Bridgerton Season two has finally dropped on Netflix and fans are delighted.
The second instalment of the period drama features a brand new family, and plenty of more romance.
Bridgerton is based on Julia Quinn's novels set in the competitive world of Regency era London's ton during the season, when debutantes are presented at court.
Season one was released on Christmas Day 2020 and quickly became the most watched show on Netflix of all time.
It's since been overtaken by South Korean series Squid Game, but that doesn't mean fans weren't eagerly awaiting season two.
Back in February last year it was announced that Simone Ashley had been cast as Kate Sharma, the female lead for the second instalment.
But who is Simone Ashley? And where have you seen her before?
What else has Simone Ashley been in prior to Bridgerton?
Simone, 26, is most recognisable from her role in another hit Netflix series - Sex Education.
She played the part of Olivia Hanan in 15 episodes of the much-loved show before landing a role on a miniseries named The Sister.
Simone landed her first television role back in 2016 playing Zuhra in fantasy teen drama Wolfblood.
She went on to star in one episode of BBC show Guilt, before playing Dana in two episodes of popular ITV drama Broadchurch.
In terms of movie credits, Simone has starred in films including Boogie Man, Kill Ben Lyk and a short film named Sparrow.
She also had a minor part in Detective Pikachu, and it set to lend her voice to an upcoming movie named Bulldog.
Who did Simone Ashley play in Netflix series Sex Education?
Netflix series Sex Education first landed on the streaming service back in 2019, and while Simone doesn't play a main part, her character is certainly memorable.
Simone plays the role of Olivia Hanan, who is a member of the Untouchables as well as Otis Milburn's first official client in his sex therapy business.
Olivia hangs out with fellow school kids Ruby and Anwar and the trio think they're far superior to anyone else who attends Moordale Secondary School.
Speaking to Wonderland magazine last year, Simone compared the two Netflix shows and said: "With Bridgerton, it’s much more intense than Sex Education in the sense that if I’m not filming, I’m horse riding, training or in rehearsals.
"I’m in accent training or I’m in a fitting… I’ve never really worn a corset before, so that took some getting used to."
Simone went on to describe Sex Education as "a really fun job to be a part of" and added: "I’m so grateful to be a part of that show. It’s a cast and crew of such incredibly intelligent, wonderful people with really big hearts.
"And, all in all, as well as being part of the series, that was a massive thing I took away from the job, I made some really amazing friends."
Where was Simone Ashley born and what languages does she speak?
Simone was born to Tamil Indian parents Latha and Gunasekharan on March 30, 1995, and is from Camberley, Surrey and has an older brother.
The actress has spoken about how despite growing up in a household of academics, she was always drawn more towards the creative fields and grew up singing classical music and opera as well as playing piano.
The family later moved to Beaconsfield whilst Simone attended Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead for sixth form. She went on to train in acting at Arts Educational School in London.
Simone has previously opened up about how her traditional Indian family were hesitant about her pursuing the unconventional career.
"They still find it quite scary and unsettling. There is no crystal ball, no security, no guarantee. Which can be a parent's worst nightmare," she told Veylex.
"But they know I'm a smart lady. You can't spend your life going with what your parents want, or your friends, teachers, lovers, want."
Simone can no doubt speak Tamil, as well as English, due to her upbringing.
Bridgerton Season 2 is available to watch on Netflix now.
