Netflix releases first look at Bridgerton season 3

Netflix has released the first look at the highly anticipated third series of Bridgerton, telling fans: "The wait is nearly over."

Watch it below:

"Rejoice in this most thrilling news," a post from the show's official X profile said, accompanied by first look footage for round three, spliced with quotes from fans about just how 'excited' they are.

"Gentle reader, you thought I was silenced," Lady Whistledown says in the clip.

"But you thought wrong.

"Yours truly, Lady Whistledown."

The new instalment will be released in two parts, with the first half launching on Netflix on 16 May and the second on 13 June.

Filming started back in July, bringing in three newcomers: Harry Dankworth (James Phoon), Lord Debling (Sam Phillips) and Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis).

Netflix

A brief synopsis from Netflix said: "Lady Whistledown's silence is over, and it would seem she is revealing the Ton's most speculated secret yet.

"Bridgerton Season 3 will arrive in two parts with Part 1 premiering May 16th and Part 2 on June 13th. Only on Netflix."

Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington - and of course the infamous Lady Whistledown - previously revealed what viewers can expect from the next series, with those desperate to see how her character's relationship with Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) pleased to hear we'll be focusing on 'Polin' as the pair's friendship finally blossoms into something more.

Confirming the news and speaking about what's to come at Netflix’s FYSEE Space, Nicola said: “Like Lady Whistledown, I have been keeping a secret for quite some time and I can confirm to you all that Season 3 is Colin and Penelope’s love story.

“I have kept that secret since two weeks into Season 2. This is the first time I am saying it here.”

Netflix

The beginning of the new series will see Penelope struggling socially after being outed as Lady Whistledown.

“She’s like a woman on a mission,” Nicola said in another interview with People.

“She’s ready to go, ready to launch herself out into the marriage market in a new way. She wants a whole new look, and she gets it.”

Executive producer Shonda Rhimes previously told Entertainment Tonight that the plan for the future is to follow 'each of the [eight Bridgerton] siblings' romantic storylines'.

“We're not necessarily going in order but we are going to be seeing each of the siblings and their stories," she said.

Part one of Bridgerton season three premieres on Netflix on 16 May, followed by part two on 13 June.