Bridgerton newcomer Gracie McGonigal, who played serving girl Hazel in the fourth season, has praised her co-stars Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha as 'unbelievable' actors. Speaking exclusively at the National Film Awards, McGonigal opened up about her experience filming the latest series, which followed Benedict Bridgerton's love story with Sophie Baek.
Gracie McGonigal's Role and Experience
McGonigal's character Hazel worked as a serving girl at Bridgerton House and became a close friend of Sophie. She described the experience as 'incredible' and noted the challenge of keeping it secret from friends and family. 'It was absolutely unbelievable,' she told Wales Online.
She also highlighted how the season provided more insight into the lives of the 'downstairs' characters, bringing a fresh energy to the show. 'Bringing that different energy to the show, feeling like something new four seasons in, something you don't get all the time, it was lovely to do that,' she said.
Praise for Co-Stars and Hints at Season Five
McGonigal praised Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha as 'unbelievable' and admitted she is a fan of everyone in the show. 'With something as amazing as Bridgerton, I'm still looking around like, 'Ah I love your work!'' she added.
When asked about a potential return for the fifth season, she coyly replied: 'TBC, I cannot confirm or deny, but I'm excited for it nonetheless!'
Upcoming Season Five: A Groundbreaking Queer Love Story
Bridgerton season five, set to air in 2027, will focus on Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza). Showrunner Jess Brownell described it as 'groundbreaking' for featuring a sapphic relationship. 'But to make an entire Bridgerton season about a sapphic relationship feels huge,' Brownell told Netflix Tudum.
Hannah Dodd added: 'Queer love stories have traditionally been excluded from things like period dramas — and queer people did exist, have always existed, and will always exist.' Masali Baduza emphasized the goal of giving a realistic view of queer love onscreen and a happily ever after.
