Bridgerton Season 2: Every Character Who Didn't Return (& Where They Are)
Bridgerton season 2 returned and was filled with new love stories, classical takes on modern songs, and yearning stares, but some familiar faces weren’t around – here is every season 1 character that didn’t return and where they are now. The Regency Era drama is produced by Shonda Rhimes and based on the romance books by Julia Quinn. With nine books in the series and renewal for Bridgerton seasons 3 and 4 already in place, audiences should plan on spending time with the ton for a while. Rhimes has confirmed in previous interviews that eight seasons are already planned, saying, “There are eight Bridgerton siblings, and as far as I’m concerned, there are eight Bridgerton seasons. And maybe more.”
Bridgerton season 1 captivated audiences as the story centered on the romance between Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page). With their love story wrapped up, Bridgerton season 2 moves on to Daphne’s brother, Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), actively pursuing a suitable wife. Returning to the ton includes the Bridgerton siblings reprising their roles, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), and Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh). Newcomers include Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran), and Mary Sharma (Shelley Conn).
Kate and Anthony’s vexing romance stole the show and set up the next season perfectly for Benedict Bridgerton to embark on his quest for true love. As Bridgerton season 2 started filming, many were surprised to learn Regé-Jean Page would not be returning to high society as Daphne’s husband. Daphne continued to portray a devoted wife and sister, despite her husband, Simon, not appearing. Here’s every character not returning from Bridgerton season 2, where they are now, and the possibilities of them making a return.
The Duke of Hastings, the leading man of season 1, did not return for Bridgerton season 2. After navigating the ton and confronting his own hesitations on marriage, Simon ultimately fell for Daphne Bridgerton and the two have a son together. Regé-Jean Page gave an explanation for Simons’s absence at the time, saying, “It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end – give us a year. That’s interesting,’ because then it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on.” Despite Page confirming he won’t reprise Simon in a main role, he might come back as a cameo. Audiences will still see Page on their screen, however. Regé-Jean Page is starring in the action-thriller The Gray Man, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, and that's currently in post-production. He’ll also be in the movie adaption of Dungeons & Dragons alongside Chris Pine, Hugh Grant, and Michelle Rodridguez.
The character of Siena Rosso was featured primarily in the second Bridgerton book, The Viscount Who Loved Me. However, the show writers changed some of the Bridgerton storylines and placed her arc in season 1. The enigmatic opera singer, played by Sabrina Bartlett, who had an affair with Bridgerton season 2's dashing bachelor, Anthony Bridgerton, did not return. Siena and Anthony closed their chapter together in the Bridgerton season 1 finale, setting up Anthony’s romance story. Sabrina Bartlett is now starring in the British comedy-drama TV series The Larkins, based on the H.E. Bates novel The Darling Buds of May.
The famous artist who had a complicated relationship history did not appear in Bridgerton season 2, making way for new Bridgerton characters. Henry Granville (Julian Ovenden) was married to Lucy Granville while having an affair with Lord Wetherby. Complications arose as Lucy Granville also had an affair with Benedict Bridgerton. Julian Ovenden will be returning to the screen in 2022 in two movies, The Lost Girls and The People We Hate at the Wedding.
Likewise, the lord in a secret relationship with Henry Granville did not reappear in Bridgerton season 2. Lord Wetherby, played by Ned Porteous, is a favorite actor from the show Emmerdale, and audiences of that series have been begging for him to come back. After filming Bridgerton in America, Porteous returned back to the UK with the possibility of returning to Emmerdale.
The dutiful wife (Sandra Teles) of Sir Henry Granville will not be making a Bridgerton appearance in later seasons. Teles is a notable actress, appearing in Doctor Who, The Nun, and Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. Her character of Lucy was one of convenience, married to a closeted man while continuing to live her own life and spark romantic flings with who she saw fit. Teles most recently starred in the short film Breakable.
Jeffries (Jason Barnett) appeared as Simon’s butler, so it’s only natural that his character didn’t return in Bridgerton season 2 with Simon’s absence. As a butler, Jeffries was able to blend into the background and discover the secrets of the nobility, including Simon and Daphne’s blossoming relationship. A potential Regé-Jean Page return in later Bridgerton seasons could bring Jeffries back to the show. While not starring in Bridgeton, Jason Barnett has been busy with British TV roles in Agatha Raisin, They Hope, The House, and Actor in Murder.
The Prince of Prussia and nephew to Queen Charlotte, portrayed by Freddie Stroma, did not return for Bridgerton season 2. After arriving in London in search of a wife, Prince Friedrich was noted as an eligible bachelor and approached by Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen). But Cressida was not who the prince had his eye on; as Daphne Bridgerton’s potential love interest, Friedrich pursued her and gifted her a necklace. Although a romance between Daphne and Prince Friedrich did not work out, they remained amicable and the Prince wished Daphne and Simon well. Stroma's most recent role was his scene-stealing work as Vigilante in HBO Max's Peacemaker series.