WARNING: This article contains major Bridgerton spoilers!
Dearest Gentle Readers, in case you needed another excuse to long for Bridgerton season four, it’s been confirmed that Benedict’s love story will take centre stage!
Yes, Luke Newton and our very own Nicola Coughlan will be passing the torch on to their co-star Luke Thompson and his leading lady for the upcoming instalment of the famed Netflix franchise.
Viewers last saw Benedict in season three enjoying a romp with Lady Tilley Arnold and her friend Paul Suarez, but you’ll be pleased to know true love is definitely on the cards for him.
In the novel An Offer From A Gentleman, written by Julia Quinn, Benedict falls for one Sophie Beckett. She’s the illegitimate daughter of an Earl, and after his death ends up being forced to work as a servant for her step-mum Araminta and step-sisters Rosmund and Posy.
One night, Sophie sneaks out to Lady Violet Bridgerton’s famous masquerade ball where she meets Benedict and dances with him until she flees the scene at midnight. Sound familiar? Our Prince Charming then spends two years trying to track her down with the intent of marrying her.
In a enemies-to-lovers-esque storyline, their paths cross again when Sophie comes to work for the Bridgertons. They begin to explore their relationship but because Benedict is besotted with his masked woman, things aren’t quite plain sailing.
In a Bridgerton first, there’ve been no whispers from the cast and crew in regards to the role of Sophie in season four. However, Collider has reported a casting call has been issued for a character called ‘Emily’ which fans think may actually be Sophie.
‘Emily’, described as a ‘major recurring role’, is a character between 24-30 years old, who is plucky and endlessly resourceful and has trouble trusting others. She’s also scripted as an East Asian female.
The role will involved ‘nudity and scenes of a sexual nature’, leading fans to believe that this ‘Emily’ will be the love interest of Benedict.
Despite theories, ‘Emily’ may be a new introduction to the franchise much like Lord Debling and Lady Tilley Arnold, but only time will tell!
