Summary
- Season five will focus on Francesca Bridgerton, played by Hannah Dodd, as the story explores her life following the death of her husband, John Stirling.
- Nicola Coughlan has confirmed she will return as Penelope Bridgerton, although fans should expect to see less of her this season.
- The most significant confirmed departure is Victor Alli, who is not expected to return following the death of John Stirling in season four.
Netflix’s hit period drama Bridgerton is officially in production for its fifth season, with the streaming giant confirming that the series will return in 2027. As filming gets underway, details about the cast have begun to emerge, including one confirmed departure, several returning favourites and a former lead who says she is still waiting for an invitation to return.
Season five will focus on Francesca Bridgerton, played by Hannah Dodd, as the story explores her life following the death of her husband, John Stirling. Masali Baduza will reprise her role as Michaela Stirling, who is expected to play a central part in Francesca’s emotional journey throughout the upcoming season.
Netflix is also expanding the show’s ensemble with several new additions. Tega Alexander has been cast as Christopher Anderson, while Jacqueline Boatswain will portray Helen Stirling. Gemma Knight Jones is joining the series as Lady Elizabeth Ashworth, introducing fresh characters to the Bridgerton universe.
A number of familiar faces are also set to return. The confirmed returning cast includes Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton, Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte, Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury, and Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton. Showrunner Jess Brownell has also confirmed that Alice and Will Mondrich will continue to be part of the story, ensuring the Mondrich family remains involved in the series.
Nicola Coughlan has confirmed she will return as Penelope Bridgerton, although fans should expect to see less of her this season. Speaking previously on the Dish podcast, she said, “Season five had started filming already, so I won’t be in it very much. I’m always happy to come back. I think it’s a genuinely lovely job to come back to.”
Several other major cast members—including Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, Luke Newton and Polly Walker—are widely expected to reprise their roles. However, Netflix has not yet officially confirmed their involvement in the upcoming season.
The most significant confirmed departure is Victor Alli, who is not expected to return following the death of John Stirling in season four. Meanwhile, former series lead Phoebe Dynevor, who played Daphne Bridgerton, revealed that she has not yet been contacted about returning. She previously said, “I have not received a call. When I get that call, I will be there if I can,” indicating that she remains open to reprising her role if the opportunity arises. With filming now underway, fans can expect more casting announcements and story details to emerge ahead of the show’s anticipated 2027 release.
