With the Netflix series no longer following the order of Julia Quinn’s series of novels, it was up in the air as to which sibling would take centre stage for the fourth series of the regency era drama. But Netflix and Shondaland have now revealed that Luke Thompson’s (Dunkirk) character, Benedict Bridgerton, will be leading the upcoming series, putting us back in book order.

Fans wondered whether Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd, Enola Holmes 2) would be the front runner, as series three dived deep into her character, with her run as a debutante ending with marriage. Eloise was also in the running due to her actor, Claudia Jessie’s (Line of Duty), online popularity.

Series three saw Benedict in a bit of a limbo. Most of his arc in the first two series was dedicated to his exploring the arty underbelly of society. But his hopes of going to a prestigious art school were quashed after he discovered his acceptance wasn’t due to his raw talent, but because of a bribe from his brother Anthony (Jonathan Bailey, Crashing).

Whereas the past three series have been based around romance tropes such as enemies-to-lovers, or friends-to-lovers, Benedict’s story is a class-difference romance: a Cinderella story. Julia Quinn’s third novel centring around Benedict is named An Offer from a Gentleman, and sees Benedict fall for a ‘lady in silver’ at a ball, only to discover Sophie is a lower-class girl, and therefore someone it would be shameful for him to marry.

Fans are speculating that Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen, Dark Light), the ton’s bully, may be taking the place of Sophie. This comes after she was scorned last series, for pretending to be Lady Whistledown to get out of parental pressure to marry a much older man.

The theory goes that in the third series, Cressida will have gone to live with her aunt, and be considered a much lower class than in previous series. This would be in line with Sophie’s character in the book, as she begins her life as the daughter of an Earl, being forced into the role of a servant by her ‘evil stepmother’. This is further corroborated by both Sophie and Cressida’s mothers being called Araminta.

It is expected the upcoming series will also explore Benedict’s pansexuality more, as in the last few episodes of series three he had a realisation that he’s attracted to all genders.

Although a premiere date is yet to be announced, Bridgerton series four is expected to be released in 2026.