It's been almost four months since Bridgerton dropped on Netflix and now, with season two confirmed, fans of the show are on the edges of the seats waiting to find out which of the cast will be coming back and, of course, when the next season begins.
Much to our dismay, the Duke - played by heartthrob Regé-Jean Page - will not be returning to the Regency-era drama after it was announced last week (by the one and only Lady Whistledown) that the show would be saying goodbye to the actor "who so triumphantly played the Duke of Hastings."
In the letter, which was posted to the series' Twitter account, gossip writer Lady Whistledown explained that the new series will follow "Lord Anthony Bridgerton's quest to find a Viscountess," and, despite her husband's departure, the Duchess of Hastings (Daphne Bridgerton) will "remain a devoted wife and sister, helping her brother navigate the upcoming social season."
So, with the Duke - real name Simon - absent, who will be picking up his air time?
Well, dearest readers, as it happens, Bridgerton season two will be welcoming as many as FIVE new cast members and you might recognise some of them...
The season two Bridgerton cast - who's joining the show?
Season 2 Bridgerton cast
1 of 5Simone Ashley who will play Kate Sharma
If you haven't been living under a rock these past couple years, you'll probably recognise Simone from a not-so-little Netflix original called Sex Education. In the show, Simone plays 'cool' girl Olivia but, now cast for Bridgerton's second season, she will be playing Kate Sharma. According to Shondaland TV, Kate is, "equal parts headstrong and whip smart."Her sharp wit and independent nature make her a singular force on the 1814 marriage mart, where she hopes to secure a love match for her younger sister, Edwina."You can follow Simone on Instagram @SimoneAsshley.
2 of 5Charithra Chandran who will play Edwina Sharma
Charithra is a British-Indian actress who is relatively new to the acting industry but has previously starred in IMdb's Alex Rider series. Now, for Bridgerton season two, she will be playing Edwina Sharma (Kate Sharma's younger sister). In a statement about the character, Netflix wrote, "Edwina has been taught by her older sister Kate to be the perfect debutante."She's kind natured and endlessly endearing. But while she may be young and naive, she also knows what she wants: a true love match."You can follow Charithra on Instagram @Charithra17.
3 of 5Shelley Conn who will play Mary Sharma
Shelley has had quite the fruitful acting career and has starred in everything from Silent Witness to, would you believe it, Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In Bridgerton's second series, she will play Kate Sharma's mother, Mary. In her Twitter introduction, it was revealed that, "Lady Mary's marriage once embroiled her and her family in scandal."Now newly returned to London with her daughters, she's forced to endure the scrutiny of the ton yet again."You can follow Shelley on Twitter @Shelley_Conn.
4 of 5Calam Lynch who will be playing Theo Sharp
Calam, who has previously starred in the likes of Dunkirk and Derry Girls, will be starring as Theo Sharpe who, according to Netflix, is "A hardworking printer's assistant. "But he's not just a working class man, he's also an intellectual who fights for the rights for all."You can follow Calam on Instagram @CalamLynch.
5 of 5Rupert Young who will play jack
In the past, Rupert has starred in Doc Martin, Merlin and Doctor Who, among other things. Now, ahead of Bridgerton's second season, he has been cast as Jack. According to Netflix, Jack is, "The newest member of the ton with a connection to one of its most notable families."You can follow Rupert on Instagram @RupertFYoung.
When is season two of Bridgerton?
While an official release date for Bridgerton's second season hasn't been broadcast as of yet, Lady Whistledown announced on Twitter that "the incomparable cast will return to production in the spring of 2021," so, all going as planned, we're anticipating the show's arrival in 2022.
Has Regé-Jean Page left Bridgerton for James Bond?
After rumours began to circulate regarding Regé-Jean Page starring as the next James Bond, the actor has FINALLY broken his silence on the matter.
Bookmakers Coral have tipped the former Waterloo Road star as favourite for the new role but, responding to the claims, Regé-Jean told The Mirror, "Ah, the B word.
"I think that if you are British and you do anything of note, that other people take notice of, then people will start talking about that."
He continued, "I think that's fairly normal and I'm flattered to be in the category of Brits that people have noticed. Nothing more – or less – than that."
Hmmm, but he didn't outright say he wasn't going to star as Bond, now did he...?
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Responding to the announcement of his departure from Bridgerton, Regé-Jean, 31, took to Twitter, writing, "Pleasure and a privilege! An honour to be a member of the family – on and off screen, cast, crew and incredible fans – the love is real and will just keep growing."
Later, opening up about his exit with Variety, the actor revealed that he had always known his character would not be sticking around for multiple seasons.
Describing the Duke of Hastings' storyline, he said, "It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end.
"It felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on."
Well, Regé-Jean, we will be sad to see you go. Sincerely, women everywhere.