The Revolutionary Bridgerton Season 3 Cast: A Full List Of Returning Stars And Intriguing New Faces

The highly-anticipated third season of Bridgerton, which premiered in two parts in May and June 2024, delivered a fresh, character-driven narrative, centering on the long-awaited 'Polin' romance. This season, adapting the story of Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, saw a significant shift in dynamics, not just for the central couple but for the entire ensemble, introducing a host of new, captivating characters who breathed new life into the social season of The Ton. With the season now fully released, fans are still dissecting the brilliant performances and the intriguing new additions to the cast who helped make this season a revolutionary step for the *Netflix* series.

As of December 2025, the cast's performances remain a major talking point, especially the chemistry between the leads and the seamless integration of new actors into the established *Regency Era* world. Beyond the main love story, the show’s success relies on its sprawling, diverse ensemble, which received several key updates and one notable recast. This is your definitive, updated guide to every main and new face that made Bridgerton Season 3 one of the most talked-about television events of the year.

The Complete Bridgerton Season 3 Main and New Cast Profile

The third season of the Shondaland hit featured a massive ensemble, with nearly every major family member and society fixture returning. The following list details the core cast, the significant recast, and the three most important new characters who influenced the season’s plot:

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• Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington: The season's female lead, whose journey from wallflower to confident woman—all while secretly being *Lady Whistledown*—was the central plot.
• Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton: The male lead, whose return from his travels sparks the central love story with Penelope.
• Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton: A major recast for the season, with Dodd taking over the role from Ruby Stokes. Francesca makes her societal debut, becoming a key focus of Queen Charlotte's attention.
• Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton: The eldest brother and Viscount, returning alongside his new wife, Kate Sharma.
• Simone Ashley as Kate Bridgerton (née Sharma): The new Viscountess, who returns from her honeymoon and takes a more supportive role.
• Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton: Penelope’s former best friend, whose strained relationship and new friendship with Cressida Cowper is a major subplot.
• Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton: The second eldest brother, whose storyline involves exploring new romantic and artistic avenues.
• Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte: The formidable queen, who remains obsessed with unmasking Lady Whistledown and finding her new Diamond.
• Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury: Queen Charlotte's confidante and the wise matriarch.
• Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton: The Bridgerton matriarch, focused on her children's happiness.
• Polly Walker as Portia Featherington: Penelope's mother, trying to secure advantageous marriages for her remaining daughters.
• Jessica Madsen as Cressida Cowper: Penelope's rival, whose role significantly expanded this season.

The Three Most Intriguing New Characters Who Shook Up The Ton

Season 3 introduced several new faces, many of whom were created specifically for the show and not featured in the original *Julia Quinn* novels. These additions were crucial in creating new romantic complications and social dynamics, particularly for Penelope and Francesca.

1. Lord Alfred Debling (Played by Sam Phillips)

Lord Debling was Penelope’s first serious suitor of the season, a man whose quiet nature and passion for nature set him apart from the typical loud suitors of The Ton. His courtship of Penelope provided the necessary catalyst for Colin to recognize his true feelings, driving the central *Polin* narrative forward. Phillips’ portrayal captured a gentle, slightly awkward nobility that made the character instantly endearing, despite his role as a romantic obstacle.

2. Lady Tilley Arnold (Played by Hannah New)

Lady Tilley Arnold was one of the most exciting new additions, introduced as a wealthy, independent young widow. Her character was pivotal to Benedict Bridgerton’s storyline, offering a sophisticated, modern foil to his artistic and slightly aimless existence. Hannah New’s performance brought a fiery, non-conformist energy, exploring themes of female independence and unconventional romance within the strictures of the *Regency Era* society.

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3. Lord Marcus Anderson (Played by Daniel Francis)

Lord Marcus Anderson arrived as the charming, handsome brother of Lady Danbury. His presence added a layer of complexity to the lives of the older generation, particularly the Bridgerton matriarch, Violet. Francis’s character was a delightful surprise, hinting at a potential new romance for Violet and providing a mature, grounded perspective amidst the youthful drama. His storyline provided a welcome deviation, reminding viewers that the pursuit of love is not exclusive to the young debutantes.

The Impact of the Francesca Bridgerton Recast

One of the most significant cast changes heading into Season 3 was the recasting of Francesca Bridgerton, the sixth Bridgerton sibling. The role, previously played by Ruby Stokes, was taken over by Hannah Dodd. This change was necessitated by Stokes’ commitment to another Netflix series, *Lockwood & Co.*, but it proved to be a pivotal decision for the show's future narrative.

Francesca’s societal debut was a major event this season. Hannah Dodd’s portrayal brought a quiet, reserved demeanor to the character, distinct from her more outgoing siblings. Her journey focused on her reluctance to engage in the marriage market and her eventual, unexpected connection with the Earl of Kilmartin, John Stirling. Dodd’s subtle performance was perfect for a character who values silence and observation, making her a dark horse favorite for future seasons and setting the stage for her own love story, which is the focus of the sixth *Julia Quinn* novel, *When He Was Wicked*.

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The Notable Absence of Daphne Bridgerton

While the season was packed with returning favorites, one notable absence was Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton. Daphne, the star of Season 1, had played a supporting role in Season 2, but did not appear in the third installment. Her absence was explained simply as her being away with her husband, the Duke of Hastings, and her children. This strategic decision allowed the narrative to fully focus on the *Polin* story and the introductions of the new characters, preventing the show from becoming over-crowded. The focus remained tightly on Penelope, Colin, and the immediate Bridgerton family members still residing in the family home.

More New Faces and Supporting Entities of Season 3

To flesh out the social landscape of The Ton and provide potential suitors for the array of debutantes, the casting department introduced several other new entities who played smaller but important roles:

• Lord Samadani (Played by David Mumeni): A suitor briefly considered by Queen Charlotte for Francesca.
• Harry Dankworth (Played by James Phoon): A handsome but rather dim-witted suitor who provides some comic relief.
• Mr. Finch and Mr. Mondrich (Played by Lorn Macdonald and Emma Naomi): The continuing presence of Will Mondrich and his wife, Alice, as they navigate their new status in society, provided a grounding look at social mobility in the *Regency Era*.
• Lady Cowper (Played by Joanna Bobin): Cressida’s mother, whose desperate attempts to marry off her daughter provided a harsh contrast to the Bridgerton family's warmth.

The success of the Bridgerton Season 3 cast lies in its ability to manage a massive ensemble while seamlessly integrating new talent. The core cast, led by Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton, delivered the emotional payoff fans had waited for, while the introduction of characters like Lady Tilley Arnold and Lord Marcus Anderson ensured that the world of *The Ton* continued to feel fresh, complex, and full of possibilities for future seasons.