Meet The Cast Behind New Beloved Period Drama Bridgerton

You won't be able to stop watching!

POSTED BY EMMANUELLE GAMMAGE

Arguably, the best period drama since Downton Abbey (where Lily James rose to fame), Bridgerton is the latest series to have taken the world by storm on Netflix. The ten episodes are set in London’s lavish high society between 1813 and 1827, it explores power struggles, the role of men and women, unrequited love, daddy issues, scandals and a whole lot of sex. 

The series is produced by Shonda Rhimes, the woman who repeatedly broke our hearts in Greys Anatomy. It is based on Julia Quinn’s first novel in an eight part series of fiction books, ‘The Duke and I: Bridgerton’. 

Leading the series is Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor (Sally Webster from the UK soap, Coronation Street’s real-life daughter). Daphne is plunged into the marriage market to secure not only a powerful match, but one ignited by true love. Noted by the Queen herself as the debutant to beat, her line of suitors is endless, including a Prince (who played McClaggan in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince). 

However, the mysterious Lady Whistledown (narrated by Julia Andrews), author of an anonymous scandal sheet unveils scandals and aspersions. Just as Daphne’s line of suitors grows smaller, she meets the Duke of Hastings, played by the heartthrob, Regé-Jean Page. 

The Duke has a notorious reputation for being a bachelor and gallivanting across the world. The two characters come to an agreement to make her suitors jealous, and prevent mothers and daughters swooning for his proposal. Despite their plan, their chemistry quickly becomes clear. But Daphne’s innocent nature and the Duke’s vow to never marry and have kids makes for a turbulent love story. 

Amongst Daphne and the Duke, a complex array of characters must navigate high society too. The eldest son of the Bridgerton family Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) finds himself Viscount after his father died. Despite how many period dramas portray a love affair between a high society man and a lower society woman, it’s clear that Anthony is truly in love with Sienna (Sabrina Bartlett), a beautiful opera singer. Sienna understands his priority will always be as Viscount and her strength is a #girlpower moment for all of us women watching! 

Daphne’s two other brothers, Colin (Luke Newton) and Benedict (Luke Thompson) are also prominent characters. Colin, unlike many men his age, is emotional and quick to fall in love with Marina Thomson (Ruby Barker), who has a secret to hide. However,  Marina’s friend and confidant, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) is secretly smitten with Colin. Benedict is more eccentric than his other brothers, favouriting the arts and having fun. 

Next in line for the marriage market is Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) but she has controversial plans for her life that don’t involve following in her sisters footsteps. She wishes to make her own way in the world and her early feminist views are refreshing. 

Other cast members include Ruth Gemmell, Polly Walker, Adjoa Andoh and Ben Miller. The complex relationships and intertwined lives of the Bridgerton’s and high society is messy, passionate and full of scandal. 

Bridgerton is everything we need to escape at the moment and fans are already asking for season two! By the end of it, you’ll be researching Georgian era dresses and talking like an English noble. 

Up next, 4 Reads To Kick Off Your 2021

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