Bridgerton fans defend character’s LGBTQ storyline in season 3 after initial backlash

Dearest gentle readers: This article contains spoilers for Bridgerton

Bridgerton fans are refusing to stay silent following some negative reactions to one character's storyline.

The final four episodes of the Regency-era romance dropped on Netflix yesterday (13 June), and many loyal fans have raced through the lot.

It was hard not to - with the first half of the series leaving us on a huge cliffhanger.

The friends-to-lovers lead duo Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) finally realised their mutual love for one another and got very steamy in the back of a carriage.

Not only that, but he also asked for her hand in marriage.

There was much to look forward to in the second half - but many viewers were also seriously excited about where the storylines would lead for the rest of the 'Ton.

One character that Bridgerton lovers were eager to see the development of was Francesca Bridgerton.

In part one of the third season, she had been named the 'diamond of the season' by Queen Charlotte - making her a stand-out choice for male suitors on the marriage market.

Viewers were taken on a series of twists and turns as Francesca rejected the advances of the very prestigious Lord Samadani (David Mumeni), which is triggered by his want for a loud household with many children.

Instead, her eye is drawn to John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin, who shares her love for quiet moments and carefully-arranged music.

Fans were eager to learn where Francesca Bridgerton's storyline would go. (Netflix)

Spurred on by their love for a peaceful life, Francesca and John are quickly engaged to be married - as they can then retreat to John’s Scotland estate.

They then tie the knot. But of course, it wouldn't be the Bridgerton we know and love without a bit of extra drama, would it?

In the book series written by Julia Quinn, from which the Netflix series is adapted, Francesca's eye is drawn away by John's cousin - Michael Stirling.

Yet, in the series, there is one key difference.

John's cousin is a woman, Michaela (Masali Baduza), yet Francesca's eye is still drawn to her.

There is a moment of palpable tension between the two, with Francesca getting flustered and struggling to get her words out.

It's a beautiful moment that suggests Francesca is bisexual, or a member of the LGBTQ+ community in some regard - and it seems safe to assume that there's romance afoot, as Francesca realises her feelings for Michael in the novel.

The arrival of Michaela seems to have put a spanner in the works for Francesca. (Netflix)

Most fans were delighted with this progression, while others suggested they'll stop watching the show because of it.

Meanwhile, many viewers drew attention to the fact that when Bridgerton showed a fluidity to Benedict Bridgerton's sexuality - he has a threesome with Lady Tilley Arnold (Hannah New) and Paul Suarez (Lucas Aurelio) - and the reaction was one of praise.

One person wrote: "The reaction to benedict being confirmed bi vs francesca being confirmed bi is just….. so telling lol."

Another said: "literally omg!! Since the season came out i have been hearing negatives about Francesca all over social media but NOTHING about Benedict?? The double standards…"

While a third noted: "Y'all love queer characters as long as they're male lmao."

We just want our iconic Francesca to be happy!

Bridgerton season 3 part two is now streaming on Netflix.