Dearest gentle reader, we know the days have idled by in wretched anticipation to discover the Bridgerton season five leads, but good things come to those who wait.
Since Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Sophie’s (Yerin Ha) love story came to a fairytale end last month, the only question on everyone’s lips has been which Bridgerton sibling will helm the next romance: Eloise or Francesca.
Both of them have rich plotlines awaiting them, with Eloise (Claudia Jessie) deciding to shuck her spinsterhood for a marriage of convenience and Francesca (grieving her late husband John’s death) developing feelings for his cousin, the charming Michaela Stirling (Masali Badusza).
Now, after two seasons of build-up, Netflix has announced Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela’s love story will be next, which will end in Bridgerton’s first same-sex marriage.
The short teaser shows Francesca walking up to a balcony where she joins Michaela as the two share a sweet look, their hands gently brushing(eeek, be still our beating hearts).
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‘Next season, love begins again,’ the text reads, while the caption adds: ‘Fret not, dearest readers, for a certain countess shall find love again.’
Originally Michael in the books by Julia Quinn, in order to include an LGBTQ+ relationship, the character has been gender-swapped in the TV adaptation and was introduced at the end of season three.
Fans have seen the budding connection between Francesca and Michaela in season four and how they helped one another through their shared grief at John’s (Victor Alli) death.
At the end of the season, however, the sparks flying between them got too heated for Michaela, who ran away in the middle of the night to India, leaving Francesca crushed.
All in all, it’s shaping up to be a swoonworthy romance and fans are completely over the moon.
‘So excited to see their love story unfold,’ Roseanneish said.
‘OMG!!!! IT’S THE LOVE STORY OF THE CENTURY!!!!!’ lovemjordan declared.
‘This is cinema. I am so sat for FRANCHAELA,’ debrairisandsol echoed.
‘Oh Franchaela will have the best Bridgerton love story,’ Pall said over on X.
‘Congrats bridgerton s5 for being the season with the most gorgeous face cards back to back as the leads. we will be feasting,’ Miks shared.
‘Let’s go lesbians,’ Bells rallied.
What does Metro think of the Bridgerton season five announcement?
Senior TV reporter Asyia Iftikhar weighs in…
After seeing Michaela and Francesca build a steady, sweet and quiet bond over the past season, I am beyond excited to see their love story come full circle.
I think it is the perfect time for us to see Francesca’s second-chance romance play out – and with two leads that already have such a delightful chemistry, I already know this is going to be an absolute treat.
What’s more, having a sapphic romance front and centre in one of the biggest Netflix shows in the world is truly revolutionary, with the power to transform the lives of young women.
All this to say – Francheala? Bring it on.
Others have expressed some disappointment at Eloise’s season being delayed once more, with many hoping to tune in to her and Philip Crane’s romance.
But, if matters take the course we expect, Eloise will have her time to shine sooner than later.
In an interview with Metro, Masali shared her joy at playing the rakish Michaela so far.
Are you excited for Michaela and Francesca to be the leads of season 5?
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Yes I can't wait!
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I'd rather it was Eloise
‘Michaela has been so much fun to play so far. I just love that she’s wild, independent, and just lives by her own rules,’ she said.
Adding: ‘I think it’s time we see a female rake!’
As for the LGBTQ+ element to their trailblazing love story, the actress, 28, reflected: ‘They just are who they are. I don’t think I’m necessarily playing a queer quality, I think she is just who she is.’
Bridgerton seasons one to four are available to stream on Netflix. There is currently no release date for season five.
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