Romantic period drama Bridgerton had the world hooked when it aired in 2020, with its loyal fans eagerly awaiting its return with a new season.
Now, the long wait is over as the second season is set to drop on Netflix on Friday, March 25, 2022, bringing fan-favourite characters as well as new faces to our screens.
While last season focused on the love story between Duke of Hastings ( Regé Jean Page ) and eldest Bridgerton daughter Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor), this season brings a new love story to life.
Here's everything you need to know about season two of Bridgerton including who's returning and who has left the series.
Who is returning to Bridgerton?
Phoebe Dynevor, who played a central character as Daphne Bridgerton is expected to make a return for season two to help her family throughout the season.
In her supporting role, she will be encouraging the marriage of her wild older brother Anthony, Johnathan Bailey, as well as supporting her younger sister Eloise's debut, played by Claudia Jessie.
We'll also be reunited with Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughla n, and have a chance to be reacquainted with the Featherington family's drama. Lady Portia, who is played by Polly Walker, will also be back with her unwanted and pregnant houseguest Marina Thompson, played by Ruby Barker, as well as her unmarried daughters.
Other familiar Bridgerton cast faces that will be returning include Benedict, played by Luke Thompson, Luke Newton as Colin, Lady Violet, Francesca, Gregory and Hyacinth.
Finally, Lady Danbury, played by Adjoa Andoh, alongside Jessica Madsen as Cressida Cowpe, Kathryn Drysdale as Genevieve, Martins Imhangbe as Will Mondrich and Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte.
Who won't be returning to Bridgerton?
While Phoebe Dynevor will be making appearances as Daphne, fans have been saddened to know that actor Regé-Jean Page, who played the charming Duke of Hastings, Simon Bassett, will not be part of season two.
Last year, a post on the Bridgerton's official Instagram confirmed: "While all eyes return to Lord Anthony Bridgerton's quest to find a Viscountess, we bid adieu to Regé Jean Page who so triumphantly played the Duke of Hastings, We'll miss Simon's presence onscreen but he'll always be part of the Bridgerton family."
Who are the new characters on Bridgerton?
One of the major new additions to the Bridgerton cast in the new season is Sex Education's Simone Ashley, who will be joining as Kate Sharma.
Kate Sharma is Anthony's love interest and is described as a "smart, headstrong young woman who suffers no fools." Ashley will be joined by actress Charithra Chandran, who takes on the role of Kate's sister Edwina Sharma.
Another new face in the cast is Rupert Young, who plays Jack, a character created specifically for the series. Also joining are Shelley Conn, playing Mary, the mother of the Sharma sisters as well as Calam Lynch, who will play printer's assistant Theo Sharpe.
