The upcoming third season of the Netflix romantic series, ‘Bridgerton‘ has cast UK actor Hannah Dodd in the role of Francesca. Ruby Stokes previously played the part but is now exiting, after having appeared only a few times in the last two seasons, since she’s the lead on another series on the same platform – “Lockwood & Co.”. 

News of the recasting, which comes from Variety, confirms that Dodd’s Francesca Bridgerton is likely to enjoy more screentime once the new season airs. 

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Francesca is the third daughter and third-youngest Bridgerton sibling. In Season 1, viewers see her in two episodes, learning the piano with the children’s Aunt Winnie in London, and in Season 2, Francesca enjoys a little more screen presence, appearing in three episodes. 

Her character description as per the show, states, “Francesca Bridgerton is a bit of a mystery within her chatty, extroverted family. Despite her reserved nature, she goes along to get along when it comes to society affairs, fortified with a dry wit and pragmatism that confound the fickle ton yet seem to draw attention when she least desires it.” 

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Francesca’s absence is somewhat of an inside joke among members of the ‘Bridgerton’ community. However, seeing as the character has her own book series, Netflix may well be building towards a spinoff, after introducing the character somewhat in the current ‘Bridgerton’ show. 

As for Dodd, who is now stepping into the role, her previous credits include ‘Find Me in Paris’, ‘Harlots’, and ‘Flowers in the Attic: The Origins’. She’s also played a younger version of Sienna Miller in ‘Anatomy of a Scandal’ and will appear in a supporting role opposite Millie Bobby Brown, in ‘Enola Holmes 2’, which is arriving on Netflix, in July. 

Season 3 of ‘Bridgerton’ will enter production this summer, but no release date has been fixed yet.