The Complete Bridgerton Season 3 Cast: 7 Shocking New Roles And The Full Polin Love Story Guide

The highly anticipated third season of Bridgerton, which premiered in 2024, has permanently reshaped the social hierarchy of the Ton, and as of the current date in December 2025, it remains a central topic of discussion. This season shifted the focus from the eldest Bridgerton siblings to the long-simmering "friends-to-lovers" romance between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, affectionately dubbed "Polin." The cast saw a mix of beloved returning faces and a handful of pivotal new characters that introduced fresh drama and new romantic possibilities for the residents of Grosvenor Square.

The latest installment, based loosely on Julia Quinn's novel Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, delivered a dazzling spectacle of Regency Era splendor, but the real intrigue lay in the dynamic cast. From a recasting of a major Bridgerton sister to the introduction of key suitors, this complete guide breaks down every essential actor and character from the season.

The Central Couple and Returning Bridgerton Family

Season 3’s narrative backbone rests entirely on the shoulders of the show’s most enduring slow-burn couple. Their journey from awkward friendship to passionate romance is the core of the season, supported by the familiar faces of the Bridgerton and Sharma families.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

The Main Cast: Polin and Key Players

• Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington / Lady Whistledown: The season’s diamond. Penelope is determined to find a husband to gain independence, all while struggling to keep her secret identity as the notorious gossip columnist, Lady Whistledown, hidden from her best friend-turned-foe, Eloise.
• Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton: Returning from his travels with a new confidence, Colin is initially focused on helping Penelope find a suitable match, completely oblivious to the depth of his own feelings for her—a classic romantic comedy setup.
• Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton: Still reeling from her fallout with Penelope, Eloise finds a new, unconventional friend in the political activist, Cressida Cowper, a friendship that further complicates her relationship with the Featherington sister.
• Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton: The second eldest Bridgerton brother is back on his quest for artistic and personal fulfillment, which this season sees him exploring a new, mature romantic path with a fascinating widow.
• Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton: Dodd officially took over the role from Ruby Stokes for Season 3, marking a significant recasting. Francesca is introduced as a quiet, observant debutante who quickly catches the eye of a very reserved suitor.
• Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton: The Viscount returns, now happily married and providing counsel (and sometimes comic relief) as the head of the Bridgerton family.
• Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma (Viscountess Bridgerton): Kate is settling into her role as the new Viscountess, supporting Anthony and offering guidance to the younger siblings, particularly Francesca, during her debut.
• Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte: The ever-dramatic sovereign continues her search for the season’s "Diamond," presiding over the Ton with her characteristic flair and obsession with Lady Whistledown.
• Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury: The Queen's confidante and mentor to the young debutantes, Lady Danbury remains a pillar of wisdom and wit.

It is worth noting the confirmed departure of Phoebe Dynevor, who played Daphne Bridgerton. While the character is still mentioned, the actor did not return for Season 3, focusing the story squarely on the younger generation of the Bridgerton siblings.

7 Pivotal New Characters and Their Actors

The romantic stakes of Season 3 were heightened by the introduction of several key new players. These fresh faces provided obstacles, new love interests, and unexpected alliances, ensuring that the path to 'Polin' was anything but smooth. The casting of these roles was critical to the season's success, bringing new energy to the established ensemble.

The following actors joined the cast to shake up the social scene and challenge our main characters:

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

1. Sam Phillips as Lord Debling: An eccentric, powerful, and wealthy nobleman who becomes a serious suitor for Penelope Featherington. His unique interests and genuine kindness make him a complex romantic rival for Colin.
2. Daniel Francis as Lord Marcus Anderson: A charming, charismatic, and mysterious figure who is a brother to Lady Danbury. His arrival causes a stir in the Ton and brings an unexpected dynamic to the established social circles.
3. Hannah New as Lady Tilley Arnold: A vivacious and wealthy young widow with a penchant for independence and innovation. She quickly becomes a significant love interest for Benedict Bridgerton, offering him a relationship outside the traditional constraints of the Ton.
4. James Phoon as Harry Dankworth: Described as a handsome man with a lack of wit, Dankworth is a new suitor on the marriage market who provides lighthearted moments and is a popular figure in the ballrooms.
5. Victor Alli as John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin: A reserved and quiet lord who develops a profound, immediate connection with Francesca Bridgerton. His reserved nature mirrors hers, setting up a very different kind of courtship from the passionate romances of his siblings.
6. Rosa Hesmondhalgh as Rae: A new friend and confidante for Eloise Bridgerton, who appears in early parts of the season.
7. Molly McGlynn as Lady Cowper: While not entirely new, the role of Cressida Cowper's mother, Lady Cowper, takes on a slightly more prominent role in the season's dramatic conclusion, particularly concerning the Lady Whistledown reveal.

The Full List of Returning and Supporting Entities

No season of Bridgerton would be complete without the familiar faces that make up the intricate tapestry of the Ton. These supporting characters, or entities, are essential for maintaining the show's rich topical authority and connecting the current season to the broader Shondaland universe.

The Featherington family, in particular, remains a source of both comedy and drama, providing the perfect foil to the more reserved Bridgertons. The presence of the matriarchs and other siblings grounds the story in the continuity of the series.

The Featherington and Supporting Cast

• Polly Walker as Portia Featherington (Baroness Featherington): Penelope’s ambitious and often manipulative mother, who is determined to secure advantageous matches for her daughters.
• Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington: Penelope’s older sister, who continues her comedic pursuit of a husband.
• Harriet Cains as Philippa Featherington: Penelope’s other older sister, who is now married but still involved in the family's dramatic affairs.
• Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton (Viscountess Dowager Bridgerton): The family matriarch, who remains focused on the happiness and successful marriages of her eight children.
• Lorraine Ashbourne as Mrs. Varley: The Featherington housekeeper who often serves as Portia’s trusted confidante.
• Martins Imhangbe as Will Mondrich: The former boxer who now runs a popular Gentleman's club, providing a glimpse into the life of the non-aristocratic class.
• Emma Naomi as Alice Mondrich: Will’s wife, who is navigating her new social standing.
• Kathryn Drysdale as Genevieve Delacroix: The modiste whose shop serves as a hub of gossip and fashion, and who has a secret partnership with Penelope (Lady Whistledown).

The complete cast list for Season 3 showcases a deliberate effort to expand the world of Bridgerton while staying true to the central "Polin" narrative. The addition of complex characters like Lord Debling and Lady Tilley Arnold not only provided immediate romantic tension but also laid the groundwork for future seasons, ensuring that the high-society drama of the Regency Era continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje