Bridgerton seasons 3 and 4 announced by Netflix

Fans can expect three more seasons of the salacious period drama

Netflix has announced that <em>Bridgerton</em> will be returning for seasons two, three and four. 

A note shared by the streaming giant on Facebook, written on behalf of the show’s unseen narrator Lady Whistledown, reads: “Esteemed members of the Ton, it seems we have a rather special announcement.

“Bridgerton shall return for seasons three and four. This author shall have to purchase more ink.”

The show’s creator and producer Shonda Rhimes (previously Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal) shared the news on Twitter, adding: “This author is pleased to share the most joyous of news with you, dear readers.” 

Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan has also reacted to the announcement.

The 34-year-old actor – who plays Penelope Featherington in the Netflix hit drama – tweeted about the future of the series, writing: “Polin Stans this is our moment!!”

“Polin” is a fan-created nickname for the romance between Coughlan’s character Penelope and Colin (played by Luke Newton).

Coughlan accompanied her Twitter post with a GIF of a scene from Bridgerton, which sees Penelope and Colin together.

The news follows after it was announced earlier this month that Regé-Jean Page (who played Simon Bassett aka the Duke of Hastings in series one) would not be returning for the forthcoming second season.

Instead, the focus will be placed on Jonathan Bailey’s Lord Anthony Bridgerton.

A statement on Twitter, written as Lady Whistledown, read: “We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family. 

“Daphne will remain a devoted wife and sister, helping her brother navigate the upcoming social season and what it has to offer – more intrigue and romance than my readers may be able to bear.”

Bridgerton is expected to return to Netflix in 2022, with a specific hint placed in the season finale about what to expect.