Warning, spoilers ahead for Bridgerton book three An Offer from a Gentleman!

Hannah New and Luke Thompson in Bridgerton

Bridgerton season three’s couple, Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, finally found their happily ever after on the hit show following the release of part two – and fans are speculating that Benedict Bridgerton will be taking centre stage for season four.

There are plenty of clues that Luke Thompson, who plays Benedict, will be the leading man of season four, especially as the second eldest Bridgerton brother was the subject of the third novel, An Offer from a Gentleman, which changed order to conclude Colin and Penelope’s romance. However, the show needs a star to take on the role of his love interest, Sophie Beckett. So who will play her? Check out some fan suggestions for who would be perfect for the role…

Gemma Chan

The Eternals star is a very popular choice among fans, with one suggesting the casting on Reddit, writing: “If you’ve seen her in Crazy Rich Asians – or literally anything else she’s ever been in – you’ll absolutely see why. Because she’s perfect… Sophie and Gemma’s temperaments and overall grace are so similar and I think she would be incredible in the role.

Gemma Chan arrives at the 91st Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 24, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)© Steve Granitz
Gemma is a fan favourite for the role

“Plus she and Benedict/Luke Thompson would be so super cute together!” However, others pointed that Gemma, 39, might be a little too old for the role of Sophie, who is 20-years-old when she is introduced in the novel.

Thomasin McKenzie

Thomasin is perhaps best known for starring in Last Night in Soho, and is about to star in the BBC Two drama Life After Life. The actress is a popular choice for the role, with fans also suggesting Imogen Poots and Poldark’s Eleanor Tomlinson.

Bill Nighy, Thomasin McKenzie, James Norton in Joy© Netflix
Thomasin McKenzie alongside Bill Nighy and James Norton in Joy

Jessie Mei Li

Fans are keen to see Shadow and Bone star Jessie Mei Li take on the role. The actor, who has previously starred in All About Eve and Last Night in Soho, was also suggested by a fan on Reddit, who wrote: “I would be keen for someone like Jessi Mei Li,” to which another person replied: “This!”

Jessie Mei Li is a favourite to take the role© Mike Marsland
Jessie Mei Li is a favourite to take the role

Sai Bennett

The Spanish Princess star Sai Bennett is the most popular casting choice for Sophie on the site MyCast, with plenty of fans calling for her to take on the leading role. She is closely followed by The Politician actress Lucy Boynton.

Could Sai Bennett play Sophie Beckett?© Gareth Cattermole
Could Sai Bennett play Sophie Beckett?

The role could be gender-swapped

After years of fan speculation, it was confirmed that Benedict is bisexual on the show after he has a polyamorous relationship in season three with Lady Tilley Arnold and her friend, Paul. After admitting to Tilley that he wasn’t ready to settle down into a relationship yet, he admitted that he could be interested in men or women in the future, meaning that when he finally meets Sophie, her gender could be swapped for the storyline.

Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton
Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton

Speaking about his character’s sexuality to Entertainment Weekly, Luke previously said: “Benedict has such a lovely openness and fluidity about him generally, and that’s really, really fun to play because it could go anywhere… Obviously, there’s a way to go, so we’ll see what happens with Benedict, but we’re only on season two, so there’s lots of space for him to explore all sorts of things.” The only question we have is who would play the role then?!