Netflix's hit series 'Bridgerton' has officially announced the lead couple for its upcoming fifth season, which will focus on the family's introverted middle daughter, Francesca, played by Hannah Dodd. This season will mark the show's first queer love story, centring on a romance that showrunner Jess Brownell says is traditionally 'excluded from period dramas'.
Production is underway for the new season, which will see Francesca deciding to 're-enter the marriage mart' for practical reasons two years after the death of her husband, John. However, when his cousin Michaela, portrayed by Masali Baduza, returns to London, Francesca's 'complicated feelings' lead her to question her pragmatic intentions and pursue her inner passions.
Dodd, who took over the role from Ruby Stokes in season three, expressed the importance of the storyline, stating: 'Queer people did exist, have always existed, and will always exist – so they deserve a love story just like everybody else.' Baduza added that the show aims to provide 'a realistic view of queer love onscreen and give them a happily ever after', noting the significance for the queer community to see such representation.
Showrunner Jess Brownell praised the new leads, saying: 'I cannot say enough good things about Hannah and Masali. The two of them have such a beautiful friendship and support each other in such a beautiful way. They’re actors who are able to say so much with just an expression, with just their faces.'
The fifth season follows previous storylines: Daphne and Simon in season one, Anthony and Kate in season two, Colin and Penelope in season three, and Benedict and Sophie in season four. While some core cast members have departed, Brownell confirmed that characters played by Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor will not be recast, stating it would be 'a disservice to everything they set up'.
