Why does Francesca Bridgerton look so different (and who is she again)?
Meet Hannah Dodd, the new actress playing Francesca Bridgerton, and other new members of the season 3 "Bridgerton" cast.
While watching the opening scenes of Bridgerton's third season (or even scanning photographs and trailers pre-release), you may find yourself wondering — who is this member of the Bridgerton family I don't recognize?
That, dear reader, is one Francesca Bridgerton, the sixth Bridgerton child and third daughter. The reason she may not be familiar to you is because in seasons 1 and 2 of the Netflix series, she was portrayed by Ruby Stokes. Stokes was only seen in two episodes of season 1, as Francesca spent most of the season away in Bath. She appeared in three episodes of season 2, most notably during Eloise's (Claudia Jessie) presentation to the queen in the first episode and during the Bridgerton house party (particularly the pall mall game).
For season 3, Hannah Dodd has taken over the role, becoming the newest member of the Bridgerton family. It's not exactly out-of-character for Francesca to have played such a minor role in previous seasons; she is a younger member of the family and she's known to be the most shy and unassuming of the bunch.
Related: New Bridgerton season 3 images show return of Kate and Anthony, a recast Francesca
But Francesca plays a major role this season. She is now officially being presented to Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), and as this is her first season, her mother, Violet (Ruth Gemmell), hopes she might become the second "diamond" in the family. For her part, Francesca is more interested in playing the pianoforte and finding a husband as quickly as possible so as to expedite the process of courting and being on the marriage market. But might a suitor convince her there's more for her in this life than settling?
Francesca isn't the only fresh face this season. There's a range of new suitors on the marriage market. Let's meet them.
Lord Alfred Debling (Sam Phillips)
Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) is ready to find a husband, realizing that a woman can have greater independence in marriage than other the thumb of her family. With a wardrobe makeover, a fresh confidence, and some flirting lessons from Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), she catches the eye of Lord Alfred Debling. Debling is known as a bit of an oddity in the ton, due to his vegetarianism and his interest in the natural world. But Penelope finds a kindred spirit in Debling, knowing what it is to feel like an outsider in the ton. Could they find happiness with each other?
Related: Colin gives Penelope husband-hunting lessons in first Bridgerton season 3 trailer
Lord John Stirling , Earl of Kilmartin (Victor Alli)
As Francesca navigates her first season, she is faced with plenty of eager suitors. But Lord John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin, becomes an unexpected contender with his own introverted personality. Book lovers will be extra excited to see the name John Stirling appear, as he plays a key role in Francesca's life on the page.
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Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis)
Hold the phone (er, quill pen)! Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) has a brother?! And he is fine as a perfectly aged wine. When Lord Marcus Anderson, recently widowed, returns to London and the social scene, he strikes up a warm friendship with Lady Violet Bridgerton. Could the two find more in each other's company?
Season 3 of Bridgerton will air in two parts, with part 1 hitting Netflix on May 16 and part 2 following a month later on June 13.
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