Netflix has announced three new faces for the cast of hit regency romp Bridgerton for its fifth season, which will focus on Francesca and Michaela’s ‘groundbreaking’ slow burn.

The ballrooms of the Mayfair are set to welcome some fresh new faces, as Netflix have announced a new cast for Bridgerton‘s fifth season. Three stars have joined the cast for what Netflix have promised will be a “groundbreaking” slow burn romance between Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela (Masali Baduza).

Hannah, Masali and the rest of the cast have already begun filming season five, which takes place two years after the events of season four, in which Francesca‘s husband John Stirling (Victor Alli) died. John and Michaela were cousins and, immediately after his death, Francesca and Michaela turned to each other to get through their grief.

But season five will see Francesca put on a brave face as she follows a practical path as a widow, while Michaela flees London. How will both cope, when Michaela returns? Will Francesca stick to her pragmatic ways or will Michaela bring out an inner passion in her?

Season five will also bring a new mystery, as Lady Whistledown is back. In prior series, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) was the wallflower behind the gossip column, but stopped writing her pamphlets in season four. Yet, the series ended with a brand new Whistledown picking up their quill.

Fans will have to wait until mid-to-late 2027 to find out who that mysterious person is, as that is when the show will return to Netflix. There will of course be more intrigue and storylines, as a sixth series has already been confirmed. While we eagerly await the next instalment, here’s a rundown of the new cast and where we left the ton in series four…

Masali Baduza and Hannah Dodd as Michaela and Francesca Stirling

Masali and Hannah have already been announced as the leads of Bridgerton season five. When talking about the series, showrunner Jess Brownell said: “It feels groundbreaking. Obviously, there are a lot of great shows that have depicted queer love. We’re not the first by any means but to make an entire Bridgerton season about a sapphic relationship feels huge.”

Tega Alexander as Christopher Anderson

Tega Alexander, known for his recent role in Guy Ritchie’s Mobland, will be playing Christopher Anderson, the son of Lord Anderson – the man Violet Bridgerton had a fling with last season.

Netflix described the character as a “regency-era Casanova who could give the Bridgerton bachelors a run for their money”. But his cheeky persona is hiding crippling self-doubt that could “unravel” him.

Gemma Knight Jones as Elizabeth Ashworth

Also known for Mobland, Gemma Knight Jones will join Bridgerton as Elizabeth Ashworth, an old friend of Michaela’s. She will serve as her confidante and guide to London, both the city and society’s unspoken rules.

Jacqueline Boatswain as Helen Stirling

Jacqueline Boatswain has recently been on The Blame opposite Michelle Keegan and in The Marlow Murder Club. Now, she will play Helen Stirling, Michaela’s mother.

“Like any mama, she seeks to guide — and occasionally push — her daughter through London’s social season, with equal measures vivaciousness and tough love,” said Netflix.

Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton

Season four ended with Eloise seemingly looking more favourably on marriage. As such, some thought Eloise might be the subject of season five. But as Francesca is now confirmed as the lead, Eloise is looking more likely to be the focus of season six.

In her book, Eloise runs away from London to stay with Philip Crane, the widower of Marina Thompson. As the TV version so far seems intent on being a spinster, will series five see Eloise feel a little lonelier?

Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson as Sophie and Benedict Bridgerton

Sophie married Benedict at the end of Bridgerton season four. In previous seasons, the Bridgeton siblings that had already had their stories played out appeared much less frequently in the following seasons.

As such, it is not certain if Sophie and Benedict will return for season five, and if they do, in what capacity.

Will Tilston and Florence Hunt as Gregory and Hyacinth Bridgerton

The youngest Bridgerton siblings are likely to play a bigger role in the next series, as their own stories get closer to the forefront.

Gregory spent the last series developing a crush on one of his peers and turned to his elder brothers for help. Will he fall in love this series?

Meanwhile, Hyacinth was determined to make her debut to society but started to question whether finding a husband was worth it if it could end in tragedy, as it did with her sister Francesca and John. Will her interest in love be renewed going forward?

Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton and Daniel Francis as Marcus Anderson

Violet and Lord Anderson spent much of season four having a secret relationship. He even proposed to her, which she accepted. However, at the end of the series, Violet decided that she could not go through with marrying him.

With Lord Anderson’s son now on the scene, it seems he is not out of the picture. Will these two manage to reconcile?

Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan as Colin and Penelope Bridgerton

Both Colin and Penelope stuck around for season four, despite wrapping up their story in season three. Penelope ultimately decided to retire her Lady Whistledown gossip column, but a new Whistledown is on the scene. Will she discover who it is?