'Bridgerton' season 5 lead revealed — here's your first look at Francesca and Michaela Stirling

Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton, Masali Baduza as Michaela in episode 406 of Bridgerton
(Image credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix)

We still have a ways to go until "Bridgerton" season 5 comes waltzing its way onto Netflix, but at least we dear gentle readers have a much-appreciated update from the streaming service about what they can expect from the upcoming installment of the Regency-era romance.

On Tuesday, March 24, the streamer not only announced that production was officially underway for the new eps but also revealed which Bridgerton sibling would be acting as our romantic lead for the fifth season (drumroll please) ... Francesca Bridgerton, played by Hannah Dodd.

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Viewers got to see Francesca's marriage to her beloved John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin (Victor Alli), which was (spoiler alert!) tragically cut short by John's untimely death. They also got to witness the comfort and chemistry the young widow found in John's cousin Michaela (Masali Baduza) following his passing.

That blossoming connection will serve as the basis of season 5. Netflix teased their new romantic leads — the franchise's first same-sex couple — via social media posts on Tuesday, March 24.

The official season 5 logline reads: “Francesca decides to reenter the marriage mart for practical reasons, two years after the death of her beloved husband, Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli). 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.”

We also have fresh character breakdowns for both Francesca and Michaela, per Netflix: The former is normally "reserved and contained" but "as Michaela stirs up new feelings inside her, Fran will make discoveries about herself that could change everything." Michaela is "charming and vivacious," but hiding underneath is "a vulnerable young woman who is quick to run the second she feels discomfort." The new season will find her facing that vulnerability head-on "as she's forced to navigate her relationship to her late cousin's legacy — and to Francesca."

“More than ever, season 5 is going to be about yearning… It feels groundbreaking," showrunner Jess Brownell shared about the series' next edition, via The Hollywood Reporter. "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.”

Tom's Guide will keep you posted on all things related to "Bridgerton" season 5, including plot points, character details, teaser trailers and other behind-the-scenes intel.


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Christina Izzo is a writer-editor covering culture, food and drink, travel and general lifestyle in New York City. She was previously the Deputy Editor at My Imperfect Life, the Features Editor at Rachael Ray In Season and Reveal, as well as the Food & Drink Editor and chief restaurant critic at Time Out New York. 

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