WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Bridgerton and major spoilers from the Bridgerton book series.
Bridgerton has been the talk of The Ton, as season three ended with not only two weddings but a romance that was introduced in its final few moments.
Season three ended with Francesca Bridgerton (played by Hannah Dodd) tying the knot with Sir John Stirling (Victor Alli) in a quiet but adorable ceremony at the Bridgerton household.
The romantic Netflix drama then saw Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) asking if she could accompany her sister and her new husband to Scotland as she wants to see more of the world.
As Francesca gleefully agrees to this arrangement, John introduces the Bridgerton sisters to his cousin Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza) and John’s wife is notably flustered.
Following this reaction, subscribers are understandably excited to see how the next chapter in Francesca’s life plays out.
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Is Michaela Stirling in the Bridgerton book series?
Technically, Michaela Stirling doesn’t exist in the Bridgerton novels by author Julia Quinn.
Her story with Francesca does play out but in the books, John’s cousin is actually a man, Michael Stirling, rather than a woman.
But for the Netflix drama, Michael has been gender-flipped to Michaela, although their love story is expected to continue in the same manner as the books.
As in Francesca’s novel When He Was Wicked, her husband John tragically dies and she goes on to marry Michael.
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However, in the world of the streaming service series, Francesca will be Bridgerton’s first same-sex major couple to be introduced.
Showrunner Jess Brownell spoke to Glamour about why they decided to change Michael’s gender for the show.
"I felt like there was fertile ground thematically in her book to nod toward telling a queer story," she said.
"There are also some elements of her story that allow us to make sure we can tell a pretty happy ending for Francesca and Michaela.
“It was important for me in telling a main queer story for us to be able to give them a happily ever after, as we have with every other couple."
Why did Harry and Meghan make a Netflix series about their life?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have found themselves at the centre of public attention since they took a step back from senior royal duties in 2020.
In a trailer for the Netflix series about them, Prince Harry told viewers that “no one sees what’s happening behind closed doors” in a reference to how their lives may differ from what the public think about the couple. Meghan adds: “When the stakes are this high, doesn’t it make more sense to hear our story from us?”.
Reports suggested the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could receive up to $100 million for making the show, although this has been disputed and the true figure is unknown.
Series three already teased at future queer storylines with the dynamic between Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), Lady Tilley Arnold (Hannah True) and Paul Suarez (Lucas Aurelio).
Benedict decided to put an end to their menage a trois after Tilley admitted to wanting more than just a fling with him and no longer wanted to share their time with Paul.
The drama has already been renewed for a fourth outing but the jury is still out on if it’ll focus on Benedict, Francesca or even Eloise next.
Bridgerton is available to watch on Netflix.
