News | Entertainment
23 Feb 2026 18:27
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Hannah Dodd has joined the cast of 'Bridgerton'

    The 'Anatomy of a Scandal' actress is replacing Ruby Stokes as Francesca Bridgerton after the 21-year-old star had to exit the period drama after landing a lead role in another Netflix show, 'Lockwood and Co.', and she is "terrified" about her new job


    Sharing a news story about her casting, Hannah wrote on Instagram: "Terrified [bee and yellow heart emojis].

    "I'll work my socks off I promise x."

    Francesca only appeared twice in season one of 'Bridgerton' and just a few episodes of the second season, but the book series the movies are based on shift the focus to her in the sixth story in the saga, 'When He Was Wicked'.

    However, ex ecutive producer Shonda Rhimes previously insisted the show won't "necessarily" follow the same timeline as Julia Quinn's books.

    She previously said: "We're not necessarily going in order, but we are gong to be seeing each one of the siblings and their stories."

    'Bridgerton' creator Chris Van Dusen previously admitted Francesca had been "lost" in the show.

    Chris said: "I love Francesca, but we lost her midway through season two.

    "After exhausting all other options, she unfortunately had to come out due to reasons beyond our control."

    Netflix describes quiet, musical Francesca Bridgerton as possessing "a bit of a mystery within her chatty, extroverted family".

    The platform added: "Despite her reserved nature, she goes along to get along when it comes to society affairs, fortified with a dry wit and pragmatism that confound the fickle ton yet seem to draw attention when she least desires it."

    Season three of 'Bridgerton' starts production in London later this year.

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     23 Feb: Donald Trump thinks Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest was a "very sad thing"
     23 Feb: Hailey Bieber's 2022 health scare prompted her to create Rhode
     23 Feb: Hilary Duff found her return to the music industry to be "scary"
     23 Feb: Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones has launched an impassioned defence of Travis Kelce
     22 Feb: James Van Der Beek was a "great leader on set", according to Algee Smith
     22 Feb: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been "released under investigation"
     22 Feb: Khloe Kardashian would "want to be married" before having any more kids
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Moana Pasifika are on the hunt for a new venue for their round nine Super Rugby match against the Chiefs More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    People appear to have regained confidence it's okay to shop More...



     Today's News

    General:
    What worked for Milano Cortina may not work for Brisbane 2032, but this is the new Olympic norm 18:17

    Health & Safety:
    A baby that died during a nurse's hour-long break in the middle of the night, should have been checked 18:07

    Entertainment:
    Donald Trump thinks Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest was a "very sad thing" 17:51

    Business:
    People appear to have regained confidence it's okay to shop 17:27

    Entertainment:
    Hailey Bieber's 2022 health scare prompted her to create Rhode 17:21

    Business:
    Wallets appear to opening again - across the country 16:57

    Entertainment:
    Hilary Duff found her return to the music industry to be "scary" 16:51

    Motoring:
    Northbound lanes have reopened at Orewa - after a three-vehicle crash and diesel spill on State Highway One, this afternoon - in northern Auckland 16:47

    Law and Order:
    Auckland police have arrested a man they believe responsible for a string of indecent assaults - against high school students and teachers 16:17

    Business:
    Energy watchdog to force retailers to offer struggling customers help in overhaul 16:07


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd