Middle Bridgerton daughter Francesca (Hannah Dodd) will be the focus of the upcoming fifth season of the hit Netflix period drama

It’s official – Netflix has revealed that middle Bridgerton daughter Francesca (Hannah Dodd) will be the focus of the upcoming fifth season.

Production is underway for the new season of the hit period drama, which will focus on the romance between Francesca and her late husband’s sister, Michaela (Masali Baduza).

Francesca and Michaela's love story will be the focus of season five© LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX
Francesca and Michaela’s love story will be the focus of season five

While many viewers are overjoyed with the decision, others were hoping to see Eloise (Claudia Jessie) take centre stage in the upcoming episodes.

As fans will know, the hit period drama is based on Julia Quinn’s book series about eight Bridgerton siblings in Regency-era London. While seasons one and two followed the order of the book series, the third instalment focused on Colin’s romance with Penelope Featherington, rather than Benedict’s love story, which came in season four.

While Eloise’s story comes before Francesca’s in the books, it seems Netflix will continue to go out of order for seasons five and six.

Fans reactions to season 5 leads

Fans expressed their disappointment on social media, with some expecting the show to follow the order of the books. One person wrote on X: “I’m sorry but WHAT?! Fran was just widowed! Eloise’s book is next! Eloise has been there since day one. Why does Fran get to go ahead of her? I like Fran but this makes no freaking sense. It’s so unfair to Eloise, the actress, and her fans.”

Hannah Dodd as Francesca in Bridgerton© Netflix
Hannah Dodd as Francesca in Bridgerton

A second viewer penned: “Genuinely shocked by this from a storytelling perspective,” while another added: “I really wanted Eloise next so badly ugh. I think Francesca needs time to heal and grieve John before she’s ready for Michaela.”

However, not all fans were displeased by the announcement. One person wrote: “I am so unbelievably excited, I cannot wait for their story,” while another added: “So Season 5 of Bridgerton will be Franchaela… I was hoping it was Eloise’s season but I’m still excited for them.”

What to expect from season 5

Introverted middle daughter Francesca is the focus of season five. Two years after the death of her husband John, Fran decides to return to the marriage mart for practical reasons.

The synopsis continues: “But when John’s cousin Michaela returns to London to tend to the Kilmartin estate, Fran’s complicated feelings will have her questioning whether to stick to her pragmatic intentions or pursue her inner passions.”

Francesca and John in Bridgerton© Netflix
In season four, John passed away, leaving Francesca a widow

Ahead of the release of season four, part two, showrunner Jess Brownell revealed that the extensive subplots help set up the plot for future seasons.

Speaking at a Q&A at London’s BFI, which HELLO! attended, Jess explained how the writers balance the main storylines with the subplots. “The way that I have been approaching side plots this season and going into season five is really starting with the theme,” she said. “What is the theme for the main couple, and how can we use the side plots to support that?”

“It’s about setting up future seasons,” she continued.