“I’m not trying to erase the fact that Ruby played her first.”
Amongst all the Penelope and Colin romance, the Penelope and Eloise drama, and Kate and Anthony’s extended honeymoon era, Bridgerton season 3 brings Francesca Bridgerton to the forefront of the show – alongside a brand new actress portraying her.
Hannah Dodd, previously known for her work in Enola Holmes and Anatomy of a Scandal, takes over the role from Ruby Stokes, who portrayed the Bridgerton sister in season 1 and 2.
Due to a scheduling conflict with another Netflix show (Lockwood & Co.), Ruby sadly had to leave Bridgerton because she could not commit to appearing in season 3. Hannah was then cast in the role, and now she’s officially on the way to leading her own future season.
In a new interview with ELLE, Hannah opened up about taking over the role from Ruby, and what she hopes to bring to Francesca going forward.
Hannah Dodd replaces Ruby Stokes as Francesca Bridgerton in season 3. Picture: Alamy
Speaking about taking on the future leading-role, and building on the portrayal that Ruby originated, Hannah told ELLE: “Francesca is such a gorgeous character that it takes two people to get to tell her story, but I’m not trying to erase the fact that Ruby played her first.”
“I think we had a little chat when [my casting] announcement came out, and we were always liking each other’s stuff [on Instagram]. I congratulated her on her job; she congratulated me on my job. So it’s really lovely to share this with her.”
Ruby Stokes (far left) had to leave Bridgerton due to scheduling conflicts. Picture: Alamy
Speaking more about her introduction to the show, she explained that getting to show Francesca debuting in society was an important moment for the character – and likely for her, too, as a newcomer.
“That was an amazing surprise,” she said. “In the books, we don’t ever see how she actually does join society.”
Knowing that she would be playing Francesca for seasons to come before eventually leading her own, Hannah shared that she took the opportunity to make sure Book Francesca’s traits and behavioural tics were present in her portrayal.
“There’s a huge arc that happens before [her book], so I needed to work out where to start her and who she would be at this point of her life,” she said.
The character of Francesca is incredibly beloved among fans of the book, and author Julia Quinn herself. Her book is often regarded as one of the best in the series. We can’t wait to see what Hannah brings to the role in future seasons.
News
Meghan Markle warning as insider reveals ‘gloves are off’ with rumours of next bombshell
The Sussexes were snubbed from an invite to Balmoral Castle, which may have been the last straw for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The couple may have hit their last straw (Image: Getty) Meghan Markle has been open with struggles of mental…
Prince William and Harry’s feud continues leaving King Charles with a tough decision to make
It appears that Prince William and Harry are no closer to reconciling their bitter feud, despite their father, King Charles, holding onto hope. A well-known royal author has revealed that King Charles is “extremely sad” over the ongoing rift between his sons. As he continues cancer treatment, King Charles is more…
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal titles at risk as King convenes Balmoral summit
If Harry were to lose his Prince title that would mean Archie and Lilibet could also lose theirs, but they would be able to use the Dumbarton titles while their parents will be known simply as the Sussexes. Prince Harry and Meghan…
Ultra rare footage of King Charles’ Christening from 1948 showing four generations of the royal family is found at thrift shop for less than £7
A man has revealed how he discovered ultra rare footage of King Charles‘ Christening in a thrift shop – for less than £7. Ronald Baxter Jr, 59, from Charleston, South Carolina, has been collecting since he was 10 years old and…
Kate Middleton ‘made phone call’ to Meghan at King’s request to ‘clear the air’ after Royal racism claims
Kate Middleton contacted Meghan Markle to address racism allegations after Omid Scobie’s book, claims insider. Kate Middleton reportedly contacted Meghan Markle following the explosive allegations of racism levelled against the royal family including her. The Duchess of Sussex had claimed that…
Prince William Just Sported a New Look That Was Previously Discouraged — and Sparked Tension with Prince Harry
The Prince of Wales, who appeared in a new video with Princess Kate, hasn’t been seen with facial hair since 2008 Prince William is experimenting with a new look this summer, one that has been at the center of a hairy…
End of content
No more pages to load