'Bridgerton' Season 5 cast updates confirm returns as one major star remains absent

The fifth season of the Netflix show sees key returns, one confirmed exit and uncertainty over several roles

Bridgerton Season 5 is beginning to take shape, with several cast members confirmed to return while others face uncertain futures and one remains firmly absent.

Jonathan Bailey, who plays Anthony Bridgerton, has not missed a season despite a demanding schedule. He previously said, “I’ve never been someone who’s like, ‘Thanks, bye.’ It’s not in my nature. There’s a real sense of brotherly pride I feel in it.” He added that scheduling or storylines could change but reflected, “I look forward to, in another however many years, when we’ve done the eighth season to sit around and be like, ‘Look what we all did together.’ ”

Simone Ashley is also expected back as Kate. Showrunner Jess Brownell indicated Anthony’s presence remains important and highlighted Kate’s connections within the family. Florence Hunt and Will Tilston will return as Hyacinth and Gregory Bridgerton, while Adjoa Andoh’s Lady Danbury is confirmed as a “big part of Season 5” after her temporary departure from London.

Masali Baduza’s Michaela Stirling is set to feature prominently in future storylines alongside Hannah Dodd as Francesca. However, Daniel Francis’ Lord Marcus Anderson remains uncertain following his split from Violet Bridgerton.

Victor Alli will not return as John Stirling after his character’s death. Regé-Jean Page, who played the Duke of Hastings, previously exited after season one, explaining, “It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end – give us a year.”

Phoebe Dynevor, who played Daphne in season 1 revealed she was not contacted for season 4, stating, “I mean, they’ve not called me yet.”

While there’s no official word yet about Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan returning as Colin and Penelope, they are most likely to be seen again. As for Eloise, Brownell teased that she or Francesca will lead the upcoming seasons, which unofficially confirms Claudia Jessie's return.

Luke Thompson, who starred as Benedict in season 5 told Parade his character is "part of the family, so I’m sure he’ll still be around as well” while Yerin Ha, who plays Sophie, told Us Weekly, “I would love to film as much as possible,” confirming pre-production for season 5 has begun. 

Bridgerton continues to stream on Netflix as the next chapter moves forward.