Which Bridgerton Stars Are – And Are Not Returning – Season 5?

Bridgerton is returning for a fifth season but not all of the cast members are guaranteed to reprise their roles.

Bridgertonbased on a series of books written by Julia Quinnfocuses on members of the wealthy Bridgerton family as they search for love in 19th century London. Season 1 was followed by Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset (Regé-Jean page) of love, who were the central couple in the first book, The Duke and I.

Season 2, on the other hand, took inspiration The Viscount Who Loved Mesuccessor to Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) finding love with Kate Sharma (Simon Ashley). Except for Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) which is the subject of a third novel — A Gift from a Gentleman — his love story with newcomer Sophie (Yerin Ha) has been pushed to a 4th season.

Instead, the third season focuses on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) as seen in Quinn’s book Romancing Mister Bridgerton.

A runner Jess Brownell confirmed in January 2026 that Eloise (Claudia Jessie) and Phillip Crane (Chris Fulton) or Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela (Goodbye Baduza) are next in line. The suspense kept readers on their toes – as it happened with former cast members leaving the show.

Page had a very memorable exit when he chose to wrap up one season Bridgerton he did not abandon Simon, Page stood by his decision not to return. Dynevor later confirmed his exit from the series, which did not appear to be his decision.

The cast has continued to evolve as new leads have been introduced. Keep scrolling to see which one Bridgerton characters returning – and not returning – in season 5:

Claudia Jessie

Regardless of whether Eloise is the lead or not Eloise is going to be the main character in the show.

Hannah Dodd

Francesca is another important role that will be front and center despite the focus of season 5.

Goodbye Baduza

After getting more screen time in season 4, Michaela is now a major player in Bridgerton.

Chris Fulton

Although Chris Fulton has not returned as Phillip Crane since season 2, the actor is expected to lead season 5 or be a major presence leading up to Eloise’s love story.

Luke Thompson

Although his season will end, Benedict has an important role in Eloise’s story and is likely to be a big part of season 5 regardless.

Yerin Ha

The same is true of Benedict’s now wife, Sophie, after Yerin Ha exclusively confirmed to Us Weekly that she was expecting to reprise her role.

Jonathan Bailey

With Jonathan Bailey’s screen time becoming increasingly short, it’s unclear what the show’s plans are for Anthony.

Simon Ashley

Simone Ashley also showed support for Kate to come back but she hasn’t been around much since season 2.

Luke Newton

Colin will probably return in season 5 but not in the same way he was portrayed in previous seasons.

Nicola Coughlan

The question of how Penelope will fit into the show has been asked since Lady Whistledown has been taken by someone else.

Victor Alli

John doesn’t come back after he’s killed based on the novel by Julia Quinn.

Florence Hunt

The role of this actor has become bigger as the show reaches Hyacinth in the lead.

Is Tilston

The same can be said for Will Tilston, who plays Gregory aka Eloise and Francesca.

Phoebe Dynevor

Daphne has not been a part of the show since season 2.

Regé-Jean page

Phoebe Dyenvor’s on-screen love interest Regé-Jean Page, on the other hand, left the show in season 1 and hasn’t returned.

Golda Rochevel

Despite the death of the real Queen Charlotte in 1818, showrunner Jess Brownell confirmed that the show would keep Golda Rosheuvel on the show.

Julie Andrews

When Penelope’s identity as Whistledown is kept a secret, iconic film actress Julie Andrews voices the character. Season 3 shook things up by having Penelope take it after revealing she was behind the Whistledown columns but Andrews continued to be the voice in season 4. The same can be said for the new Whistledown writer, who Andrews voiced in a slightly different tone.

Adjoa Andoh

Lady Danbury may have left London but Adjoa Andoh has not left the show.

Ruth Gemmell

Violet continues to exist as each of her children finds love.