Fans of Netflix’s runaway hit series Bridgerton can look forward to some fresh faces for the second season of the historical drama, as the streamer announced the addition of four new actors to the cast.
The news will hopefully cushion the blow for those who are lamenting the departure of Regé-Jean Page — so basically, everyone.
Charithra Chandran is joining the Shondaland produced show as Edwina Sharma, a kind-natured and naive young woman who has been taught by her older sister Kate to be the perfect debutante. Chandran is a relative newcomer to the scene having previously appeared in 2020’s Alex Rider.
Shelley Conn will play Mary Sharma whose marriage once embroiled her and her family in scandal. Mary is once again forced into that spotlight as she returns to London with her daughters. Conn has an extensive list of television credits to her name including The Irregulars, The Deceived and The Liar and also appeared in Tim Burton’s 2005 iteration of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Calam Lynch will appear as Theo Sharpe, a hardworking printer’s assistant who is deeply intellectual and an advocate for the rights of everyone. Lynch’s previous credits include Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk and comedy series Derry Girls.
And finally, Rupert Young will play Jack — the newest member of the ton with a connection to one of its most notable families. Young is probably best known for playing Sir Leon in the Merlin TV series.
The news of the new cast members comes just a few days after the revelation of Page’s exit, which was announced via a notice from Lady Whistledown herself.
“Dear Readers, while all eyes turn to Lord Anthony Bridgerton’s quest to find a Viscountess, we bid adieu to Regé-Jean Page, who so triumphantly played the Duke of Hastings,” the post read.
“We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family,” it continued. “Daphne will remain a devoted wife and sister, helping her brother navigate the upcoming social season and what it has to offer – more intrigue and romance than my readers may be able to bear.”
For Page himself, the fact that playing Simon Basset was a short-term commitment was a huge drawcard, as the actor explained to Variety.
“One of the things that is different about this [romance] genre is that the audience knows the arc completes,” he explains. “They come in knowing that, so you can tie people in emotional knots because they have that reassurance that we’re going to come out and we’re going to have the marriage and the baby.”
Despite Page’s absence, Phoebe Dynevor will return as Daphne Bridgerton for the new season, with the character now sporting the title of Duchess of Hastings.
The second season of Bridgerton will be an adaptation of the second book in Julia Quinn’s book series, titled The Viscount Who Loved Me and will centre around the oldest of the Bridgerton clan, Anthony (played by Jonathan Bailey), and his quest for love. It was previously announced that Sex Education star Simone Ashley will play the role of Kate Sharma.
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