Your Guide to the Most Intriguing Potential Subplots in Bridgerton Season 3

There's still no word on when we'll see Season 3 of the Netflix hit on our screens, but rumours have been flying fast and thick. We know that Phoebe Dynevor (Daphne) is not returning, and that Francesca Bridgerton has been recast.

We also know that the Bridgerton books are starting to be adapted out of order, but some hints from the novels as well as the show's producers have given us some intriguing possible subplots to look forward to. They include:

Meeting Sophie Beckett. Fans were disappointed to learn that Season 3 would feature Colin and Penelope's romance, rather than following the pattern of the books and bringing us Benedict and Sophie's story. However, we're hoping that Season 3 will introduce Sophie to viewers.

It would make a lot of sense: in the books, Benedict falls for Sophie when she has snuck into a masquerade ball in defiance of her evil stepmother. It's love at first sight, but then Benedict must spend two years looking for his mystery lady. Setting the couple up this season would give Benedict lots of time to pine.

The further education of Eloise. Season 2 saw Eloise just beginning to dip her toe in the women's rights movement. Her friendship with Theo started to open her eyes to her own privilege, but that story got sidetracked with a potential romance and the drama of Lady Whistedown.

The time is ripe for Eloise to begin seriously widening her horizons and getting involved in women's suffrage. Bridgerton has given us real historical figures in the past – perhaps Eloise could meet some of the Regency's real-life feminist icons, like Mary Anning or Ada Lovelace.

Kanthony as newlyweds. Rege-Jean Page left Bridgerton after Season 1, so we didn't get to spend any more time with Simon after that. Luckily, the Viscount and his new Viscountess will both be returning this year. Fans are looking forward to seeing the couple grow and learn in their first year of marriage. Is there any chance we'll get to see Kate with a baby bump this season…? Perhaps!

It would also be interesting to see Kate adjusting to life as a Viscountess and the Lady of Bridgerton House. These are big roles that she never anticipated filling – so how will she handle this new life, and the demands that come with it?

Meeting Francesca. We haven't spent any time with the sixth Bridgerton, and she was recently recast with up-and-coming actress Hannah Dodd (Enola Holmes 2). Francesca's romance begins after the death of her first husband, so perhaps season 3 will start the ball rolling with an introduction to husband #1?

A happily-ever-after for Lady Danbury? It isn't just the twenty-somethings of the ton who deserve love. It seems unlikely that a December romance will come for Queen Charlotte (still married) or Violet Bridgerton (too much has been made of her first, perfect love). But Simon's regal aunt got a definite glow-up in the Bridgerton series – she's not just a cranky old lady, but a force to be reckoned with.

Could this gorgeous, sharp woman find a match in season 3?

Penelope and Eloise making up. There's been a serious breach of trust for these two friends. It's hard to forgive someone who wrote out your most precious secret and sold it all over town. But at the end of the day, Penelope has only ever tried to do what's best for Eloise, even if she made some spectacular mistakes along the way.

Bridgerton has always honoured the bonds between women, and we look forward to seeing these two find their way back to each other.

The beginnings of Philoise. In the novels, Eloise begins a correspondence with Sir Philip after his wife dies. After a year of being pen pals, he proposes a marriage of convenience without ever having met the impulsive feminist. Perhaps the connection between these two will begin in Season 3…?

Prudence finds love. Sure, she's dumb as a bag of hammers. But Prudence Featherington definitely got the worst of it when 'Cousin Jack' skipped town. Will this tall, endearing twit manage to find someone who isn't a total scoundrel?

There is a fan theory that says Prudence might get paired up with newcomer Lord Dankworth (James Phoon). Netflix has teased that 'What Dankworth lacks in wit and intelligence, he more than makes up for with serious good looks.'

Two dumb-dumbs in love? What could be better?! Sounds like these two could be a fun match. Count us in for… er… (*checks notes*) 'Prudank'H. Even if it is the worst couple name ever.

Of course, right now this is all conjecture! We don't even have a teaser trailer to whet our appetites yet. Fingers crossed that after Bridgerton's prequel series Queen Charlotte airs on May 4th, we'll finally start getting some promos… and answers.