Season 3 sees John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin, played by Victor Alli, wooing Francesca but how far will the romance develop and will it be consummated?

Fans of Netflix series Bridgeton, have been captivated by how the blossoming romance between Francesca (Hannah Dodd), the sixth daughter of the Bridgerton family and John Stirling (Victor Alli), the 8th Earl of Kilmartin has been slowly simmering. While Francesca has been on the lookout for a husband, the handsome, quietly reserved suitor appears to have caught her eye and the chemistry between them has viewers on the edge of their seat. Their first meeting takes place outside of the ball, where Francesca has escaped to enjoy some quite moments alone. John tells her that they should enjoy the moment, away from the hustle and bustle, together and you can feel the sexual tension between them as the first sparks fly.

Romance brewing in Bridgerton

John later shows up unannounced at the Bridgerton home to the family’s surprise but the two hardly exchange any words until he makes his excuses to be on his way. A chance meeting by the shops prompts a brief, uncomfortable conversation which leaves Francesca wondering about his intentions. Her doubts are eased when they cross paths again at the ball and he presents her with a musical score which he has arranged just for her. She elatedly hurries home with the sheet music to play it on her piano.

Bridgerton Season 3

Part 1

Episode 1: Out of the Shadows
Episode 2: How Bright the Moon

Episode 3: Forces of Nature
Episode 4: Old Friends

Part 2

Episode 5: Tick Tock

Episode 6: Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Episode 7: Joining of Hands
Episode 8: Into the Light”

While the passion between the two continues to sizzle on-screen, actor Victor Alli has revealed that he doesn’t see the relationship evolving into something more meaningful or ultimately being consummated. Will Francesca and John get it on? Alli doesn’t think so, as he told US Weekly. “They’re so different from the other couples. I don’t know, maybe… Who knows? I just like to be in line with their relationship and dynamic. Having those sort of steamy hot scenes will probably be intense for them. Like, so intense.”

Bridgerton Season 3 full cast

Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington
Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton
Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton
Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton
Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte
Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury
Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton
Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton
Jessica Madsen as Cressida Cowper

Simone Ashley as Kate Bridgerton
Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton
Polly Walker as Portia Featherington
Harriet Cains as Philippa Featherington
Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington
Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton
Lorraine Ashbourne as Mrs. Varley
Martins Imhangbe as Will Mondrich
Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton
Victor Alli as Lord John Stirling
Hugh Sachs as Brimsley
Emma Naomi as Alice Mondrich
Kathryn Drysdale as Genevieve Delacroix
Sam Phillips as Lord Debling
Joanna Bobin as Lady Cowper
Dominic Coleman as Lord Cowper
Daniel Francis as Lord Marcus Anderson
Hannah New as Lady Tilley Arnold
Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown 

John and Francesca’s on-screen chemistry

Alli noted that the on-screen romance is still in its early days, but viewers will be kept in suspense as to which direction it could take: “They only just recently started holding hands. We’re trying to walk before we can run. Who knows? But that would be interesting. He approaches that whole marriage mart and how he approaches Francesca. They have this amazing rapport and this commonality when it comes to being awkward and really introverted. It just works. You don’t really question it but who knows what the next stage of their story might bring. We might see a different side to John or Francesca. At this stage it was quite nice to play that slow burn but nervous energy. It was quite nice.”

So how does Alli envisage John and Francesca’s courtship taking shape? “They really want it to work,” he says. “But they have people like the Queen and Violet [Bridgerton] who may have an alternative plan for Francesca. But what I love about Francesca is she really comes out of the introvertedness that she usually displays. And she’s like, ‘I really wanna do this. I really want to be with John. John follows suit and you can see him also coming out of his shell. They’re speaking a lot more, which is nice.”

Season 3 of Bridgerton debuted on 16 May and is split into two halves, each of four episodes. The first part 1 is now streaming on Netflix while Part 2 drops on Thursday 13 June.