Bridgerton fans upset over two missing characters in season 4 - what we know about their absence

After what has felt like an eternity of waiting, the latest season of everyone's favourite raunchy period drama is back.

Yep, the eagerly-anticipated fourth season of Bridgerton has finally landed on Netflix today (29 January) and it's taken fans no time at all to rattle through the first four episodes.

After finishing the first four episodes in part one, they'll have to wait a whole month until they can watch the other four in the second half which is coming out late next month (26 February).

Now, given that our last dose of the 'Ton came out years ago in June 2024, you can understand why fans are practically foaming at the mouth to find out what's next for all their favourite characters.

However, many were left absolutely beside themselves after finding out that two major characters who were the centre couple in season two are missing from the latest season with many rushing to social media to share their gripes.

Yep, much to the upset of TV lovers all over, Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton (played by Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey respectively), are no where to be seen in the first part of the latest season.

One X user penned: "BRING BACK DAPHNE, SIMON, KATE AND ANTHONY."

"WE NEED MORE FROM SIMON & DAPHNE, KATE & ANTHONY, COLIN & PENELOPE AND THE LEADS FOR SEASON 4," echoed a second.

A third chimed in: "WHERE IS ANTHONY PLS."

"Oh Anthony you are so missed," lamented another.

And a final X user commiserated: "This is inconceivably criminal."

The show explains Kate and Anthony's absence by having them travel to India for the birth of their first child but, despite their limited early appearance, both are expected to return later in the season.

Bridgerton fans are gutted that Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton aren't in the first part of the new season (Netflix)

At the start of the new series, a member of the Bridgerton household staff reveals the news.

And, given their new roles as first-time parents, it's only fair that the it-couple will be less visible during the opening half of the upcoming season.

According to the Express, producers and cast members have confirmed Ashley and Bailey's involvement in the forthcoming episodes, albeit potentially more supporting capacities.

Bailey himself previously told The Hollywood Reporter: "There's gonna be lots of space for new people to come in, and Luke and Yerin are gonna be great. So I'll always pop back and say hello."

Ashley, meanwhile, told Glamour before production began: "I know that I am returning, but that's all I can say. I absolutely adore the show, and the more I can be a part of it, the better. They've been really kind to work around my schedule."

This season, fans can look forward to Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) taking centre stage instead.

Bridgerton is currently available to stream on Netflix.