Bridgerton fans have been left gobsmacked after discovering that Violet Bridgerton actress Ruth Gemmell previously played Tracy Beaker's mother in a beloved BBC children's show. The 58-year-old star appeared as Carly Beaker in the 2004 TV film Tracy Beaker's The Movie of Me.
In the film, Gemmell portrayed Carly, a working stunt actress who struggled with an unexpected pregnancy. Carly briefly reconnects with her daughter Tracy, played by Dani Harmer, but later forgets her birthday and announces she is moving to Hollywood, giving Cam, played by Lisa Coleman, her blessing to foster Tracy. Gemmell reprised the role in a 2021 episode of My Mum Tracy Beaker.
Reacting on X, formerly Twitter, one fan wrote: 'Can’t believe Tracy Beaker’s mum is a Bridgerton.' Another added: 'Americans will never understand the very British joy of the dowager Lady Bridgerton being played by Tracy Beaker's deadbeat mum.'
In season four of the Netflix drama, Violet Bridgerton has embarked on her first love story with Marcus Anderson, played by Daniel Francis, since the death of her husband Edmund. The midseason finale featured a steamy scene with Gemmell in a racy corset, which she described as 'scary' but ultimately comfortable thanks to the supportive crew.
Bridgerton season four part two premieres on Thursday, February 26, on Netflix.
