If you were watching Bridgerton season 3 and found yourself squinting at the screen thinking, "Wait, did she always look like that?" you aren't alone. Seriously. The sixth Bridgerton sibling, Francesca, basically pulled a disappearing act for two seasons before suddenly becoming a main character with a completely different face.
The mystery of who played Francesca Bridgerton isn't just about a name change on a call sheet; it’s a saga of scheduling nightmares and a massive "what if" for the show's production.
The Original Francesca: Ruby Stokes
In the first two seasons, Ruby Stokes was the one wearing the Regency empire waists. She didn't get much screen time, though. In season 1, she was barely there. She popped up to play the piano, looked elegant, and then vanished to "visit relatives in Bath."
By the time season 2 rolled around, fans expected more. But again, she only appeared in the first three episodes. Then? Poof. Gone.
Ruby Stokes is a powerhouse actress, honestly. You might recognize her from the gritty film Rocks or the BBC drama The Jetty. She brought a certain grounded, quiet energy to the role. But the Bridgerton producers had a problem: they wanted Francesca to have a huge arc, and Ruby was busy. Like, "starring in her own show" busy.
Why did she leave?
It wasn't drama. It wasn't a falling out with Shonda Rhimes. It was purely about timing. Ruby was offered the lead role of Lucy Carlyle in another Netflix series, Lockwood & Co. Think about it from her perspective. You can either stay on Bridgerton as a "recurring" character—basically a background sibling waiting for your turn in five years—or you can be the #1 name on the poster for a supernatural thriller. She chose the lead role. Can you blame her?
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"Leaving was always going to be a difficult choice," Ruby told What To Watch back in 2023. She mentioned that something about the character of Lucy just "spoke" to her.
Ironically, Lockwood & Co. ended up being canceled after just one season. Hollywood is brutal like that. By the time that show was over, Bridgerton had already moved on.
The New Face: Hannah Dodd Takes the Reins
Enter Hannah Dodd. In May 2022, Netflix announced she would be taking over. If you feel like you've seen her before, you probably have. She played the younger version of Sienna Miller’s character in Anatomy of a Scandal and appeared in Enola Holmes 2.
Hannah didn't just step into the role; she basically reinvented it. While Ruby’s Francesca felt like a shy younger sister, Hannah’s version is more of a "composed introvert." She’s got that wistful, slightly detached vibe that makes her stand out from the loud, chaotic energy of the other Bridgerton siblings.
The transition was surprisingly smooth for most viewers. Why? Because we barely knew the original Francesca. Since she was off in Bath for most of the early years, the recast felt less like a "glitch in the Matrix" and more like the character just finally grew up.
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The "Invisible Sister" No More
One of the biggest questions people have is why the showrunner, Jess Brownell, decided to focus so much on Francesca in season 3. Usually, the show follows one sibling per season. Season 3 was Penelope and Colin’s year, but Francesca almost stole the show.
Here is what most people get wrong: they think the recast was just about filling a seat. It wasn't.
The producers knew that Francesca’s book, When He Was Wicked, is one of the most intense, mature, and beloved stories in the Julia Quinn series. They needed an actress who was signed on as a "series regular" to start laying the groundwork years in advance. They couldn't keep "sending her to Bath" every time the actress had another audition.
The Season 3 Twist
The role became even more complex when season 3 ended. We saw Francesca marry John Stirling, but then she met his cousin, Michaela Stirling (played by Masali Baduza).
For the book purists, this was a massive shock. In the books, the cousin is a man named Michael. By changing the character to Michaela, the show officially confirmed that Francesca’s future "true love" story will be a queer romance. This makes who played Francesca Bridgerton an even more vital question, as Hannah Dodd is now tasked with navigating a story about neurodivergence, grief, and queer identity in a Regency setting.
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What Happens Next for Francesca?
If you're looking for the timeline of what's coming, here is the reality of the production schedule.
- Season 4 focus: The show has confirmed that Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) is the lead for season 4. He’ll be hunting for the "Lady in Silver."
- Francesca's role: Hannah Dodd will still be a major part of season 4. She and John are headed to Scotland. We’ll likely see her navigating early married life while dealing with her confusing feelings for Michaela.
- Her "big" season: Showrunner Jess Brownell hinted that seasons 5 and 6 will likely belong to Eloise and Francesca.
It’s a long game. Most Netflix shows don't plan this far ahead, but Bridgerton is a juggernaut.
Actionable Tips for Fans Following the Cast
If you want to keep up with the cast without getting lost in the rumor mill, here is how to stay informed:
- Follow the "Series Regular" Status: If an actor is listed as a series regular (like Hannah Dodd), they are contracted to stay. If they are "Guest Stars," they might vanish next season.
- Check Production Windows: Bridgerton seasons take a notoriously long time to film (usually 8 months plus post-production). If you see Hannah Dodd or Ruby Stokes post about being on a different set in London or Scotland, it usually signals where their character is headed.
- Read Book 6 (With a Grain of Salt): If you want to know Francesca’s "soul," read When He Was Wicked. Just keep in mind that the show is now going its own way with the Michaela twist.
Basically, Ruby Stokes started the fire, but Hannah Dodd is the one who will carry it to the finish line. It's rare for a recast to actually improve a show's momentum, but in this case, it gave Francesca the space to finally become a real person instead of a punchline about a sister who is never home.
Keep an eye on the Scotland filming updates. That's where the next chapter of Francesca's life—and the explanation for her complex new identity—really begins.
Check the official Netflix Tudum site for the most recent casting confirmations for season 4, as secondary characters often get shuffled during the long gaps between filming. Supporting the actors' other projects, like Ruby Stokes' recent work in The Jetty, is also the best way to see the range that led them to the ton in the first place.