It’s been six months since Netflix revealed the first photos from Bridgerton season three, which leaned heavily into this season’s main love story between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. However, while we can’t wait to see actors Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton take center stage, we can’t help but yearn for more info on last season’s enemies-to-lovers, Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton.
Well, dear readers, the time for yearning is over…Well, not quite, but we finally have our first real look at Kate (Simone Ashley) and Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) in season three. In honor of Christmas, Netflix released new images from the Regency era romance series on December 25, including a shot of the couple appearing deeply in love (and lust) with each other.
Clearly, Kate is no longer the bane of the Viscount’s existence—and still the object of all his desires.
This photo feels particularly exciting, considering Bridgerton fans were unable to watch Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page) play out their ‘happily ever after’ in season two. Page famously left the hit series after its first run and appears to have little interest in returning to the program, even telling Variety that Netflix is “free” to recast the role if they so choose.
Though Dynevor made small appearances in season two, she will not be returning to Bridgerton for the next season. “I’m just excited to watch as a viewer,” she told ScreenRant in January 2023.
Phoebe Dynevor talks “Bridgerton” Season 3: “I’ve done what I wanted to do with that character and she had a great arc. If they ask me back in the future who knows.” https://t.co/y0sPZefxM0 pic.twitter.com/0GP6YqLXFM
— Variety (@Variety) January 30, 2023
Ashley, however, is ready to explore Kanthony’s story further. “Kate and Anthony are just getting started,” she told Deadline in March 2022. “In season two, there was a lot of push and pull between Kate and Anthony, there were complications with the family, and then they find each other toward the end. I think everything is just starting.”
As for the rest of the characters, Netflix released more images of the Bridgerton crew, including our first look at Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton, who was previously played by Ruby Stokes.
What shocked Lady Violet Bridgerton into making that face? You’ll just have to wait until May 2024 to find out.
Part one of Bridgerton season three hits Netflix on May 16, 2024. Part two will drop a month later on June 13. For everything you need to know about the third installment, click here.