Daphne has been mostly absent in Bridgerton since her season, and while I have come to accept her disappearance, I need her to at least return for one upcoming season. The Netflix alternative history regency romance show chronicles the Bridgerton siblings’ love stories, with each season covering one. Bridgerton season 1 centered around Daphne and Simon, season 2 depicted Anthony and Kate’s romance, season 3 focused on Colin and Penelope, and season 4 is set to adapt Benedict and Sophie’s tale.
According to TVLine, the cast and crew are still filming Bridgerton season 4 as of April 2025, meaning the upcoming episodes likely won’t premiere until mid-to-late 2026 at the earliest.
Unfortunately, Phoebe Dynevor’s Daphne isn’t in Bridgerton season 4. The actress also didn’t reprise her role in season 3, meaning she missed two of her siblings’ respective weddings — Colin’s and Francesca’s. ᴀssuming that Benedict will get married in season 4, Daphne won’t attend his wedding either. While frustrating, Daphne not being present for Benedict’s love story is fine. However, I won’t accept her not returning for one specific future season.
Bridgerton Season 4 Already Has A Lot To Cover Without Daphne
The Upcoming Episodes Will Explore Numerous New Storylines
Honestly, Daphne returning in Bridgerton season 4 would likely only hurt it. Not because of her character, but because the upcoming episodes already have so much going on. Of course, Benedict and Sophie’s blossoming romance will be at the center of Bridgerton season 4’s story. However, the episodes will have plenty of other new narratives to explore. From setting up Eloise and Francesca’s storylines (seeing as they’re up next after Benedict) to Anthony and Kate having their first baby, there’s a lot of ground to cover.
|
Bridgerton Season 4 Cast |
Role |
|---|---|
|
Luke Thompson |
Benedict Bridgerton |
|
Yerin Ha |
Sophie Baek |
|
Golda Rosheuvel |
Queen Charlotte |
|
Jonathan Bailey |
Anthony Bridgerton |
|
Simone Ashley |
Kate Bridgerton |
|
Adjoa Andoh |
Lady Danbury |
|
Claudia Jessie |
Eloise Bridgerton |
|
Luke Newton |
Colin Bridgerton |
|
Hannah Dodd |
Francesca Bridgerton |
|
Ruth Gemmell |
Violet Bridgerton |
|
Nicola Coughlan |
Penelope Bridgerton |
|
Florence Hunt |
Hyacinth Bridgerton |
|
Will Tilston |
Gregory Bridgerton |
|
Polly Walker |
Portia Featherington |
|
Jessica Madsen |
Cressida Cowper |
|
Martins Imhangbe |
Will Mondrich |
|
Emma Naomi |
Alice Mondrich |
|
Victor Alli |
John Stirling |
|
Masali Baduza |
Michaela Stirling |
|
Daniel Francis |
Lord Marcus Anderson |
|
Julie Andrews |
Lady Whistledown (voice) |
|
Katie Leung |
Lady Araminta Gun |
|
Michelle Mao |
Rosamund Li |
|
Isabella Wei |
Posy Li |
|
Hugh Sachs |
Brimsley |
Given how important Daphne was to Bridgerton in its early days, it would obviously be nice to see her return. Nevertheless, season 4 has many other, more important matters to focus on. Aside from Eloise, Francesca, Anthony, and Kate, Violet will likely get a proper storyline in season 4 — her burgeoning romance with Lord Marcus Anderson, aka Lady Danbury’s brother. Colin and Penelope are also set to return (and will hopefully avoid Bridgerton‘s disappointing trend). Overall, it’s fine that Daphne isn’t in season 4. She could at least make a cameo for Benedict’s wedding, but we can’t have it all.
I Most Want To See Daphne Back For Francesca’s Book Story
Daphne & Francesca Are Quite Alike
Yes, Daphne’s absence in season 4 is fine. However, it will be quite frustrating if she doesn’t return for Francesca’s Bridgerton season (which will likely be the sixth season). Since Francesca was barely in the first two seasons, she and Daphne have hardly interacted in the Netflix series. As a result, the audience has completely missed out on the two sisters’ connection, although it’s one of the more intriguing ones. The show also recast Francesca’s character in season 3, meaning her new portrayer, Hannah Dodd, has yet to share the screen with Phoebe Dynevor in Bridgerton.
Daphne’s relationship with her younger sister has the potential to be one of the show’s best. Francesca shares numerous things in common with Daphne, including their kindness, independent natures, and the fact that Queen Charlotte picked them both to be the “diamonds” of their respective debutante seasons. The Bridgerton siblings differ in many other ways, as well. Francesca is much more shy and reserved than Daphne — another reason she should return for her younger sister’s romance.
Daphne being there for Francesca could be a really sweet part of her story and would finally give the two Bridgerton characters a chance to develop and portray their relationship.
Daphne would be best suited to guide and support Francesca (which would’ve come in handy during season 3). Without spoiling Francesca’s book, let’s just say she will undoubtedly face several hardships when her season comes around. Daphne being there for Francesca could be a really sweet part of her story and would finally give the two Bridgerton characters a chance to develop and portray their relationship.
How Likely Is Daphne’s Return In Bridgerton?
Phoebe Dynevor Is Open To Returning
The good news is that the door isn’t completely shut on Daphne’s return in Bridgerton. In January 2025, Phoebe Dynevor told Screen Rant that she would be open to reprising her role in the Netflix alternative history regency romance series. The actress said, “But do I plan to revisit Daphne? Yeah, if they want me back. I haven’t got the call yet, but I’m available.” So, based on Dynevor’s response, Daphne could realistically appear in Bridgerton again (if and when the producers want her to).
Source: TVLine
