Bridgerton confirms its lead for Season 4: Is it Benedict or Francesca?

The end of Bridgerton Season 3 brought us a hint that Francesca could be the lead for the next season of the series. However, fans have been waiting to see Benedict’s storyline play out.

The third book in the series follows the second Bridgerton son, Benedict. That storyline was skipped over in favor of Colin and Penelope’s love story, which is told in the fourth book of the series. Fans wondered whether Benedict would be next, or whether he would be overlooked again.

Of course, no love story happens in a vacuum. The first two seasons built up the friendship of Colin and Penelope to lead to the third season’s romance. We also saw hints of things for Benedict in the leadup to the fourth season, but there was also that ending to Season 3 that made us wonder if Francesca would be next.

Benedict Bridgerton is the next lead in Bridgerton Season 4

Well, it turns out that we’re heading back to the story of An Offer from a Gentleman, the third book in Julia Quinn’s series, according to TVLine. The logline says that Benedict is still loathe to settle down, despite both Anthony and Colin now married. That is until he finds someone who he steals his heart.

In the books, that is Sophie Beckett. The character is still to be cast in the TV series, and fans are sure to be on the look-out for who will take on the role.

Sophie has an interesting storyline. She is the illegitimate orphaned daughter of the Earl of Penwood. That makes her “unsuitable” for many. After all, being illegitimate means that she doesn’t have a lot to her name since she can’t inherit much. That doesn’t stop the heart, though, does it?

The end of the third season did hint that Benedict could be the lead for Bridgerton Season 4. Eloise asks Benedict if their mother would allow her to skip it, and Benedict points out that he will be there hiding behind a mask. Well, Benedict falls for a Lady in Silver while at the ball.