Why Won't Daphne Be in 'Bridgerton' Season 3?

Anticipation for Bridgerton season three is building, with the release of the first trailer for the brand-new season, which drops this spring in two parts. Viewers, however, will notice that one member of the titular clan is missing: Daphne. Phoebe Dynevor, who plays Daphne, shared she will not be returning for season three.

"Sadly not in season three. Potentially in the future," she told Screen Rant last year. "Season three, I’m just excited to watch as a viewer." Netflix and Shondaland have yet to comment on Dynevor's exit from the show.

In 2022, showrunner Jess Brownell told Variety that Daphne would appear in season three—so it's unclear in what capacity Daphne will be featured. "We want to keep seeing all of our Bridgerton siblings. We feel like those moments when the whole family is together is what really makes the show and makes all of us, I think, want to be a Bridgerton. So yes, you will definitely be seeing Daphne, Anthony and Kate — how much, I don’t want to say quite yet, but you have to tune in," Brownell said.

While Dynevor's Phoebe was in season two, her husband, the Duke of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page, wasn't in the second season. "It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end—give us a year," Page said. "[I thought] 'That’s interesting,' because then it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on."

"I have nothing but excitement for ‘Bridgerton’ continuing to steam train off and conquer the globe," he added. "But there is also value in completing these arcs and sticking the landing." Now, the both of them will be off-screen as the other Bridgertons find love.

Season one focused on Simon and Daphne's love story, and season two followed Kate and Anthony Bridgerton. Season three will shift to Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington. Though Kate and Anthony will not be the focus, actress Simone Ashley has confirmed the return of their characters in season three (and season four). "I'm excited to see Kate become Viscountess and head of the household. I think she has much to learn from Anthony. They'll be two little partners," Ashley said.

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