A Bridgerton role has been recast, as Anatomy of a Scandal star Hannah Dodd has been revealed to be joining the series three cast. The 26-year-old actress will be stepping in to play the role of Francesca Bridgerton.
Hannah recently featured in Netflix's psychological thriller Anatomy of a Scandal which also starred Sienna Miller, Michelle Dockery and Rupert Friend. She has also starred in the TV series Find Me in Paris, Harlots and recently wrapped filming the Enola Homes sequel.
The role of Francesca was previously played by Ruby Stokes, who has now gone on to star in the upcoming Netflix series Lockwood & Co, an adaptation of a book series by Jonathan Stroud. The character has only made brief appearances in the first two series, mainly starring in scenes involving the whole Bridgerton family.
But the recasting of the role suggests we could see more of Francesca going into series three. In terms of the books, that would mean Benedict Bridgerton's story is next in line, but Shonda Rhimes has previously said they're "not necessarily going in order", telling Entertainment Tonight: "So we're not necessarily going in order—but we are going to be seeing each one of the siblings and their stories."
Netflix UK and Ireland tweeted the news on May 12 posting: "BRIDGERTON NEWS: Hannah Dodd (Anatomy of a Scandal) will star as Francesca Bridgerton in Season 3. She takes over the role from Ruby Stokes who is moving on to star in Netflix's Lockwood & Co. Can't wait to welcome Hannah to the family".
The Bridgerton Twitter account added: "The only thing the Ton loves more than a scandal is a celebration. Do joyously welcome the newest member to the Bridgerton family". The actress took to her personal Instagram sharing the news to her 107k followers adding the caption: "Terrified. I'll work my socks off I promise".
Hannah has previously worked with one of her soon-to-be Bridgerton co-stars Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Feathering/Lady Whistledown, as the pair starred together in the TV series Harlots. Nicola commented on the Instagram post: "Welcome!! So happy we're working together again!!.
You can watch both series of Bridgerton on Netflix.
