The Bridgerton season 2 cast is full of returning characters, but features some new faces as well. Bridgerton season 1 was all about the romantic endeavors of Daphne and Simon, Duke of Hastings. Regé-Jean Page, who plays Simon, does not return for the romance series’ sophomore season, as it shifted focus (just like the original Bridgerton novels by Julia Quinn). But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty more fascinating characters, including the introduction of Kate Sharma. The second season of Bridgerton proved to be just as much of a thrilling ride through the wild side of high society, and it's thanks in no small part to the adeptly-selected new and returning cast.
Bridgerton season 2 sees the eldest Bridgerton son and sibling, Anthony, attempting not to fall in love with Kate Sharma, who has recently arrived in England with her family — her mother Lady Mary Sharma and younger sister Edwina — after living in India. The two have an enemies-to-lovers romance, as they’re caught between duty and love. Things are made more complicated when Anthony tries to court Edwina in a bid to find a suitable wife because he thinks he needs to do so as the eldest son. Elsewhere, the ton is abuzz with more gossip from Lady Whistledown, whose identity is still investigated by both Eloise and Queen Charlotte. Here's the Bridgerton season 2 cast who brought these stories to life, and where else they can be seen (and, of course, if they're returning for Bridgerton season 3).
Jonathan Bailey As Anthony Bridgerton
Anthony Bridgerton is a viscount, the eldest son, and the head of the Bridgerton household. In Bridgerton season 2, his story is all about finding someone to marry, though he only wants to do it to fulfill his duty to his family after his father Edmund Bridgerton's passing. Anthony, however, cannot help but fall for the fiercely independent Kate Sharma even while trying to find the “perfect match” in her younger sister. Anthony is played by Jonathan Bailey, who is best known for his roles in Broadchurch, Crashing, Groove High, Leonardo, and a guest starring role in Amazon’s Jack Ryan series. Bailey also stars as Fiyero in the big-screen adaptation of Broadway’s Wicked opposite Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
Simone Ashley As Kate Sharma
Kate Sharma is the eldest daughter of her household who shoulders a lot of responsibility and who wants to find a love match for her younger sister Edwina after she and her family arrive from India. She’s strong-minded and opinionated, unafraid to challenge Anthony at all. Kate is played by Simone Ashley, who is best known for her roles in Netflix’s Sex Education, The Sister, a guest starring role in Broadchurch, and Boogieman. Ashley is one of the Bridgerton cast members making the jump to the big screen. She has a supporting role as one of Ariel’s sisters in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Charithra Chandran As Edwina Sharma
Edwina Sharma is Kate’s younger sister who is looking to get married with her guidance and help. Like Kate, Edwina is new to the Bridgerton season 2 cast and her family’s presence shakes up the ton. When Edwina is labeled the diamond of the social season by the queen, Anthony sets his sights on her, but Kate wants to make sure her sister finds just the right suitor. Edwina is played by Charithra Chandran, who is known for her roles in Alex Rider and Class S. Chandran also lent her voice to the animated Star Wars: Visions series for Disney+. She is among the Bridgerton cast not expected to return in season 3.
Claudia Jessie As Eloise Bridgerton
Eloise Bridgerton is the fifth child of Violet and Edmund Bridgerton and the second daughter after Daphne. She gets her formal season debut in the ton despite not wanting to attend parties and continues her search for Lady Whistledown’s true identity, which doesn't go the way she plans. Eloise is played by Claudia Jessie, who is best known for Defending the Guilty, Porters, Dixi, Line of Duty, Vanity Fair, Doctors, and Their Finest.
Nicola Coughlan As Penelope Featherington
Penelope Featherington is Eloise’s best friend and the youngest daughter of Portia Featherington. She was revealed to be Lady Whistledown at the end of Bridgerton season 1 and has unrequited feelings for Colin Bridgerton. Penelope is portrayed by Nicola Coughlan, who is known for her roles in the series Derry Girls and Harlots. Penelope will be at the fore of Bridgerton season 3 as her relationship with Colin is explored.
Ruth Gemmell As Lady Violet Bridgerton
Violet is the Bridgerton matriarch who wants Anthony to marry for love and not just for duty. She and her eldest son have a layered relationship that is explored throughout Bridgerton season 2. Lady Violet Bridgerton is played by Ruth Gemmell, who has appeared in Penny Dreadful, Deep State, Home Fires, and F. Some of Violet’s history in society is revealed in the Bridgerton spinoff series Queen Charlotte.
Adjoa Andoh As Lady Danbury
Lady Danbury is a dowager and a friend of the Bridgerton family who is hosting the Sharmas for the season. Lady Danbury is portrayed by Adjoa Andoh, who has appeared in Invictus, Thunderbirds Are Go, Fractured, the TV series Casualty, and Doctor Who. Like Lady Violet Bridgerton, Lady Danbury is one of the Bridgerton cast who also appears in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
Shelley Conn As Lady Mary Sharma
Lady Mary Sharma is the mother of Kate and Edwina and a widow returned to England to find a husband for her youngest. Mary is portrayed by Shelley Conn, who is best known for her roles in Terra Nova, Good Omens season 2, and Mistresses. She is not expected to return in Bridgerton Season 3.
Luke Newton As Colin Bridgerton
Colin Bridgerton is the third son in the Bridgerton household who returns in Bridgerton season 2 after leaving to travel at the end of season 1. While Colin Bridgerton maintains that he only thinks of Penelope Featherington as a friend, he frequently attempts to come to her rescue in season 2, and their connection will be the main romance of season 3. Colin is played by Luke Newton, who is known for his roles in The Lodge and The Cut.
Luke Thompson As Benedict Bridgerton
Benedict Bridgerton is the second son of the Bridgerton household and the second oldest after Anthony. Though Benedict is the subject of the third book in Julia Quinn’s series, his romantic entanglements have only been hinted at in seasons 1 and 2. His storyline has been put on hold to allow Colin and Penelope’s to play out first. Luke Thompson portrays the character onscreen and the actor has appeared in Dunkirk, Misbehaviour, and In the Club.
Polly Walker As Portia Featherington
Portia is the mother of Penelope and is the Baroness Featherington, who is trying to ensure the future of her family. Lady Featherington is played by Polly Walker, who has appeared in Emma, Clash of the Titans, Patriot Games, Pennyworth, Cursed, and Rome.
Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Basset
Daphne Basset (née Bridgerton) is a duchess, the first daughter, and fourth sibling of the Bridgerton household, and the wife of Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. She doesn’t have as big a role to play in Bridgerton season 2, but she does appear at family events and gives advice to Anthony. Daphne is played by Phoebe Dynevor, who is best known for her roles in Younger, Snatch, and Waterloo Road. Dynevor also stars in the 2023 thriller Fair Play. She is among the Bridgerton cast not returning in season 3.
Bridgerton Supporting Cast & Characters
Rupert Young As Jack Featherington - Jack is the new Lord Featherington, becoming the head of the household after the death of his cousin at the end of Bridgerton season 1. Jack is portrayed by Rupert Young, who is best known for playing Sir Leon in Merlin. He’s also guest-starred on Doctor Who and Shameless.
Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte - Queen Charlotte is the monarch of England, who is still on the hunt for Lady Whistledown, enjoys hosting balls, and ensuring she’s in the know about everything. Queen Charlotte is played by Golda Rosheuvel, who has been in Lady Macbeth, Dune, Torchwood, and Silent Witness. The queen's romance with the king in her youth is the subject of the spinoff series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, where she will be played by India Amarteifo.
Kathryn Drysdale as Genevieve Delacroix - Madame Delacroix is a dressmaker for the ton (who fakes her French accent) and she has a bigger role in season 2. Kathryn Drysdale has appeared in The Windsors, Circle Square, and Vanity Fair.
Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington - Prudence is Penelope’s older sister and one of three of Portia Featherington’s daughters. Bessie Carter has appeared in The Good Liar, Beecham House, and Howards End.
Harriet Cains as Philipa Featherington - Philipa Featherington is Penelope and Prudence’s eldest sister. Harriet Cains had roles in Safe House, Line of Duty, and Marcella.
Florence Hunt As Hyacinth Bridgerton - Hyacinth Bridgerton is the youngest daughter of Violet and Edmund and the second youngest sibling. Florence Hunt appeared in Netflix’s Cursed.
Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton - Gregory is the youngest Bridgerton child. Will Tilston was previously in Goodbye Christopher Robin.
Rupert Evans as Edmund Bridgerton - Edmund is the Bridgerton patriarch who died ten years prior. Rupert Evans has been in The Man in the High Castle, The Village, The Boy, the reboot of Charmed, and Hellboy.
Jessica Madsen as Cressida Cowper - Cressida Cowper is a member of the ton who circles the Featherington’s orbit in Bridgerton season 2. Jessica Madsen has been in Leatherface and Rambo: Last Blood.
Ruby Barker as Marina Crane - Marina Thompson is a Featherington cousin who married Sir Phillip Crane at the end of season 1. Ruby Barker has been in Wolfblood, How to Stop a Recurring Dream, and a guest star on the series Doctors.
Martins Imhangbe as Will Mondrich - Will Mondrich was a boxer, business person, and friend to Simon. Martins Imhangbe appeared in The Great British Execution and The Tragedy of King Richard the Second.
Calam Lynch as Theo Sharpe - Theo Sharpe is a printer's assistant who helps publish Lady Whistledown's papers. Calam Lynch is best known for playing John Paul in Derry Girls. He was also in Dunkirk and Benediction.
Emma Naomi as Alice Mondrich - Alice Mondrich is Will’s wife. Emma Naomi appeared in Professor T.
Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown - Lady Whistledown is the author of a society column and, while it was revealed to be Penelope, Julie Andrews still provides the voice of the character in Bridgerton season 2. Andrews is best known for her roles in The Sound of Music, The Princess Diaries, Mary Poppins, Victor Victoria, and voicing the queen in Shrek 2.
Ruby Stokes as Francesca Bridgerton - Francesca is the sixth oldest child of the Bridgerton household, mostly away during Bridgerton season 1. Ruby Stokes has been in the series Da Vinci’s Demons and Lockwood & Co. Season 2 marks her final appearance as part of the Bridgerton cast. Due to her commitments to other series, Hannah Dodd (Enola Holmes 2) takes over the role from Stokes in Bridgerton season 3.
New Characters & Recasts Confirmed For Bridgerton Season 3
Bridgerton season 2's story has created a lof of speculation about who could appear in season 3. As well as the returning case members from Bridgerton season 2, the next season will feature new faces in both familiar and unfamiliar roles. In addition to the recasting of Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton for season 3, there are also new Bridgerton cast members for the new social season. Many of those new cast members are potential suitors for characters like Penelope and Eloise who are in the middle of the debutantes looking to secure a husband.
Daniel Francis as Marcus Anderson - Marcus is one of the most charismatic new suitors focused on in the third season. He’s able to charm many of the mothers whose daughters are attempting to find husbands. Francis previously appeared in the series Stay Close and Liaison.
Sam Phillips as Lord Debling - Lord Debling is one of the wealthiest suitors being added to season three, which means there is a lot of interest from the ladies of the tonne. He also, however, has some of the most eccentric interests of the suitors to go along with his noble title. Phillips previously appeared in the series This England and The Crown.
James Phoon as Harry Dankworth - Another new suitor for the social season, Harry isn’t one of the smartest men attending the social gatherings. The women of the tonne do find his appearance to be exceptional though. Phoon is best known for his voice-over work in video games but also appeared in the 2022 series Wreck.
Hannah New as Lady Tilley Arnold - Lady Arnold is a young widow who crosses paths with the Bridgertons during the social season. Because of her late husband’s wealth, Lady Arnold enjoys a lot of the freedom and control that other women in her social circle do not. Best known for her role as Eleanor in Black Sails, New has also appeared in Maleficent and the series Trust. Her appearance as Lady Arnold will make a big impression on the tonne in Bridgerton season 3.