Simone Ashley (Sex Education) has officially been cast in season 2 of Shondaland’s Bridgerton as the co-lead opposite season 1’s Jonathan Bailey. Deadline first reported the news.
Season 2 will follow the eldest Bridgerton, Anthony, in his quest to find a viscountess. Ashley will play Kate Sharma (Kate Sheffield in the novels), a smart, headstrong woman newly arrived in London who does not take lightly to foolish men. And fans of the series will remember that Anthony is quite the fool, so this courting should be very interesting to watch indeed.
The re-imagining of Kate Sheffield is continuing on with season 1’s quest to break conventions on race. Kate Sharma will be of Indian descent, following the diverse inclusion of several prominent Black characters from season 1 in Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page), Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh), and Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel).
Ashley and Bailey will take on the focus of season 2 as Page’s Duke of Hastings and Phoebe Dynevor’s Daphne Bridgerton did in season 1. While not confirmed, creator Chris Van Dusen has stated he hopes the pair can return for season 2.
Season 2 of Bridgerton is set to begin filming this spring in London.
