After Netflix released the Bridgerton season 4 cast list and Simone Ashley (who plays Kate) wasn’t on it, many became worried about whether she would return, seeing that the show undoubtedly needs Kate. The good news is that Ashley will reprise her role as Kate in the cast of Bridgerton season 4, quelling fans’ fears. It’s still unclear how much of a role Kate will have in Benedict’s season. However, the hope is that Ashley’s character will have a significant presence in the upcoming Bridgerton episodes, given her importance to the story.

The cast and crew began filming Bridgerton season 4 in September 2024, and production will take around eight months to complete, according to showrunner Jess Brownell’s interview with The Hollywood Reporter . However, Bridgerton season 4 likely won’t premiere until 2026.

Bridgerton season 2 introduced Kate as Anthony’s primary love interest. But it took some time before the couple got together. Anthony was engaged to Kate’s sister, Edwina, before she called off their wedding because of Anthony and Kate’s feelings for one another. By the season finale, Kate officially became a Bridgerton spouse on the TV show, joining Regé-Jean Page’s Simon. Nicola Coughlan’s Penelope also became a member of the group when she married Colin in season 3, which notably featured a lot less of Kate, despite her significance to the series.

Kate Is Now Integral In The Bridgerton Family & Story

Simone Ashley’s Character Is A Fan Favorite

After her introduction in season 2, Kate has become one of Bridgerton‘s best characters and a fundamental member of the Bridgerton family. Kate is undoubtedly more renowned and associated with the Bridgertons than any other character who joined the show after season 1, and for good reason. She and Anthony make for the perfect couple, and that’s because Kate fits in so well with his family. However, she isn’t afraid to stand her ground.

Kate’s continual significance and presence as one of the central Bridgerton love interests provide the stability the Netflix series so desperately needs.

Kate is comfortable being a part of the Bridgerton family’s chaos but also offers wise and sound advice to the other characters (and calls out Anthony when needed). For example, Kate gives Colin great advice concerning his relationship with Penelope in the episode before Bridgerton season 3’s finale. Going forward, all the Bridgerton siblings and future spouses need that kind of guidance, making Kate’s role in the Netflix series all the more important. 

Kate Provides Continuity In Bridgerton After Simon Never Came Back

Regé-Jean Page Left Bridgerton After Season 1

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It was unfortunate when Bridgerton lost Regé-Jean Page, who played Simon, after season 1. Simon was the face of the show’s first ten episodes alongside Phoebe Dynevor’s Daphne, meaning Page’s exit was quite disheartening. The actor isn’t interested in returning. So, Bridgerton cannot rely on Page, who undoubtedly carried the series in season 1. However, the good news is that Simone Ashley (the face of season 2) still wants to be a part of the Bridgerton season 4 cast.

Bridgerton Season 4 Cast
Role

Luke Thompson
Benedict Bridgerton

Yerin Ha
Sophie Baek

Golda Rosheuvel
Queen Charlotte

Jonathan Bailey
Anthony Bridgerton

Simone Ashley
Kate Bridgerton

Adjoa Andoh
Lady Danbury

Claudia Jessie
Eloise Bridgerton

Luke Newton
Colin Bridgerton

Hannah Dodd
Francesca Bridgerton

Ruth Gemmell

Nicola Coughlan
Penelope Bridgerton

Florence Hunt
Hyacinth Bridgerton

Will Tilston
Gregory Bridgerton

Polly Walker
Portia Featherington

Jessica Madsen
Cressida Cowper

Martins Imhangbe
Will Mondrich

Emma Naomi
Alice Mondrich

Victor Alli
John Stirling

Masali Baduza

Daniel Francis
Lord Marcus Anderson

Julie Andrews
Lady Whistledown (voice)

Katie Leung
Lady Araminta Gun

Michelle Mao
Rosamund Li

Isabella Wei
Posy Li

Hugh Sachs
Brimsley

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Kate’s continual significance and presence as one of the central Bridgerton love interests provide the stability the Netflix series so desperately needs. She isn’t one of the Bridgerton siblings but is at the center of one of the show’s big romances, giving her importance. Consequently, Bridgerton needs Kate more than ever to balance the scales and cultivate a sense of continuity.