There's no official release date for Bridgerton season 3 yet, but it's already confirmed that some favorite Bridgerton characters will not be returning. Bridgerton follows Julia Quinn’s books of the same name, with each book (and season) following a Bridgerton sibling. Netflix’s Bridgerton has diverted slightly from the books with Eloise having a love storyline with a new character, Theo Sharpe, in season 2, and season 3 focusing on Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, instead of Benedict Bridgerton.
Bridgerton shot to success with its first season which followed the eldest Bridgerton daughter, and the mysterious Duke of Hastings, Simon. The success continued into Bridgerton season 2 with Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma, and now Shonda Rhimes has created a Bridgerton prequel focused on Queen Charlotte and King George, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. This, alongside the expected release of season 3 of Bridgerton, will mean a big year for Bridgerton, with many returning and new characters. However, some characters will not be returning for Bridgerton season 3.
4 Daphne Bridgerton
Star of season 1 Daphne Bridgerton found love with the Duke of Hastings, and they moved away from the Bridgerton household. Nevertheless, Daphne still appeared in Bridgerton season 2, although not at the forefront as the season focused on Anthony. However, Daphne still played a key role in helping Anthony find a woman to marry and follow his true feelings for Kate Sharma. Daphne, also brought her first child to the family household to show how her relationship with Simon had developed.
Phoebe Dynevor recently confirmed that she will not be returning as Daphne for season 3 of Bridgerton. Speaking to Screen Rant, Dynevor revealed she is excited to watch season 3 as a viewer and is not closed off to returning in season 4. Dynevor shot to fame after the success of Bridgerton season 1, so it makes sense that she would want to explore more opportunities since Daphne will not be a major character in future Bridgerton seasons.
3 Duke Simon Basset
Another season 1 star who will not be appearing is Regé-Jean Page as Simon, the Duke of Hastings. Despite Daphne’s return in season 2, Page did not return alongside his Bridgerton season 1 star which affected Daphne’s role as well, but Bridgerton’s unique format meant Simon would not have had much of a role either. Simon’s story was complete by the end of season 1, his issues around drinking and fear of having a child when he fell in love with Daphne were resolved, so there would not have been much room for character development.
Page himself has continued to flourish, appearing in Netflix’s The Gray Man and most recently stars in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. There were some rumors that Page would return as Simon after his absence in season 2, however, it has been confirmed Simon will not return in Bridgerton season 3. Now that Simon and Daphne do not live in the Bridgerton household, there is not much scope for them together as a couple, or individually.
2 Edwina Sharma
Edwina Sharma, star of Bridgerton season 2, will not be returning for season 3. Edwina came to London in hopes she could marry and provide financial security for her family. Edwina was set to marry Anthony Bridgerton but, unbeknownst to her, he fell in love with her sister, Kate, and they eventually married. Edwina had a tough time throughout season 2 as she never really connected with Anthony, and only realized he loved Kate on her own wedding day. With Anthony marrying Kate and the financial pressure taken away, Edwina fully supported her sister and stepped aside.
At the end of Bridgerton season 2, Queen Charlotte came to Edwina, who was the diamond of the social season, and told her that her nephew, a Prince, was available. It is implied Edwina will then meet the Prince, and hopefully fall in love, so there is no other route for Edwina’s story to be explored, especially as she is not a Bridgerton. In an interview with Indian Express, Charithra Chandran confirmed she would not be returning as Edwina for season 3 and is currently filming for a new movie.
1 Other Bridgerton Characters Who May Not Return In Season 3
There is speculation that some other favorites may not be back for Bridgerton season 3. One of these is Theo Sharpe, a working-class love interest of Eloise Bridgerton whose relationship came to an end in season 2. Theo is a new character who is not in the books. Bridgerton tends to stick quite closely to the books, so a rekindling of their relationship is more likely to be in the season that focuses on Eloise’s love life. Jack Featherington also played a big part in season 2 as he tried to con the people of the Ton, but he was sent away in season 2 and is unlikely to return.
In addition, it is unlikely Marina Thompson will return in season 3 as she was mainly part of Colin’s love story, and he made closure with her in her brief appearance in season 2. Marina will most likely be mentioned, but again she is not a major player until Eloise’s story becomes the main focus. Finally, Edmund Bridgerton played a role in Anthony’s flashbacks in season 2 and was a big part of Anthony’s struggle with love which has since been resolved, so he too is unlikely to return for Bridgerton season 3.