During Bridgerton season 1, Phoebe Dynevor’s Daphne took center stage, portraying her romance with the Duke, however since then, Daphne has faded into the background and another character seems to be on her way to taking Daphne’s place which, in all honesty, may just be a good thing. Bridgerton is a Netflix series which has garnered incredible popularity following the release of its first two seasons, and its spinoff show, Queen Charlotte. Now with Bridgerton season 3 on the horizon, there is endless speculation about what roles each Bridgerton siblings will play now and in the future.

Notably, Daphne Bridgerton was the first sibling to get their own story on the show. Bridgerton season 1 focused on Daphne as she took on the role of diamond of the season and started an unlikely bond with the standoffish Duke. Of course, Daphne was certainly not the only Bridgerton with a storyline in season 1, and this fact has become crucial to the future of the show. Because as Daphne’s presence in Bridgerton lessens, other characters need to fill the hole she has left. Luckily, the show has already set up the solution to Daphne’s subtle Bridgerton exit.

Francesca Is Taking Daphne’s Role In Bridgerton Season 3 (But Can Be Even Better)

Daphne was not always the most likable

It is unlikely that the eight Bridgerton siblings will all hang around throughout all eight seasons of Bridgerton, and as a matter of fact, Daphne and the Duke have already ebbed away from the series, however there is an obvious solution, at least for Daphne’s absence. The sixth Bridgerton child, Francesca, seems like the perfect stand-in for Daphne.

Though not much is actually known about Francesca in terms of personality, it is quite clear that she fits the role Daphne previously held: the young, beautiful Bridgerton daughter that is sure to be on everyone’s radar for courting seasons to come. In some ways, Francesca having a bigger role may be even better than Daphne staying on in Bridgerton. 

Frankly, since more seasons of Bridgerton have been released, it has become clear that Daphne was far from the most interesting character in the series. For the most part, Daphne simply fell into the classic role of a smart and stylish Regency woman. And unfortunately, at times she came across as too sugary sweet or too mean.

Compared to Anthony and Kate of Bridgerton season 2, Daphne and Simon lack a certain fire or uniqueness, making Daphne’s replacement that much more welcome.

Bridgerton Missed Daphne In Season 2

Daphne is already gone

Aside from having a perfect replacement already set up, Daphne’s exit from Bridgerton season 3 is not all that heartbreaking, mostly due to the fact that she barely appeared in Bridgerton season 2 either. Although the beginning of the season saw all the Bridgerton siblings together, Daphne included, this was a very brief moment of family togetherness.

Daphne only seldom appears in season 2, notably without Simon, to offer brief wisdom before disappearing again. This lack of Daphne should most definitely have been a clue that Phoebe Dynevor would be pulling away from the show in the future. While it would certainly be nice to see the Bridgertons all together, and there could even be an opportunity to develop Daphne more over the seasons, it’s a good thing that she’s taking a backseat.

This is mainly because Bridgerton season 2 has proved it can work without her. Despite her wise advice, Daphne does not really bring much to the plot, and without the Duke, there is really little reason why she should reappear. Plotwise, it also makes sense that she would be busy starting her family. Therefore, Daphne’s absence is not made up for; it is also justified.

Francesca Being Likable Sets Up Bridgerton’s Future Success

Francesca can still win audiences over

Francesca taking Daphne’s place in Bridgerton is great because Francesca has the potential to be very likable. As previously mentioned, Daphne was not every viewer’s cup of tea, so her remaining on Bridgerton may not have been the best idea.

On the other hand, Francesca is something of a mystery, and her character could go in any number of directions. But for the most part, it is clear that Francesca is not as much the delicate flower that Daphne was. She seems to be beautiful and desired like Daphne, but handling it differently. This could really benefit her character.

Francesca was originally played by Ruby Stokes, but is now being portrayed by Hannah Dodd.

Overall, Bridgerton has a lot still left to cover, and luckily, things are looking up for the period romance. Penelope and Colin’s love story is sure to be a hit for audiences, and while it is happening, other Bridgerton storylines are sure to be brewing. Namely, Francesca will get a bigger role and Daphne will make her perfectly timed exit. From there, audiences can fall in love with Francesca long before her Bridgerton season arrives, setting the stage for what is to come.