{"id":146256,"date":"2025-01-25T15:30:18","date_gmt":"2025-01-25T15:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/25\/which-bridgerton-characters-are-and-arent-returning-for-season-4\/"},"modified":"2025-01-25T15:30:18","modified_gmt":"2025-01-25T15:30:18","slug":"which-bridgerton-characters-are-and-arent-returning-for-season-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/25\/which-bridgerton-characters-are-and-arent-returning-for-season-4\/","title":{"rendered":"Which Bridgerton Characters Are \u2014 and Aren’t \u2014 Returning for Season 4"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\n Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma, Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton in \u2018Birdgerton.\u2019<\/span> Liam Daniel\/Netflix<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The fourth season of Bridgerton<\/em><\/a> will include many fan-favorites \u2014 but not everyone is returning for more episodes of the show.<\/p>\n

Bridgerton<\/em>, which is based on the book series written by Julia Quinn<\/strong><\/a>, centers around members of the wealthy Bridgerton family as they search for love in 19th century London. Season 1 followed Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor<\/strong>) and Simon Basset\u2019s (Reg\u00e9-Jean Page<\/strong>) romance, who were the central couple<\/a> in the first book, The Duke and I.<\/p>\n

Season 2, meanwhile, took inspiration from The Viscount Who Loved Me,<\/em> which followed Anthony Bridgerton<\/a> (Jonathan Bailey<\/strong>) finding love with Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley<\/strong>). Despite Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson<\/strong>) being the subject of the third novel \u2014 An Offer From a Gentleman<\/em> \u2014 his love story with newcomer Sophie (Yerin Ha<\/strong>) was pushed to season 4.<\/p>\n

Instead, the third season focused on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton<\/strong>) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan<\/strong>) as seen in Quinn\u2019s book Romancing Mister Bridgerton<\/em>. The shakeup has kept readers on their toes \u2014 as has former cast members stepping away from the show.<\/a><\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>‘Bridgerton’ Cast: See the Hit Netflix Show’s Stars Then and Now<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tBridgerton fans have watched the cast change on and off screen since the series first debuted. The historical drama, which is based on the book series written by Julia Quinn, follows the members of the wealthy Bridgerton family as they search for love in 19th century London. When Bridgerton premiered in 2020, the show centered [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Page became the most memorable exit<\/a> when he chose to wrap up one season in.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re free to do as they like,\u201d Page told Variety<\/em> in July 2022 after being asked about a recasting for Simon. \u201cShonda and I had a wonderful conversation at the end of season 1. We were quite happy with how we stuck the landing on that one. We did so well on that redemptive arc that people forget that Simon was kind of horrific. He was the best example of a Regency f\u2014kboy that any of us had come across.\u201d<\/p>\n

Page continued: \u201cAnd so, because we came around full circle so well, because we stuck that landing, you\u2019re left with this great feeling. You really do have to be brave about ending stories like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Bridgerton didn\u2019t recast Simon, Page has stood by his decision not to return. Dynevor later confirmed her own exit from the series, which didn\u2019t appear to be<\/a> her choice.<\/p>\n

Keep scrolling to see which Bridgerton<\/em> characters are returning \u2014 and which aren\u2019t \u2014 in season 4:\n<\/p>\n

Benedict Bridgerton<\/h3>\n
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Liam Daniel\/Netflix<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Thompson and Ha will be front and center<\/a> during season 4. \u201cIt\u2019s a fairy tale love story but it\u2019s also got the Bridgerton element of trying to sort of tether it to some sort of reality as well and see how that pans out,\u201d Thompson told Tudum<\/em> in September 2024 before Ha added, \u201c[Fans will see] this kind of emotional tug-of-war, or like this kind of push and pull between I guess what their heart desires, and I guess what society kind of desires for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>‘Bridgerton’ Burning Questions Answered After Surprising Story Line Changes<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tLiam Daniel\/Netflix Bridgerton season 3 just came to an end \u2014 and Us has already compiled answers to the biggest questions about the show. The third installment pulled inspiration from Julia Quinn\u2019s book Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, which focused on Colin (Luke Newton) and Penelope\u2019s (Nicola Coughlan) love story. After getting engaged, the fictional couple faced [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Anthony Bridgerton<\/h3>\n
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Liam Daniel\/Netflix<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bailey confirmed he will return as Anthony in season 4, sharing during a November 2024 appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers<\/em>, \u201cGonna reunite with the family next week. I\u2019ll always pop back and say hello.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate Bridgerton<\/h3>\n
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\u201cI know that I am returning, but that\u2019s all I can say,\u201d Ashley said in an interview with Glamour U.K.<\/em> in October 2024. \u201cI absolutely adore the show, and the more I can be a part of it, the better,\u201d she added. \u201cThey\u2019ve been really kind to work around my schedule.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eloise Bridgerton<\/h3>\n
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\"Which<\/div>
Liam Daniel\/Netflix<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When season 3 came to an end, Eloise (Claudia Jessie<\/strong>) joined Francesca (Hannah Dodd<\/strong>) on her trip. Eloise is a frontrunner to be the next lead with To Sir Phillip, With Love<\/em>, which is the fifth book in the franchise, reintroducing Phillip (Chris Fulton<\/strong>) as he built a connection with Eloise.<\/a><\/p>\n

Colin Bridgerton<\/h3>\n
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Liam Daniel\/Netflix<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In April 2024, Newton said he planned to remain on the show. \u201cIt\u2019s changed my life so I know that I\u2019ll be sticking around,\u201d he told High Life Magazine<\/em> at the time.<\/p>\n

Penelope Bridgerton<\/h3>\n
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\"Which<\/div>
Liam Daniel\/Netflix<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Coughlan received an invitation to return, telling The Wrap<\/em> in May 2024, \u201cThey\u2019ve told us we\u2019re back for Season 4, which is super lovely \u2026 It\u2019ll be exciting. [We\u2019ll] pop back and have some fun for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Francesca Stirling<\/h3>\n
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\u201cI can\u2019t say if it\u2019s in season 4 or not, but yes, there will be a time jump. I mean, we also really want to honor John and Francesca\u2019s relationship, which although we are telling a queer story with Francesca, I don\u2019t think that that negates her genuine connection with John. I know a lot of people have really fallen for that relationship, and we in the room really cared deeply about that relationship and about their connection,\u201d showrunner Jess Brownell<\/strong> told The Hollywood Reporter<\/em> in June 2024. \u201cI think hopefully, it\u2019s a lovely statement on the fact that relationships based in companionship, respect, friendship, trust and shared interests are just as valid as relationships that are super passionate. Both have value, and neither negates the other.\u201d<\/p>\n

She concluded: \u201cSo we\u2019re absolutely not denying the connection that Fran and John have, and when we tell the Francesca and Michaela story, we would definitely want there to be a time jump to give Francesca some time to earnestly mourn what she had with John.\u201d<\/p>\n

John Stirling<\/h3>\n
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Liam Daniel\/Netflix<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Victor Alli<\/strong> was introduced as Francesca\u2019s love interest \u2014 and future husband \u2014 in season 3. While the fictional couple ended up together, book fans know that John ultimately dies and Francesca finds love with his cousin Michael, who has been gender-swapped on the show. Alli and Masali Baduza<\/strong>, who plays Michaela, are both set to reprise<\/a> their roles in season 4.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m confident now that when Francesca has her Bridgerton season, it will be the most emotional and heart-wrenching story of the show, just like When He Was Wicked<\/em> has always been the true tear-jerker of the Bridgerton book series,\u201d Quinn wrote in a June 2024 statement. \u201cHonestly, it may pack even more of a punch, since John is getting a lot more time on the screen than he ever did on the page, and I think it\u2019s fair to say we\u2019ve all fallen a little bit in love with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hyacinth Bridgerton<\/h3>\n
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Liam Daniel\/Netflix<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The seventh book in the Bridgerton<\/em> series follows Hyacinth\u2019s love story. Florence Hunt<\/strong>, who has played the character since season 1, has been announced as a cast member for future installments.<\/p>\n

Gregory Bridgerton<\/h3>\n
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Liam Daniel\/Netflix<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With Gregory being the last Bridgerton lead<\/a>, Will Tilston<\/strong> will continue to make guest appearances until season 8.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the things that was very exciting when they actually first bought the series was that it was really clear to me that they put a lot of thought into it already,\u201d Quinn told People<\/em> in July 2024. \u201cWe had to go through everything and very specifically say, \u2018These characters are included, these characters are not.\u2019 In that process, it was really clear to me that they had a long plan and were really thinking about all the books.\u201d<\/p>\n

Daphne Basset<\/h3>\n
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Liam Daniel\/Netflix<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During an interview with The Direct<\/em> in January 2025, Dyenvor said she\u2019s \u201cstill waiting on that call\u201d to return to the show, adding, \u201cThey\u2019ve not called me yet and I think they\u2019re shooting season 4 right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Simon Basset<\/h3>\n
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Liam Daniel\/Netflix<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Netflix announced in April 2021 that Page would not be reprising his role as the Duke<\/a> of Hastings despite plans for Daphne to appear in future seasons.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a one-season arc. It\u2019s going to have a beginning, middle, end \u2014 give us a year,\u201d he told Variety<\/em> at the time. \u201c[I thought] \u2018That\u2019s interesting,\u2019 because then it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit, and then the Bridgerton family rolls on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Page has stood by his decision even though fans have publicly voiced their disappointment about not getting to see where Simon\u2019s story goes from here.<\/p>\n

Queen Charlotte<\/h3>\n
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Liam Daniel\/Netflix<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite the real Queen Charlotte\u2019s death in 1818<\/a>, showrunner Jess Brownell<\/strong> confirmed the show would get creative to keep Golda Rosheuvel<\/strong> on the show.<\/p>\n

\u201cI worship Golda Rosheuvel and I think she\u2019s so fantastic in her role. Shonda [Rhimes]<\/strong> and I, internally, have just decided that we\u2019re in an alternate dimension,\u201d Brownell told TVLine<\/em> in June 2024 about why viewers don\u2019t have to worry about Charlotte being killed off. \u201cThere\u2019s potential that in this timeline, Queen Charlotte could live forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Voice of Lady Whistledown<\/h3>\n
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Liam Daniel\/Netflix<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When Penelope\u2019s identity as Whistledown was a secret, iconic film actress Julie Andrews<\/strong> did the voiceover for the character. Season 3 shook things up by having Penelope take that over after revealing she was behind the Whistledown columns.<\/p>\n

\u201cThematically and creatively, that would be the right thing to do. Penelope is owning her voice, so it really should be Nicola\u2019s voice. But it\u2019s Julie Andrews and I don\u2019t know how you say no thank you anymore to Julie Andrews,\u201d Brownell shared with EW<\/em> in June 2024. \u201cI couldn\u2019t possibly, so to me that\u2019s just the voice that Penelope uses in her head when she writes the thing. But it doesn\u2019t take away from the fact that she\u2019s owning her true self now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brownell used the opportunity to hint at whether Whistledown will<\/a> continue to play a role, adding, \u201cIt means that she\u2019s now a public scandal writer, which is going to be a tricky balance. \u2026 She has everyone knowing who she is. After her arc this season, she\u2019s going to be wrestling with accountability and with righteousness and trying to figure out what the right path is to use her pen responsibly.\u201d<\/p>\n

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