Which ‘Bridgerton’ Characters Are — and Aren’t — Returning for Season 4?

Fans of Bridgerton have been eagerly awaiting the release of Season 4, with many wondering which beloved characters will make their return to the show. As the series continues to expand its universe, some familiar faces will grace our screens, while others will be taking a step back. Whether it’s due to storylines evolving, cast changes, or creative decisions, there’s a lot to unpack when it comes to the returning—and departing—characters of Bridgerton.

In this article, we’ll explore all the details you need to know about which characters are returning for Season 4, which ones aren’t, and what we can expect from the next chapter in the Bridgerton saga.

Who’s Returning for Season 4?

While Bridgerton is known for its extensive ensemble cast, the upcoming season will primarily focus on some of our favorite characters. Many beloved faces will be making their return, with some key players taking center stage as the storylines continue to develop. Let’s take a closer look at which characters are confirmed to be returning and what fans can expect from them in the upcoming season.

Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan)

One of the most highly anticipated returns for Bridgerton Season 4 is Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan. Penelope’s character has undergone significant development over the course of the series, and her storyline is set to take center stage in Season 4. The long-awaited romance between Penelope and Colin Bridgerton will be the focal point, and fans are excited to see how their relationship evolves.

Additionally, Penelope’s role as Lady Whistledown will continue to play a major part in the plot. As the elusive gossip columnist, Penelope’s secret identity has caused much tension in her relationships, and Season 4 will likely explore the challenges she faces in balancing her personal life with her role as Whistledown.

Expect to see a deeper dive into Penelope’s character, as she navigates love, loyalty, and self-identity while remaining one of the most fascinating and complex characters in the show.

Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton)

Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton, is another character fans are eager to see return in Season 4. Colin’s journey has been one of self-discovery, and the progression of his relationship with Penelope is a key focus of the new season. After traveling abroad in the previous seasons, Colin comes back with a more mature perspective, and it’s clear that he will be seeing Penelope in a new light.

Colin’s dynamic with Penelope has been brewing since the very first season, and now that their feelings for one another are set to come to the forefront, their evolving relationship will be one of the most emotional and engaging arcs of Season 4. Colin’s growth as a character and his development into a more emotionally mature man will be exciting to watch as his relationship with Penelope blossoms.

Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh)

Lady Danbury, played by Adjoa Andoh, is another fan-favorite character who will return for Season 4. Known for her sharp wit, wisdom, and commanding presence in society, Lady Danbury has been an integral part of the Bridgerton series from the beginning. Her guidance and support have been invaluable to the main characters, especially to the Bridgerton family, and her role will continue to be a crucial one in Season 4.

Lady Danbury’s involvement in the social fabric of London’s high society ensures that she remains a key player in the ton’s intrigues and gossip. Whether she’s helping Penelope navigate her growing relationship with Colin or offering advice to the next generation, Lady Danbury’s influence will undoubtedly continue to be felt throughout the season.

Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie)

Eloise Bridgerton, the independent and free-spirited sister of the Bridgerton family, will also be returning for Season 4. Played by Claudia Jessie, Eloise has been a fan-favorite character since her debut. Her rebellious nature, progressive ideas, and bold personality have made her one of the most exciting characters in the series.

As a close confidante to Penelope, Eloise’s relationship with her will continue to play a significant role in the upcoming season. The tension between the two friends, particularly in light of Penelope’s secret identity as Lady Whistledown, will likely be explored further. Eloise’s storyline will also delve into her personal growth as she faces the pressures of society and seeks a life outside the confines of the ton’s expectations.

Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel)

Queen Charlotte, played by Golda Rosheuvel, will also be returning for Season 4. Queen Charlotte has become an iconic character in the Bridgerton universe, with her commanding presence, sharp wit, and complex relationships with other members of the ton. As the matriarch of the royal family, Queen Charlotte plays a significant role in shaping the social dynamics of the series.

While Queen Charlotte’s personal storyline may not take center stage in Season 4, her influence and her relationship with the characters, especially Lady Danbury and the Bridgerton family, will continue to be pivotal in the social machinations of high society.

Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey)

While the primary focus of Season 4 will be on Penelope and Colin’s romance, Anthony Bridgerton (played by Jonathan Bailey), the head of the Bridgerton family, will still have an important role to play. Having found his own happily ever after with Kate Sharma in Season 2, Anthony will likely continue to support his family members and offer guidance to his siblings as they navigate their romantic entanglements.

His relationship with his siblings, particularly with Colin, will also remain important, especially as Colin embarks on his own journey of love and self-discovery. While Anthony may not be as central to the story in Season 4, his presence will undoubtedly continue to be felt.

Which Characters Aren’t Returning for Season 4?

While there are many returning characters in Bridgerton Season 4, there are also some notable absences. Certain characters who were prominent in previous seasons will not be part of the upcoming season, either due to storyline changes, the natural progression of the plot, or the actors’ availability. Here’s a look at which characters won’t be returning for Season 4.

Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page)

Perhaps the most significant absence from Season 4 is Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page. Simon and Daphne’s love story was at the center of the first season, and their chemistry was one of the major draws of the show. However, after Season 1, Regé-Jean Page made the decision to leave the show, and Simon’s absence has been felt in subsequent seasons.

While it’s unlikely that Simon will return for Season 4, his relationship with Daphne continues to be referenced in the background, and their family dynamics may still play a role in the overall story. However, fans shouldn’t expect any major appearances from the Duke in the upcoming season.

Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor)

While Daphne Bridgerton (played by Phoebe Dynevor) was a key character in the first season, her role has become more peripheral in the subsequent seasons. Daphne, who is now married to Simon, has largely taken a backseat as the show focuses on other family members and storylines.

It’s unclear whether Daphne will make an appearance in Season 4, but given that the primary focus is on Penelope and Colin’s romance, her storyline may not be as central in this upcoming season. However, there is always a possibility that she may return in a supporting role or as part of a larger family scene.

The Featherington Sisters (Bessie Carter and Harriet Cains)

While the Featherington sisters—including Prudence (Bessie Carter) and Philippa (Harriet Cains)—have played a role in the earlier seasons of Bridgerton, their appearances in Season 4 may be more limited. The storyline has shifted more toward Penelope’s personal journey, and as a result, the Featherington sisters may not be as prominent in this upcoming season. However, there’s always a chance that these characters will make cameo appearances, particularly given their connection to Penelope and the ongoing drama of the Featherington family.

The Bridgerton Parents (Ruth Gemmell and Ben Miller)

Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) and Lord Bridgerton (Ben Miller) have been key figures in the Bridgerton family dynamics. However, with the main focus of Season 4 shifting to Penelope and Colin, it’s likely that their roles will be more subdued this time around. While they may appear in family scenes or provide some parental guidance to their children, their storylines are expected to take a backseat in favor of the younger characters’ arcs.

What Else Can Fans Expect from Season 4?

With a major focus on Penelope and Colin’s romance, Bridgerton Season 4 promises to be an emotional and dramatic ride. Fans can expect:

• A deeper exploration of Penelope’s secret life as Lady Whistledown. This will continue to be a key part of the drama