Bridgerton fans have been left divided after the highly anticipated Netflix show changed the gender of a love interest to explore a queer storyline.

Francesca Bridgerton, played by Hannah Dodd, marries John Stirling in Season 3 and in the finale she meets his cousin Michaela, who is Michael in the books. The two couple up after John dies.

During the 30-second conversation, Francesca stutters over her words and can barely remember her own name after Michaela introduces herself.

The gender swap is a plot twist book fans weren’t expecting and left many disappointed.

Showrunner Jess Brownell detailed the process behind the change and confirmed plans for more LGBTQIA+ representation in the show.

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‘When we started talking about queer representation on the show, we started with a discussion that this is a show about happily-ever-afters, and that we’re not interested in queer trauma – that we really want to see queer joy,’ Ms Brownell told Variety.

‘And if we’re going to tell a queer story, we would like to find a way for there to be a happily ever after.

‘You’re going to see more of Michaela next season. I can’t say in what capacity, just in terms of not tipping my hand of where we’re going. But there is going to be a relationship between Michaela and Fran, as per the books,’ she told Entertainment Weekly.

After part two of Season 3 was released last Thursday, fans took to Facebook to share their opinion – and the majority disapproved of the change.

The introduction of a same-sex couple also saddened fans because Francesca’s story touches on topics of infertility and the struggles some women often face when trying to fall pregnant.

‘I’ll stop watching after Season 3,’ one declared.

‘That sucks! I had such a crush on the guy she eventually ends up with in the book! I was looking forward to seeing who they chose to play him! They had such amazing chemistry in the book,’ another said.

‘This season was so dull, I had to force myself to watch. The books are so much better anyway, I’d rather read the entire series again,’ a third added.

‘I’m not pleased with this. Michael and Francesca’s story is one of the best in the series. So disappointing if they go ahead with this,’ someone else wrote.

One more added: ‘This is a disappointing change; her storyline was finally going to give representation to women with fertility issues, a large demographic who rarely get discussed or portrayed in the mainstream.’

Others weren’t bothered by the decision and were on board with the change.

‘I don’t see how changing a whole character’s gender is not already a HUGE change,’ one said.

‘That’s the beauty of a TV series, it’s a adaptation! It’s not exactly like the books because Shonda Rhimes is making it how she wants. If you don’t like it don’t watch it and stick to the books,’ another said.

Someone else wrote: ‘I find it so bizarre that people get so upset over changes like gender swapping, but don’t seem to care that the core of characters (like Colin having some pretty serious anger issues and being borderline abusive) are changed for the show.’

‘I’m here for it. No matter what. The books are a basis for the show. They can change what they want to change,’ another noted.

Those who haven’t read the books didn’t pick up on the plot twist following the quick conversation between the two characters.