In the last episode of Bridgerton season 3, a massive seasons-long secret is finally revealed to the ton, leading to a major Bridgerton change and the end of an amazing era. Over the course of eight episodes, Bridgerton season 3 followed the friends-to-lovers romance between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington. The duo not only revealed their feelings for each other, but overcame major obstacles. Aside from the main romance though, Bridgerton season 3’s end saw the beginnings of a fresh era, with many new storylines and changes on the way.

Although Colin and Penelope were the main focus of Bridgerton season 3, other plots and conflicts were also at play. Penelope’s Lady Whistledown persona led to countless issues around the ton. She not only had to earn forgiveness from her loved ones, but also stave off Cressida Cowper’s schemes. On top of that, she had to come to terms with her past mistakes and start over with a clean slate. Therefore, Penelope revealed her secret to the Queen and all of Mayfair at her sisters’ ball. Ultimately, this decision redeemed Penelope, but led to a sad switch-up.

Bridgerton Season 3 Is The End Of Julie Andrew’s Role As Lady Whistledown

Penelope Will Likely Voice Whistledown Now

Now that Penelope has revealed that she is Lady Whistledown, Julie Andrews’ time as the gossip columnist has likely come to an end. Julie Andrews has been the voice of Lady Whistledown for all three seasons of Bridgerton, adding drama with her charming tone and accent. However, season 3 will probably be her final season. In the final moments of Bridgerton season 3, as Lady Whistledown is finishing her last monologue, Andrews’ voice is replaced with Penelope’s. She signs the issue with Penelope Bridgerton rather than Lady Whistledown.

Though she has always remained faceless, Andrews is as much part of the Bridgerton cast as anyone on-screen

While seeing Penelope take ownership of her writing is incredibly satisfying, the loss of Julie Andrews is a disappointing turn of events. Andrews’ voice has become a staple of Bridgerton over the past four years. She ushers in every episode and every new season with flair and humor. Though she has always remained faceless, Andrews is as much part of the Bridgerton cast as anyone on-screen. Now, without Julie Andrews, Lady Whistledown will inevitably be different in the forthcoming Bridgerton seasons.

Why Penelope Taking Over As The Voice-Over Makes Sense

Penelope Needs To Voice Whistledown

Julie Andrews’ departure from Bridgerton is upsetting, but the change makes sense. In fact, it must happen. Julie Andrews did a superb job of narrating Lady Whistledown, but her voice represented Penelope’s deception. By having Andrews voice the writer, Penelope was able to hide in the shadows. However, if Penelope voices Whistledown from now on, she will be taking accountability for her actions. Plus, she will have a voice in the ton that she never had before. Ultimately, Lady Whistledown will change without Julie Andrews, but it is a change that greatly benefits Penelope and Bridgerton as a whole.

In Julia Quinn’s “Romancing Mister Bridgerton,” Penelope gives up being Lady Whistledown completely.