John and Francesca in BridgertonVictor Alli teases John and Francesca’s future in Bridgerton season 3. Released on May 16, Bridgerton season 3, part 1 continues following the eponymous family as Colin and Penelope’s relationship transitions from friendship to romance. The third season also increases the focus on Francesca who, recast as Hannah Dodd, makes her debut in society, and John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin (Victor Alli) quickly emerges as a potential suitor.

During an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Alli teased John and Francesca’s future in Bridgerton season 3. The actor expressed his desire to ride a horse and explore more about John’s background, including his upbringing and family connections. Alli also teased Francesca seeing John’s world and where he comes from. Read his full comments below:

I want to ride a horse. That’s so random, isn’t it? I want to explore it because, whilst filming, I’ve discovered more about John and his life and his family. It’d be quite nice to see more of his family; see who these people are, and where he’s come from. What’s his background, where was he brought up?

And it’s interesting for Francesca, actually, to see his world and where he’s come from. He’s obviously in her world now, and he knows her family, so it’d be nice to see that on the flip. But I do want to ride a horse as well. I just think it’ll be pretty cool.

What To Expect For Francesca & John In Bridgerton Season 3, Part 2

Francesca & John’s Relationship Will Deepen

Victor Alli as John Stirling Earl of Kilmartin in Bridgerton season 3 episode 4-1 Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton and Victor Alli as John Stirling Earl of Kilmartin in Bridgerton season 3, episode 4-2
Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton in Bridgerton season 3 episode 4-1 Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton and Victor Alli as John Stirling Earl of Kilmartin in Bridgerton season 3 episode 4-1 Victor Alli as John Stirling Earl of Kilmartin and Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton in Bridgerton season 3 episode 4

At the beginning of Bridgerton season 3, the family’s sixth child, Francesca, makes her debut in society. However, unlike her siblings, who seem to attract attention, Francesca is more reserved and prefers the tranquility of playing pianoforte to the bustling social scene. At a ball, Francesca needs some fresh air and meets John outside, where the two share a comfortable silence together. Later, Lord Kilmartin visits the Bridgerton home, with him and Francesca once again sharing a comfortable silence, which confuses her family, who were expecting a different suitor.

As Alli says, Bridgerton season 3 part 2 should explore more of John’s background, family, and upbringing. In the Bridgerton books, John is the eighth Earl of Kilmartin who was raised alongside his cousin, Michael, at Kilmartin in Scotland. Unlike Michael, who served in the Napoleonic Wars, John didn’t have to serve due to his duties as the earl. The cousins were as close as brothers, having grown up together and, as Earl,John is a very busy and responsible figure, which should be reflected in Bridgerton season 3, part 2 and beyond.

Only four episodes into Bridgerton season 3, the comfortable moments shared between Francesca and John clearly set the stage for a larger romance to come in part 2 and beyond. It’s unclear who Bridgerton season 4 will focus on, though her scenes with John early on in season 3 set the stage for Francesca’s upcoming story, which is chronicled in the sixth Bridgerton book, When He Was Wicked. When that story is seen on the small screen in Netflix’s Bridgerton remains to be seen.