- Bridgerton fans were treated to a first teaser clip of season four
- But they were disheartened to notice that the trailer did not feature Simone Ashley, who plays the Viscountess Kate Bridgerton
- Sharma will be returning to the cast for season four
Since it first burst onto our screens back on Christmas Day 2020, Bridgerton has gained a huge following – with the third season smashing its own record last year for being the biggest debut weekend in series history.
And while fans of the Netflix show may have a while to wait for season four to hit the streaming service – as the show is said to be reaching us by 2026 – they have now been given a first-look teaser.
As is now to be expected, the show will once again focus around one of the aristocratic Bridgerton siblings and their romantic lives, as they attempt to marry for love in Regency England.
And this time, the star of the show will be Luke Newton – aka Benedict Bridgerton – and Yerin Ha, who will play Sophie Baek.
NEW AND FIRST LOOK OF #BRIDGERTON SEASON 4 pic.twitter.com/jW62KFSmPa
— out of context bridgerton (@NoContxtBton) February 14, 2025
Following the story of the third book in Julia Quinn’s series, An Offer From A Gentleman, Thompson told Tudum, “What’s striking about Season 4 is that it’s the struggle between a proper old-school fairy tale – the romance of it – and the actual reality of the world.
“And both are true. You have to hold both of them – the romance and the reality – in your hand. In its best version, ‘true love’ happens in the middle of that.”
Bridgerton fans wonder confused by lack of Kate Sharma
However, while lots of fans were excited by the teaser clip, many were disheartened to see that it did not feature one very important character – Kate Bridgerton, née Sharma.
Played by Simone Ashley, the character married Jonathan Bailey’s Anthony Bridgerton in series two – becoming the Viscountess to her husband.
But Ashley is nowhere to be seen in the new trailer.
“Where’s Kate?!”, wrote one, while another scolded, “They’ve got everybody but Simone Ashley on here. Yeah their treatment of her is downright evil.”
Someone else added, “A show about the Bridgertons and then not having all the Bridgertons in the show is a crime, you have a role for side characters instead???”
Looking for Viscountess Kate Bridgerton pic.twitter.com/xB2kBcDlpn
— Steph Hulme (@hulme_steph) February 15, 2025
While some pondered whether Ashley, 29, would be returning to the show, another confirmed, “Simone has confirmed it months prior after Shondaland omitted her name from the returning cast and had various articles, including People magazine, publishing she won’t be returning. Only now have they confirmed it. They’ve done this since season three as well.”
When another agreed, “The literal Viscountess who is, I think, one of the most featured characters in all the books!” they added, “Exactly like – the writers need to turn it on. Kanthony’s season was the most successful too. Why they are treating Simone like this is beyond me.”
bridgerton season 3 announcement video including everyone in the cast EXCEPT simone ashley. bridgerton season 4 teaser video including everyone in the cast EXCEPT simone ashley pic.twitter.com/kJ1DnFzEe0
— sunny 🌷 (@katethani) February 14, 2025
Nicola Coughlan gives insight into fourth season of Bridgerton
Drama aside, Nicola Coughlan gave fans a small insight into what’s going on behind the scenes in season four.
As viewers now know, Coughlan, 38, plays Penelope Bridgerton née Featherington in the show – aka, Lady Whistledown herself.
And after season three centered around her character’s romance with Colin Bridgerton (played by Luke Newton), Coughlan seems happy enough to be taking a backseat this time around.
In a recent interview, Coughlan revealed, “Luke [Thompson] and Yerin [Ha] are our leads this year, they’re amazing. They did a big Valentine’s event this year and they’re having the best time. They love each other, they’re having so much fun.
“And I get to be quite chill, I pop in like once a week, do a little something, have a cute baby. It’s great!”
