Bridgerton. Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton in episode 302 of Bridgerton.
The anticipated first part of Bridgerton Season 3 landed on Netflix this week, and the series introduced two new love stories, including Francesca Bridgerton. In Episode 3, Francesca meets the sweet-yet-reserved John Stirling, but do the couple marry and live happily ever after? Warning: Spoilers ahead for Bridgerton Season 3, Part 1.
In Bridgerton Season 3, Francesca makes her societal debut upon returning from Bath, where she spent time with her Aunt Winnie. Francesca distinguishes herself from the other debutantes by showing little interest in meeting suitors or engaging in the art of courting. Instead, she shies away from the spotlight and prefers to spend her time playing the pianoforte.
“Francesca doesn’t always say what she’s feeling like the rest of the Bridgertons,” showrunner Jess Brownell told Netflix’s Tudum. “So we were always looking for little ways to clue people in on the fact that there’s a lot more going on than meets the eye. She has a very rich internal world.”
Who Plays Francesca in Bridgerton?
Bridgerton. Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton in episode 301 of Bridgerton. Cr.
Francesca Bridgerton is now played by actress Hannah Dodd, whose past projects include Enola Holmes 2 and Anatomy of a Scandal. Dodd took the role over from Ruby Stokes, who left the Bridgerton series to film the supernatural show Lockwood & Co.
When Stokes played Francesca, the character appeared in just five episodes over the past two seasons. While she was introduced in the Season 1 premiere before Daphne entered society, Francesca departed for the countryside for most of Season 1. She returned in the Season 1 finale to show what she learned over the summer. Francesca then appeared in the first three episodes of Bridgerton Season 2.
Who is John Stirling in Bridgerton?
When Queen Charlotte decides not to name a diamond this season, Lady Danbury persuades Her Majesty to see Francesca differently. The Queen names Francesca her “sparkler” and introduces her to the prestigious Lord Samadani. Though Francesca tries to approach marriage logically, this becomes difficult after meeting the Earl of Kilmartin (Victor Alli), a kind gentleman who shares her love for quiet.
In Episode 3, Francesca unexpectedly crosses paths with John Stirling at the Innovations Ball. They encounter each other in the garden, where Francesca has escaped for a moment of peace—only to find John seeking the same peace. John and Francesca share comfort in sitting together in silence, a quality she cherishes more than Lord Samadani’s vision of a bustling household filled with children like the Bridgerton family.
“John doesn’t try and change Francesca. There’s a really beautiful thing about being comfortable with someone,” Dodd told Tudum. “Love, especially in TV and film, is described as lots of butterflies. Actually, it can grow. It can be a companionship and safety … [Their relationship] is just not the same as what we’ve seen with the siblings before.”
In Episode 4, John admits that he’s “not a man of many words” and gives Francesca a piece of sheet music rearranged to her specific liking. After this adorable moment between the pair, it’s clear that her affection for him is starting to blossom. Viewers will likely see more of their love story Bridgerton Season 3, part two, which will premiere on June 13.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Julia Quinn’s book, “When He Was Wicked.”
Who Does Francesca Bridgerton Marry In The Books?
Bridgerton. (L to R) Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton, Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton in ... [+]
Francesca Bridgerton’s love story is fully explored in “When He Was Wicked,” the sixth book in Julia Quinn’s bestselling series. The book begins with Francesca and John, married and in love, living in Scotland as the Earl and Countess of Kilmartin. They share a close bond with John’s cousin, Michael Stirling, who has yet to be introduced to viewers in the TV series.
Tragically, John dies two years later from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, leaving Francesca a widow. Michael becomes the new earl and flees to India out of grief. Upon his return four years later, Francesca desires a child and wishes to remarry. Michael, who has secretly harbored feelings for Francesca, realizes he wants to be more than just friends, and they eventually fall in love.
Dodd told Today.com that Francesca’s storyline in Season 3 foreshadows what happens in “When He Was Wicked,” including her close relationship with her mother, who is also a widow. “I’ve tried to kind of create that relationship with Violet just because there’s so many similarities going forward,” Dodd explained. “Everything that I kind of did to create Francesca comes from that book.”
The first part of Bridgerton is now streaming on Netflix. The final four episodes will drop on June 13.
Watch the official trailer for Bridgerton Season 3 below.
