Showrunner Jess Brownell teases Bridgerton season 4’s “juicy” romance and promises announcements very soon. Based on the books by Julia Quinn, each season of Netflix’s popular period drama follows a different member of the eponymous noble family as they find love in an alternative version of Regency-era London. The second part of the third season, released on June 13, completes Colin and Penelope Featherington’s friends-to-lovers arc and contains many hints about the forthcoming Bridgerton season 4, which has already been renewed by Netflix.

During a recent interview with Reuters, Brownell teased Bridgerton season 4’s “extremely juicy” romance and said they “will be making an announcement about the next season sooner rather than later.” The current showrunner, who replaced creator Chris Van Dusen for the third and fourth seasons, goes on to reflect on her growth as a writer. Read her full comments below:

We will be making an announcement about the next season sooner rather than later. I can tell you that it is going to be extremely juicy. I think as a writer you sharpen your skills every season. And as a showrunner, I feel like I learned on the job a lot this season, but now I’m really just enjoying myself and playing around and having a good time.

Who Will Be Bridgerton Season 4’s Lead?

Benedict, Eloise, Or Francesca?

In a separate interview with Glamour, Brownell confirmed that Bridgerton season 4’s lead will either be Benedict, Eloise, or Francesca, adding that each character has “a lot of growth still ahead of them.” Based on the order of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton books, Benedict should have been the lead of season 3, though his story was passed over in favor of Colin’s from the fourth book, Romancing Mister Bridgerton. This has complicated the show’s order since it could circle back and tell Benedict’s story in season 4, although in the books, Eloise’s story comes after Colin’s.

During the Bridgerton season 3 part 2 ending, Francesca also emerges as a surprisingly strong candidate for season 4’s lead. She moves to Scotland with her new husband, John Stirling, and his charming cousin Michaela, setting the stage for Francesca’s romance. In the sixth book, When He Was Wicked, Francesca’s marriage to John ends unexpectedly, leading to her true love story with Michael, who has been changed to Michaela for the show. During the season 3 ending, Eloise’s story also takes a surprising turn when she decides to travel the world and accompany Francesca to Scotland.

Meanwhile, as is typical, Benedict finds himself adrift after season 3. However, there are some hints suggesting a change may be on the horizon. During the season 3 finale, Benedict mentions Lady Bridgerton’s masquerade ball, which in the book, An Offer from a Gentleman, is where he meets his future wife, Sophie. Brownell teases that Bridgerton season 4’s lead will be announced shortly, so soon enough, the speculation will be over, and audiences should know which juicy romance is in store.