Queen Charlotte isn’t exactly pleased with her friend’s plans.
London high society is buzzing once more as Bridgerton returns for its fourth season, this time placing Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) at the center of a budding romance with Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha). The second-eldest Bridgerton finds himself utterly enchanted by the maid, who just so happens to be the mysterious “Lady in Silver” who caught his eye at the ball (though, of course, he remains blissfully unaware of this).
Meanwhile, other members of the ton are having their own moments this season, including Lady Agatha Danbury (Adjoa Andoh). One of Londons most influential figures, Lady Danbury seems determined to focus on herself this year, even considering ditching the rigid expectations of society.
Her potential departure has sparked chatter that she might be leaving the show altogether. But is there any truth to the speculation? Here’s what we know.
Why does Lady Danbury want to leave London?
For now, it appears Lady Danbury is sticking around… though she might leave one day.
In the season 4 premiere, Lady Danbury admits to Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) that she’s itching for a change. “I am considering playing less of a part in society this year,” she said. “It is time. I long to travel… to visit my ancestral home. I have not been there since I was four years old.”
Lady Danbury even goes as far as saying she plans to leave at the end of the social season. It won’t be forever (she and the Queen will keep in touch, and she’ll still visit), but Lady Danbury makes it clear she needs some time away.
Naturally, the Queen isn’t thrilled, and she shuts Lady Danbury down with a firm “No.”
That refusal stirs up some rare tension between the two, something fans haven’t seen before. Rosheuvel echoed that shift, recently telling PEOPLE, “We’d never seen that before. We’ve never seen them scream at each other or use these cards in this way. It had always been a kind of equal relationship, an equal friendship.”
Andoh also spoke with PEOPLE about Lady Danbury and the Queens relationship, calling the tension between them “juicy” and saying it was “interesting and exciting to play” out on screen.
What’s more, Andoh revealed what’s driving Lady Danbury’s mindset in season 4. London has been her home for many years, and even though Lady Danbury yearns for a change of pace, she isn’t looking to leave it behind completely. “I don’t think she wants to throw away this world, but she needs to set her heart at rest by scratching the itch,” the actress said.
Is Lady Danbury leaving Bridgerton?
With Lady Danbury’s future on Bridgerton seemingly up in the air, some fans are wondering whether Andoh might exit the series. However, in a recent interview with Deadline, showrunner Jess Brownell shut down those rumors. “I want to say very clearly that we have no intentions of Adjoa stepping back,” she said, adding that Lady Danbury is “absolutely a part of the story in season 5.”
Brownell also shed light on the conflict between Lady Danbury and Queen Charlotte this season. She explained that it’s really about “wanting to explore the dynamic between a friendship in which there’s a power imbalance,” which ties in the season’s broader themes.
“The Queen and Lady Danbury are real friends, but because of the power imbalance, it was interesting to explore what happens when Lady Danbury wants to do something for herself,” she continued. “It was an opportunity to explore new depth for their friendship.”
Where can I watch Bridgerton?
Bridgerton is available to stream on Netflix.
Season 4, Part 1 premiered on Thursday, Jan. 29. Part 2 arrives on Thursday, Feb. 26.
