Bridgerton season 3 may belong to Colin and Penelope, but newcomer John Stirling (played by Victor Alli) has won over plenty of hearts thanks to his quiet pursuit of Francesca (now portrayed by Hannah Dodd). Their meet-cute in episode 3, “Forces of Nature”, marked them as twin flames who share a love of silence, while episode 4 (titled “Old Friends”) revealed that the Earl of Kilmartin also shares Francesca’s fondness for music.

Alli has already made a splash among the new Bridgerton season 3 characters, perhaps because of how much added material there is for his story. Francesca’s romance is based on the sixth novel in Julia Quinn’s series, which opens well after John and Francesca wed, and thus the path it follows is rather different from the one being laid out in the Shondaland Netflix show. Francesca is far from the only Bridgerton sibling to have a romance begin earlier than their respective season would suggest, but her pre-book relationship seems to be the most well-received thus far.

Screen Rant interviewed Alli about John’s story thus far in Bridgerton season 3, what fans of his burgeoning romance with Francesca can expect in the second half, and which aspects of his character he hopes to explore in season 4 (and beyond?).

Victor Alli Tells The Story Of John Stirling’s First Bridgerton Scene

Perhaps the most surprising tidbit shared by Alli in our interview was that the first scene he filmed was not his first chronologically — not to mention that his audition scene didn’t take place until Bridgerton season 3, part 2. But both of those moments, complete with conversation, helped him and Dodd establish the camaraderie and quiet chemistry that shines through their first encounter outside the ball in episode 3.

Exploring John Stirling Beyond His Love For Francesca Bridgerton

John has already made a home for himself in the heart of many Bridgerton viewers, but little is known about his actual home yet. As the Earl of Kilmartin, he is obviously titled and wealthy, but he has not been previously introduced to Francesca or her family, indicating some reserve from the rest of the ton. While his best friend in the books is his cousin, Michael, there is no sense yet of his companions in the show — but such details pose no problem for an actor like Alli.

We don’t really get to know that much about John’s backstory, other than that his family’s a little bit reclusive. Did you talk with Jess Brownell about his history or create your own story for the Kilmartin household? 

ictor Alli: Yeah, I think that Jess and her writing team were able to expand what was in the books and really bring to life John’s world and his character and his arc. It was nice to put my trust in the writers, and they did such a beautiful job in telling his and Francesca’s story about their relationship that it felt real. It was a nice ease coming into it.

I didn’t feel like I had to search or grapple or try and bring things and evoke feelings. It was all there, and it made it really easy to slide into it. Good writing does most of the work for the actors, and the writers on this job especially were incredible.

What is your favorite scene that you’ve done thus far? If it’s in the first half, you can be very descriptive. If it’s in the second half, you can be very vague.

Victor Alli: Oh, it’s a mixture. There are some scenes in the second half that I absolutely love. We see a different side of John, and let’s just say I didn’t know that he was a drinker.

So far we’ve seen John through Francesca’s eyes, but as the episodes go on and he becomes more ingrained in the family, is there one Bridgerton that you enjoy interacting with most or that you imagine John being drawn to most, aside from Francesca? 

Victor Alli: I don’t know. They’re all so different and so cool. I love all of them as characters and as people.

There are days where I just want to chat with Eloise, and we’re just going back and forth and she’s absolutely making me laugh. And there are days where I’m like, “What are you saying, Gregory?” We just hit it off because he’s so young, but he’s so mature. He’s growing up and coming into himself. And then you have Benedict, who’s just so cool. They’re all so cool.

I remember doing my first scene with Anthony and meeting him for the first time. It was him and Kate, and it was just so intense because they both have such a presence. Doing this scene in front of them was so [nerve-wracking]. The nerves that I felt were so real that you’d think that was all John, but actually it’s me, Victor. I’m scared, but I put it all on John.

What To Expect From Bridgerton Season 3, Part 2 And In Future Seasons

Now that John’s courtship of Francesca is well underway, Bridgerton book readers may anticipate a shift in the storyline. But unlike in Julia Quinn’s novels, the Netflix show allows viewers to experience their romance firsthand — and all romances, no matter how quietly steady, come with complications. While the present obstacle is Francesca catching the Queen’s eye, meaning Lord Samadani has been thrust in her direction, a future one awaits in the form of one Kilmartin family member in particular.

What would you say fans should be most excited about in the second half, as we see Francesca and John grow closer?