Bridgerton Season 5 Announces New Cast Members

Jacqueline—who previously appeared in Carnival Row and The Diplomat—will be taking on the role of Helen Stirling, the mother of Michaela Stirling.

Described as the “very source” of Michaela’s spirit, Helen “seeks to guide—and occasionally push—her daughter through London's social season," per the show’s press release, "with equal measures of vivaciousness and tough love."

As for MobLand alum Gemma, she will be portraying Lady Elizabeth Ashworth.

“Elizabeth is an old friend of Michaela's who serves as her confidante and London guide,” a description for her character reads. “Beneath Elizabeth's playful charm lies a grounded realist who is wise to the unspoken rules of society.”

Season five—which is based on the sixth book in Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series, When He Was Wicked—will follow Francesca as she explores a blossoming romance with Michaela, the cousin of her late husband John Stirling (Victor Alli).

Showrunner Jess Brownell previously reflected on the monumental nature of their love story, telling Netflix's Tudum in March, “More than ever, season five is going to be about yearning.”

“It feels groundbreaking,” Jess added. “Obviously, there are a lot of great shows that have depicted queer love. We're not the first by any means. But to make an entire Bridgerton season about a sapphic relationship feels huge."

The show’s intimacy coordinator Lizzy Talbot also gave a glimpse at what’s to come, teasing that the fifth season will get viewers’ hearts racing.

In a post on her Instagram Story on March 26 beside a photo of Hannah and Masali, Lizzy wrote, “Moment of silence for all the husbands whose wives will leave them after watching season 5." 

While fans will have to wait a bit until Bridgerton season five premieres, take a look back at some of the memorable moments from filming season four…