Bridgerton season three: Secrets and scandals

Dearest gentle readers, the ton is abuzz with excitement as Bridgerton returns to our screens. With the new social season upon us, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) is set to catch the eye of several suitors this season.

But as this author knows all too well, the course of true love never runs smooth, and season three is filled with secrets and scandals that would even surprise Lady Whistledown! Here, Woman’s Day uncovers them all…

Penelope gives herself a makeover, spending all her Lady Whistledown money on clothes. (Image: Netflix)

FRANCESCA’S NEW FACE

One of the biggest scandals to rock the Bridgerton set this season was when Francesca Bridgerton was recast. The original actress to portray Francesca, Ruby Stokes, was unable to join due to scheduling conflicts, so Enola Holmes 2 star Hannah Dodd was brought in to portray the Bridgerton sibling.

Fans were outraged by the decision, but Hannah’s casting was warmly welcomed by her co-stars… although that didn’t stop her from being terrified to join the show.

“It’s got to be pretty intimidating to step into this world, especially with all these actors knowing one another,” said director Tom Verica. “She revealed later in the season she was just absolutely terrified, which we didn’t see at the time… We were very clear about welcoming her and making her feel at home.”

Hannah Dodd steps into the role of Francesca Bridgerton. (Image: Netflix)

SHE’S ALL THAT

The talk of the town has been Penelope’s glow-up, and the inspiration behind it came from the ’90s rom-com She’s All That.

“A makeover is a huge trope in the rom-com genre, so it felt right,” showrunner Jess Brownell said. “We talked a lot in the room about She’s All That, which is one of my favourite movies.

“There’s this iconic moment where Rachael Leigh Cook walks down the stairs – she’s taken off her glasses, she’s put on a red dress and suddenly she’s instantly popular and beautiful.”

Fans will no doubt recognise the reference in the first episode when Penelope comes down the stairs at the Four Seasons Ball, showcasing her new look. But the look is more Old Hollywood – think movie sirens like Marilyn Monroe.

Missing sister Phoebe Dynevor shot to stardom after starring in the lead role of Daphne Bridgerton in season one. She reprised her role in season two, but one of the biggest mysteries surrounding season three was whether the young actress would be back.

Unfortunately, Phoebe told Screen Rant she is “sadly not in season three. Potentially in the future. But season three, I’m just excited to watch as a viewer.” Adding to the intrigue, no reason has been given by Phoebe or producers for her departure.

There are set to be some steamy scenes between Penelope and Colin this season. (Image: Netflix)

BROKEN FURNITURE

Bridgerton is known for its racy love scenes and this season the rumours that it’s set to get even more explicit are ringing true. Stars Nicola and Luke Newton (Colin Bridgerton) revealed that they actually broke the furniture on the set while filming their sex scenes together. “Yeah, hell yeah, we did,” Nicola said, before adding that she and Luke “could have a laugh about it”.

The actress added that she requested a watered-down version of the season to watch with her family. “I’ve requested a PG version for my mammy, because I’m not doing that,” Nicola, 37, told Ireland’s Today FM.

MARITAL BLISS

After a season of “will they, won’t they?” beloved season two leads Kate (Simone Ashley) and Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) finally got together.

Now back from their honeymoon, the couple are set to take up their roles as the heads of the Bridgerton family.

“We see them together as a team,” says Simone. “It’s a positive and hopeful thing, especially when it comes to love and a partnership for two very stubborn, complicated characters.”

Word on the street is that the couple could also be set to welcome an addition to the Bridgerton family… watch this space.

The Bridgerton family. (Image: Netflix)

FEUDING FRIENDS

Fans were devastated by the fallout between Penelope and her BFF Eloise (Claudia Jessie) last season. And it seems things are still frosty between the former friends. In fact, Eloise seems to have found a new confidante in Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen).

“The friendship with Eloise is an interesting one,” says Jessica. “She has all the best intentions.” What will Pen have to say?

Woman's Day