Bridgerton Producer Explains Why Francesca Is Missing From Season 2

Bridgerton fans were delighted to see their favourite period drama return to screens on Friday, however many eagle-eyed viewers noticed that a member of the titular family was noticeably absent.

The sixth Bridgerton child, Francesca, played by Ruby Stokes, was also absent for most of the first season.

The plan was to have Francesca in more episodes but due to a prior acting commitment, Stokes had to pull out of filming.

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Executive producer, creator and showrunner Chris Van Dusen explained why Francesca only appears in three episodes and hopes there will be more appearances for the character in the third season.

Speaking to TVLine, Van Dusen said: “I love Francesca, but we lost her midway through season 2.”

Stokes was cast as the lead character in the upcoming Netflix detective series Lockwood & Co. It appears her production schedule for both shows clashed.

Lockwood & Co. is also based on a book of the same name and Stokes will play Lucy Carlyle, a girl who also hunts ghosts and deadly spirits along with her friends as part of independent agency created to combat the supernatural.

Netflix)

“After exhausting all other options, she unfortunately had to come out due to reasons beyond our control,” Van Dusen said.

“Perhaps season 3 will be the charm.”

Stokes attended the Bridgerton premiere in London last week and when asked by Tyla about Francesca's favourite type of clothing, the actress said tuckers, also known as a chemisette, which is the sheer neck piece worn to fill-in the bosom area exposed by a dress.

She also commented on her favourite Bridgerton styles, in addition to Francesca's, she said: “I love how Eloise wears her hair and I love the up dos that Daphne gets as well!”

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Bridgerton has been a huge success for Netflix and following the release of the first season on Christmas Day in 2020, the Regency romp became the most watched English language TV show for the streaming service.

Netflix renewed Bridgerton for seasons three and four in April last year. In an interview with Marie Claire Australia, Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington, confirmed that filming for the third season will begin this summer.