the period drama to focus on another Netflix project, Lockwood & Co.
In light of the change-up, Netflix has confirmed that Anatomy of a Scandal star Hannah Dodd will be taking over the role, after impressing as a younger version of Sienna Miller's character in the recent thriller.
The bio for Francesca describes the socialite as "a bit of a mystery within her chatty, extroverted family".
"Despite her reserved nature, she goes along to get along when it comes to society affairs, fortified with a dry wit and pragmatism that confound the fickle Ton yet seem to draw attention when she least desires it," it continues.
Clearly thrilled with the news, Bridgerton's official Twitter account welcomed the announcement. "The only thing the Ton loves more than a scandal is a celebration," it quipped. "Do joyously welcome the newest member to the Bridgerton family."
The pressure is no doubt on for the third season of Bridgerton, after its second instalment smashed an impressive Netflix record.
Following its premiere back in March, the soapy, steamy series (less steamy this time around, mind) clocked in 251.7 million viewing hours across its first seven days, making it the most-watched English-language TV series in Netflix history.
And there's a spin-off on the horizon, too.
Shortly after the release of Bridgerton season two, a prequel was confirmed, with the as-yet-titled series set to tell the backstories of Lady Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell), Lady Agatha Danbury (Adjoa Andoh), and Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel).
Bridgerton seasons 1-2 are streaming now on Netflix.
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