Summary
With Phoebe Dynevor (who plays Daphne) no longer a part of theBridgertonmain cast, the Netflix series tried its hardest to replace her, but season 3 demonstrated exactly why the eldest daughter is irreplaceable. The historical romance TV show is based on Julia Quinn’sBridgertonbook series, with each season revolving around the love story of oneBridgerton sibling.Season 1 chronicled Daphne’s whirlwind romance with Simon Basset,the Duke of Hastings, and ever since its last episode, Daphne has scarcely been seen on the show.
Following theBridgertonseason 1 finale, Regé-Jean Page, who played Simon, exited the series and has never returned.
Dynevor reprised her role as Daphne in a fewBridgertonseason 2 episodes. However, the actress did not return in season 3 — not even to attend her brother’s wedding to Penelope Featherington (or Francesca’s wedding to John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin, for that matter).Daphne was completely absent duringBridgertonseason 3, and even though the Netflix series evidently attempted to replace her with one of her sisters (Francesca),Daphne’s absence in the latestBridgertonepisodes was more prevalent than ever.
Francesca Shows Daphne Can’t Fully Be Replaced In Bridgerton
Francesca’s Role In Season 3 Contrasted With Daphne’s In Season 1
The Netflix historical romance series still has to provide a better explanation for Phoebe Dynevor’s character’s absence if she doesn’t reprise her role in season 4.
Francesca is reserved and content with living a quiet life, while Daphne is accustomed to (and takes pleasure in) being in the spotlight. Daphne also wanted an epic love story like her parents, and Francesca told her mother she was okay with not having a love match. So, whileBridgertonseason 3 seemingly tried to replace Daphne with Francesca, the episodes only highlighted their differences.Consequently, the Netflix series won’t be able to find a stand-in for Daphne, especially since Francesca was supposed to take on that role and moved to Scotland atthe end ofBridgertonseason 3.
Benedict vs. Eloise vs. Francesca: What Order Bridgerton Seasons 4, 5 & 6 Should Happen In
Netflix has yet to announce the main character of Bridgerton seasons 4, 5, or 6, with the candidates being Benedict, Eloise, and Francesca.
Bridgerton Needs To Properly Explain Daphne’s Absence If She Doesn’t Return
Daphne’s Absence Is Still Confusing (In The Context Of The Show)
It’s okay ifBridgertonfails to replace Daphne as it’s evident she is irreplaceable. However, the Netflix historical romance series still has to provide a better explanation for Phoebe Dynevor’s character’s absence if she doesn’t reprise her role in season 4.The fact that Daphne missed Colin and Francesca’s weddings is baffling,partly because the show didn’t provide a good reason as to why she wasn’t in attendance.Bridgertoncan’t just claim that Daphne is off-screen at important events, and season 4 must have a better justification for her probable absence.
It is rather easy forthe other characters inBridgertonto reference Daphne’s whereabouts in future episodes. Perhaps Daphne writes her mother a letter telling her family about what she has been up to since she last visited and how her children (or other duties as the Duchess of Hastings) are keeping her busy. Or Violet makes an offhand comment about Daphne being pregnant again, so she cannot travel. Whatever the case,Bridgertonseason 4 must (at the very least) mention Daphne and explain why she isn’t around.
Why Phoebe Dynevor Left Bridgerton After Season 2 & Could She Return In Season 4?
Dynevor Felt That Daphne’s Story Was Complete
Daphne’s role was reduced inBridgertonseason 2, then completely erased in season 3 as Phoebe Dynevor didn’t appear in the episodes. While speaking withVarietyin January 2023, the actress explained why she exited the Netflix historical romance TV show. Dynevor said:
“Well, I did my two seasons. I’ve done what I wanted to do with that character, and she had a great arc. If they ask me back in the future, who knows?”
WhenScreen Rantalso asked Dynevor about returning inBridgertonseason 3, the actress confirmed she wouldn’t be in it. However, Dynevor teased that she “potentially [might return] in the future.” So, Dynevor leftBridgertonafter season 2 because she felt as if her character’s story was complete and there was not much more she could offer to the series. Butthe door is open for Dynevor’s return,despite the unlikelihood of it happening outside a guest appearance in an episode or two.
Don’t Worry, Netflix’s “New Bridgerton” Couldn’t Actually Be More Different
Netflix has released a television series that seemingly serves as a replacement for Bridgerton, but the two shows are actually quite different.
What Happens To Daphne In The Bridgerton Books
Daphne & Simon Have More Children
Daphne’s love story with the Duke culminates in the first installment ofJulia Quinn’sBridgertonbook series—The Duke and I. Whereas the novel concludes with the two getting married without having children,season 1 ofBridgertonendswith Daphne giving birth to a baby boy that she and Simon named Augie. Meanwhile,Daphne gets pregnant in the second book—TheViscount Who Loved Me, Anthony and Kate’s story — and gives birth to a daughter named Amelia.
The Duke and I
On the Way to the Wedding
Gregory
July 09, 2025
Daphne and Simon go on to have four more childrentogether over the course of theBridgertonbook series. After Amelia comes Belinda, and during Benedict’s novel,An Offer From a Gentleman, Daphne gives birth to a baby girl named Caroline. Daphne and Simon then have their first boy, David, and 17 years later, their fifth and final child, Edward, is born after an unplanned pregnancy. Unfortunately, the rest of Daphne’s story will probably happen offscreen in Netflix’sBridgertonas Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page are unlikely to return in a major capacity in future seasons.
Bridgerton
Cast
Bridgerton, released on June 15, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.
