While it’s definitely Nicola Coughlan’s season in Bridgerton (in fact, the whole of 2024 is her season), we can’t help but notice there’s a new addition to the Bridgerton cast, so of course we want to know more! 

Hannah Dodd is the latest arrival into the grand Regency world, and she’s hit the ground running as the show has already taken the No 1 spot on Netflix UK.

But who is she? And where has she come from? Let’s find out…

Who does Hannah Dodd play? 

Hannah plays Francesca Bridgerton, the quietest of the siblings, taking over from Ruby Stokes who previously held the role for the first two series. Francesca has five older siblings: Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), Benedict (Luke Thompson), Colin (Luke Newton), Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and Eloise (Claudia Jessie). And two younger ones in Gregory (Will Tilston) and Hyacinth (Florence Hunt). 

Unlike most others in the ton, Francesca would rather be playing the piano than throwing herself around the dancefloor to a string version of Snow On The Beach after making her debut in society. However, Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) takes a shine to her after seeing her skills on the keys and names her the diamond of the season, much to everyone’s chagrin. The series also follows her blossoming romance with Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli), who is equally introverted and thoughtful. 

“The thing that I’m most excited about is that she is just slightly different,” Dodd said to WWD of Francesca. “It’s so nice that maybe people who are a bit more introverted and maybe don’t see themselves in the Bridgerton family might relate to her in a slightly different way.”

If you’re a fan of the books, you’ll know that Francesca gets her own narrative arc in book six. When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn sees Francesca married (no spoilers here about who to!) but another man has feelings for her. And things get very, very complicated…

We don’t know yet if or when Francesca’s story will appear on Netflix, but we do know season four has been confirmed so we’ll just have to keep hoping. 

What has Hannah Dodd been in before?

You might not realise it but you’ve probably already seen Hannah in plenty. At the age of 16, she was signed to the Select model agency, with campaigns including Primark, Topshop and Burberry. 

After drama school, her first role was in Find Me In Paris, about a young ballet dancer, before going on to appear in Marvel’s Eternals and later as a young Sienna Miller in Netflix’s Anatomy Of A Scandal. She also appeared alongside another Netflix alumna Millie Bobby Brown in Enola Holmes. 

What are people saying about Hannah Dodd?

It’s safe to say that the fans are fanning! With Hannah already being called “the people’s princess” in her debut season. 

Another fan describes her as “incredible and perfect. In addition to her beauty, she brought all the essence and personality of my princess Francesca, the diamond of the season, my introverted, sarcastic, shy and sweet girl who enjoys her time alone.”

It’s Dodd’s birthday today (17 May) and we wonder if this surge in interest is a great or terrifying birthday present for a Taurus baby. Happy birthday, Hannah!

Watch Bridgerton season 3 on Netflix here 

Images: Netflix; X