News | Entertainment
20 Feb 2026 2:57
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
     19 Feb: Jane Seymour felt privileged to work with Robert Duvall
     19 Feb: Logan Paul has sold a Pokemon trading card for $16.5 million
     19 Feb: Sir Sam Mendes has "no outlet" during a film shoot
     19 Feb: Walton Goggins has hailed Robert Duvall as the "greatest storyteller of all time"
     19 Feb: Daniel Radcliffe is "always taking care" of Tracy Morgan
     19 Feb: Viola Davis was "in awe" of Robert Duvall when they worked together
     19 Feb: Joshua Bassett's memoir is the "most vulnerable" he's ever been
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    A Sky Sport Now subscription's about to become more costly More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Confidence green pastures lie ahead for Fonterra, as the sale of brands like Anchor and Mainland nears completion More...



     Today's News

    Soccer:
    Auckland FC gaffer Steve Corica is pivoting to a game plan without Sam Cosgrove for Saturday's derby against the Phoenix in Wellington 21:57

    Accident and Emergency:
    St John is assessing 19 patients after a chemical incident in Horowhenua's Levin this evening 21:17

    Law and Order:
    South Korea's ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to life in prison over insurrection 21:07

    Law and Order:
    In her memoir, Gisèle Pelicot reveals the secret love behind France's most infamous rape trial 20:37

    General:
    Winter Olympics 2026 quick guide: What to watch on Day 13 20:07

    International:
    Tracking the US military build-up ahead of possible Iran attack 19:57

    General:
    What is Skimo? The sport preparing to steal the show at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games 19:17

    Cricket:
    New Zealand cricket captain Mitch Santner has no qualms about changing countries for the next stage of the T20 World Cup 18:57

    Politics:
    The Government's pushing ahead with plans for a mega-ministry 18:37

    Basketball:
    Breakers forward Reuben Te Rangi is imploring his side to close out their Australian NBL regular season with a win 18:27


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd