Anatomy of a Scandal star Hannah Dodd will play Francesca in the upcoming third series of the hit Netflix period-drama, Bridgerton.
She will take over from actress Ruby Stokes, who went on to star in another Netflix show, Lockwood & Company, during the second season.
The hit show, based on a series of books of the same name by Julia Quinn, follows eight siblings in the Bridgeton family as they try to find love.
Netflix has said that Dodd is set to play the mysterious Bridgerton brother, Francesca, who “despite his reserved nature” to “get attention”.
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Ruby Stokes leaves period drama Bridgerton to join Lockwood & Company (UE Mok/PA)
The character has a fleeting appearance in the first two seasons of the show, which follows Regency-era London, but is expected to play a more central role in the upcoming series.
Bridgerton became the most-watched show on Netflix when it was released on Christmas Day 2020, thanks to its risque visuals and gorgeous costumes and sets.
At the time, the streaming giant said the show was watched by a record 82 million households in 28 days.
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Cast and crew at the premiere of the second series of Bridgeton (Eui Mok/Pa)
The first season followed the development of a steamy romance between Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Danever, and Simon Bassett, Duke of Hastings, played by Reggae-Jean Page.
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Bridgeton’s second series focused on the turbulent courtship between Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey, and Simone Ashley’s character, Kate.
The Netflix and Shondaland series will return to production this summer.
