Bridgerton cast: who stars in Netflix's drama alongside Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page – and what is it about?
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Though it technically released in 2020, Netflix’s Bridgerton has become the first much talked about must-see television show of the New Year.
Releasing on Christmas Day right in the middle of the holiday season means many viewers are just catching up on it now, and most are falling for the idiosyncratic charm of its period-drama, its beautiful set and costume design, and its delightfully cheesy melodrama.
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Hide AdBut who are the talented actors bringing the show – created and produced by Chris Van Dusen and produced by Shonda Rhimes, who previously both worked on US medical drama Grey's Anatomy – to colourful life?
Here is everything you need to know.
What is Bridgerton about?
According to Netflix, Bridgerton is a "romantic, scandalous, and quick-witted series”, that celebrates “the timelessness of enduring friendships, families finding their way, and the search for a love that conquers all.”
The show is inspired by Julia Quinn’s best-selling novels, and tells the story of Daphne, the eldest daughter of the powerful Bridgerton family as she makes her debut onto Regency London’s competitive marriage scene.
She's hoping to follow in her parent’s footsteps and find a match sparked by true love, and her prospects initially seem unrivalled.
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Hide AdBut when her older brother begins to rule out potential suitors for his sister, a high-society scandal sheet written by the mysterious Lady Whistledown casts aspersions on Daphne.
“Enter the highly desirable and rebellious Duke of Hastings,” say Netflix, “committed bachelor and the catch of the season for the debutantes’ mamas."
Despite proclaiming that they want nothing the other has to offer, “their attraction is undeniable and sparks fly as they find themselves engaged in an increasing battle of wits while navigating society’s expectations for their future.”
Who stars in it?
The series stars Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton, the fourth Bridgerton child and eldest daughter of the clan. The 25-year old from Trafford, Greater Manchester began her acting career as a child, starring in BBC One school series Waterloo Road as Siobhan Mailey between 2009 and 2010.
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Hide AdThe daughter of Coronation Street’s Sally Dynevor, Phoebe made her American TV debut with a recurring role in the comedy-drama Younger in 2017.
The man who catches her eye is the Duke of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page, a British-Zimbabwean actor who played the role of Chicken George in the 2016 miniseries Roots, and from 2018 to 2019 was a regular cast member on the ABC legal drama For the People.
He also recently co-starred in critically acclaimed romantic-drama Sylvie’s Love, available to stream through Amazon Prime now.
Alongside them, Jonathan Bailey (Broadchurch) plays Anthony, the eldest Bridgerton son; Ruth Gemmell (Utopia) is Violet, the children's widowed mother; Florence Hunt plays the eighth and youngest Bridgerton child Hyacinth, in only her second on-screen role; and Claudia Jessie (Vanity Fair) is Eloise, the fifth Bridgerton child and second daughter.
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Hide AdMaking up the rest of the titular clan are Luke Newton (Doctors) as Colin Bridgerton, the third Bridgerton son; Luke Thompson (Dunkirk) as Benedict, the second Bridgerton son, and Will Tilston (Goodbye Christopher Robin) as Gregory, the seventh Bridgerton child and youngest son.
Elsewhere on the cast are Adjoa Andoh (Doctor Who) as Lady Danbury, Lorraine Ashbourne (The Crown) as the Featheringtons' housekeeper Mrs. Varley, Sabrina Bartlett (Victoria) as opera singer Siena Rosso, and Golda Rosheuvel (Silent Witness) as Queen Charlotte.
Making up the Featheringtons’ – a clan at odds with the Bridgertons – are Harriet Cains (Marcella) as Philipa Featherington, Bessie Carter (Beecham House) as Prudence, Nicola Coughlan (Derry Girls) as Penelope, Ben Miller (Death in Paradise) as Archibald, the Featherington patriarch; Polly Walker (Line of Duty) plays his ambitious wife, Portia.
When can I watch it?
All eight episodes of Season 1 of Bridgerton are available to stream through Netflix now.