Who Plays Francesca In Bridgerton 3? Here's All About Her Love Story

The eagerly awaited first part of Bridgerton Season 3 premiered on Netflix this week, featuring some new characters. Among the most intriguing is Francesca, the sixth child in the Bridgerton family. Although Francesca has been present since Season 1, this season gives her a significant storyline and the character is now played by newcomer Hannah Dodd, replacing the original actor Ruby Stokes.

Hannah Dodd, who is 29, is already winning hearts as Francesca. It’s exciting to note that Francesca is expected to have her own season in the future. Meanwhile, for those curious about who is playing Francesca, here's everything we know about her. Continue reading to discover more about Francesca's love story, who she marries, and what we can expect in her anticipated season.

Who Is Hannah Dodd?

Dodd's journey began in the world of dance and modelling. Raised between Essex and Suffolk, England, she started dancing almost as soon as she could walk. As a child, she trained in ballet, tap, and contemporary dance, later venturing into musical theatre. During her teenage years, she also modelled and landed a Burberry campaign at 19.

Dodd has expressed her dream of combining her passions for dance and acting, having originally trained as a dancer and aimed for musical theatre. She loves films and aspires to one day perform musical theatre on film. Although she might be a new face to some, she has been acting for a few years. She debuted as Sophia in Harlots in 2018 and played Thea, a ballet dancer, in Hulu’s Find Me in Paris.

Recently, Dodd has been part of several notable projects. She appeared in Chloé Zhao’s Eternals, played a young Sienna Miller in Anatomy of a Scandal, and had a role in Enola Holmes 2.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Bridgerton Season 3, Part 1.

Francesca’s Love Story In Season 3

In Bridgerton Season 3, in Episode 3, Francesca returns from Bath, where she stays with her Aunt Winnie, and makes her debut in society. Unlike other debutantes, she isn't interested in meeting suitors or courting. She prefers staying out of the spotlight and enjoys playing the piano.

In Episode 3, Francesca meets John Stirling at the Innovations Ball. They find each other in the garden, both seeking peace and comfort in silence. Francesca values this more than Lord Samadani’s dream of a busy household filled with children.

In Episode 4, John, who admits he’s "not a man of many words," gives Francesca a piece of sheet music arranged to her liking. This sweet gesture shows her growing affection for him. Viewers can expect more of their love story in Bridgerton Season 3, Part 2, premiering on June 13.

Francesca’s love story is detailed in When He Was Wicked, the sixth book in Julia Quinn’s series. In the book, Francesca and John, married and in love, live in Scotland as the Earl and Countess of Kilmartin. They are close to John’s cousin, Michael Stirling, who hasn't been introduced in the show yet.

Tragically, John dies two years later from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, leaving Francesca a widow. Michael becomes the new earl and goes to India out of grief. Four years later, he returns, and Francesca, wanting a child, wishes to remarry. Michael, who has secretly loved her, realises he wants to be more than friends, and they eventually fall in love.

For fans of Francesca and John’s sweet love story, there is both good and bad news. In Julia Quinn’s books, Francesca has a significant plot line. After marrying John (which could happen in the second half of Season 3), Francesca moves to Scotland. The first part of Bridgerton is currently streaming on Netflix. The final four episodes will be released on June 13.