The fifth season of 'Bridgerton' is set to launch on Netflix in 2027, with production already underway. The streaming service has not yet released a complete cast list. The bottom line: three new additions, a number of confirmed returning cast members, one departure, and one actress still waiting for a call.

This time, the story being told is that of Francesca, played by Hannah Dodd (31). Two years after the death of her husband John, the reserved middle daughter returns to the marriage market for purely practical reasons. Then Michaela (Masali Baduza, 30) appears, John's cousin, who is supposed to take care of the Kilmartin estate in London and thoroughly disrupts Francesca's plans.

These three names are new to the cast

Tega Alexander takes on the role of Casanova Christopher Anderson, son of Lord Anderson.

Jacqueline Boatswain plays Helen Stirling, Michaela's mother.

Gemma Knight Jones appears for the first time as Lady Elizabeth Ashworth, an old friend of Michaela's who serves as her confidante and city guide.

Lady Danbury stays after all

Some fans had already written off Adjoa Andoh after the end of the fourth season, since her character wanted to leave London for a trip. But showrunner Jess Brownell made it clear to 'The Wrap' that Lady Danbury is a 'big part of Season 5' once she returns.

Emma Naomi and Martins Imhangbe are also confirmed to return as the Mondrich couple. They're being kept close to the storyline without having to move away from the main couple, Brownell explained. Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton and Claudia Jessie as Eloise, who will take on the lead role in Season 6, are also likely to return.

Nicola Coughlan tempers expectations

The lead actress of the third season, on the other hand, will only appear marginally, as Nicola Coughlan revealed in the 'Dish' podcast in April 2026. Still, she finds joy in returning to this 'really beautiful job'.

Jonathan Bailey has not missed a season so far, despite a full schedule. He told the 'Hollywood Reporter' that it's not in his nature to just say goodbye, and he feels something like brotherly pride. However, he didn't rule out that schedules or scripts might eventually speak against an appearance by Anthony.

These names are missing in Season 5

Victor Alli, however, is unlikely to return, as his character John Stirling died in the fourth season. The future of Daniel Francis as Lord Marcus Anderson, from whom Violet separated at the end of the season, remains unclear.

And then there's Phoebe Dynevor, the lead actress from the first season. Back in 2025, she told 'The Direct' that no one from the production had contacted her, even though Season 4 was being filmed at the time. In April 2026, she confirmed to 'Collider' that she would come back anytime if they asked her. The call, she said, has not come to this day.