Bridgerton season 3: Cast, release date & locations – all about Penelope Featherington’s plot played by Nicola Coughlan

WHEN Bridgerton first dropped on Netflix, viewers couldn't believe their eyes as the raunchy plot played out before them.

The bonkbuster is now heading back with its hotly-anticipated third series, bringing with it some new and familiar faces.

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Who stars in Bridgerton series?

Fans can't wait to find out what will happen next in the raunchy Netflix show, Bridgerton.

The hit series brings with it an incredible lineup of stars.

Unfortunately, one member of cast who won't be back is Phoebe Dynevor who played Daphne.

The actress - who's mum is Coronation Street star Sally Dynevor - previously confirmed her exit, though she did say she's not ruling out a reprisal in the future.

Phoebe's onscreen husband Regé-Jean Page - who played the Duke of Hastings - left Bridgerton after one series, despite being hugely popular with fans.

Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington

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Over the last few years, actress Nicola Mary Coughlan has become a much sought after star.

The Irish star shot to fame on the critically acclaimed Derry Girls

Her character, Penelope Featherington is central to the entire plot of Bridgerton, and in season 3 her love life is the focus of the storyline.

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In the new series her character is ready to come into her own and finally catches Colin Bridgerton’s eye.

Speaking to People, actress Nicola said: “I always look at the three seasons like this.

"I think season 1 was about passion, season 2 was about longing and season 3, I think it’s romance all the way. It’s just so romantic.”

She added: “There were a lot of moments on set where we filmed something, and we’d turn around, and everyone was sort of clutching their chest being like, ‘Oh my God.’ It was that kind of love.”

Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton

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Luke Newton plays Colin Bridgerton who is Penelope's love interest.

The actor made his TV acting debut in 2010, for his portrayal of Luke Attwood in the BBC Two teen series The Cut.

He has since gone on to appear in the BBC soap Doctors as Sam Hern, and in the Disney Channel series The Lodge as Ben Evans.

Jonathan Bailey as Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton

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Anthony is the eldest Bridgerton sibling and dutiful head of the family since assuming his late father’s title of Viscount.

Actor Jonathan Bailey has previously starred as Jack Patterson in W1A, Lance Miller in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Edward in Hooten & the Lady, Sam in Crashing, Leonardo da Vinci in the historical drama Leonardo.

He also played Olly Stevens in Broadchurch.

Simone Ashley as Kathani "Kate" (née Sharma), Viscountess Bridgerton

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After being introduced in season 2, and then marrying Viscount Bridgerton, Kate has become an important character in the show.

Actress Simone Ashley learnt her craft at the Arts Educational School in London.

Away from Bridgerton, Simone has also appeared in Sex Education and the ITV drama The Sister.

Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte

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Queen Charlotte is married to the monarch King George III, but he is unwell and is kept out of the public eye, while she is the face of the monarchy.

In real life actress Golda is known for Torchwood and Luther.

She also appeared in season 10 of Death In Paradise.

Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton

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Claudia Jessie Peyton plays Penelope's former best friend Eloise Bridgerton.

Her character is the only person to work out who the mysterious Lady Whistledown really is.

Aside from Bridgerton, she is best known for her roles in the third series of WPC 56 and the ITV mini series Vanity Fair.

The actress also starred in the the fourth series of Line of Duty, and the Dave sitcom Porters.

Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton

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For season 3, Hannah Dodd takes over as Francesca Bridgerton after the original cast member, Ruby Stokes, left the show.

While the character wasn’t seen much in the first two series' of the show, the next season promises to be her year to shine.

Fans will recognise actress Hannah from a number of previous Netflix shows, including playing Sarah Chapman in Enola Holmes 2 and as Young Sophie in Anatomy of a Scandal.

Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton

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Luke Thompson returns for his third season in Bridgeton playing Benedict Bridgerton.

The third book in the series focuses on his character's love life, but the Bridgerton showrunners have decided to save his story for another season.

However, actor Luke said that despite this, there is still more to come from Benedict.

Speaking to Country & Town House, he said: “He’s so open for lots of new experiences, but it can be slightly paralysing, because it means he doesn’t really know where he fits in.

"And that’s where we find Benedict this season – pushed a bit further on.”

Away from the show, Luke is known for playing Simon in the BBC One series In The Club.

The star trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, graduating in 2013.

Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton

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Ruth Katrin Gemmell plays the matriarch of the Bridgerton family, Lady Violet.

The actress has enjoyed an incredible career, which kicked off with her starring role in the 1997 film Fever Pitch.

Her television work includes Utopia as Jen Dugdale and the role of Carly Beaker in the Tracy Beaker franchise.

Polly Walker as Lady Portia Featherington

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Just like Ruth's character, Polly Alexandra Walker also plays a matriarch in Bridgerton as she heads up the Featherington household.

Her film work includes Enchanted April, Patriot Games, Sliver, Restoration, The Gambler, and Savage Messiah.

She received a Golden Globe Award nomination for her role in the drama series Rome in 2006.

Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury

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Adjoa Andoh is an esteemed actress in film television, stage and radio actress.

Bridgeton fans got to see more of her character Lady Danbury's story in the Bridgerton spin-off, Queen Charlotte.

Fans may recognise actress Adjoa from playing Brenda Mazibuko in Clint Eastwood's drama film Invictus.

Jessica Madsen as Cressida Cowper

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Jessica Madsen's Cressida Cowper has long been the Bridgerton girls’ nemesis.

For season 3, the character is set to turn a new leaf and befriend Eloise Bridgerton.

Aside from Bridgerton, she is best known for her appearances in Leatherface (2017) and Dark Light (2019).

She is the daughter of American actor Michael Madsen, who starred as Mr Blonde in Reservoir Dogs.

Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown

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Last, but by no means least, the legendary Julie Andrews lends her voice to Lady Whistledown.

The much-loved actress is of course famous for Mary Poppins and Sound Of Music.

But since then she is known for the voice of Gru’s mum in Despicable Me, the Queen in Shrek, Karathen in Aquaman, and the narrator in Enchanted.

Julie also played the Queen in Princess Diaries opposite Anne Hathaway.

When is the release date for Bridgerton?

Season 3 of Bridgerton will be released in two parts.

The first four episodes making up part one will drop on Netflix on May 16, 2024.

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You will be able to stream it from 8am on this day.

The second batch of four episodes will then be released on on June 13, 2024.