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18 Jan 2026 7:20
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  •   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

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