Who plays Kate Sheffield in Bridgerton season 2? The Netflix series has a new leading lady

Bridgerton fans have been wondering who plays Kate Sheffield in season 2 after Netflix confirmed the show is returning.

Lady Whistledown (well, Netflix) took to Twitter earlier this week to write: "DEAREST READERS, BREAKING NEWS… Bridgerton *will* return for a second season!"

In the letter, she also revealed that Anthony Bridgerton will be the star of the second season. And this means there will be a love interest by the name of Kate Sheffield. Here's everything we know about her so far...

The Duke and Duchess of Hastings will not be the stars of season two (Credit: Netflix / Screenshot)

Who plays Kate Sheffield in Bridgerton season 2?

Readers of the Julia Quinn novels will already be aware that his romantic interest will be Kate Sheffield.

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But while little is known of the character's casting, fans have been taking to Twitter to put forth their top candidates.

Let's take a gander, shall we?

Daisy Edgar-Jones

Normal People star, Daisy Edgar-Jones has been tipped for the role.

The 22-year-old has also appeared in War of the Worlds and Cold Feet. In 2020, she was listed on British Vogue's list of influential women.

Daisy Edgar-Jones played Marianne in Normal People (Credit: PA)

Adelaide Kane

Australian actress and model, Adelaide Kane, has also been rumoured to star in Bridgerton season 2.

She's known for her roles in Teen Wolf. As well as the historical fiction inspired romps, Reign and Once Upon A Time.

Kane is rumoured to be a contender for the upcoming role (Credit: PA)

Freida Pinto

Slumdog Millionaire star, Freida Pinto, has been tipped for the new role.

Freida Pinto arriving for the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards Ceremony (Credit: PA)

Simona Brown

English actress, Simona Brown, is another rumoured contender.

She has previously played Rachel in The Little Drummer Girl. She has had other roles in The Night Manager and The Casual Vacancy.

Simona Brown attends the Little Drummer Girl Premiere (Credit: PA)

Why isn't Kate Sheffield in Bridgerton season 1?

Bridgerton season one was based on Julia Quinn's initial Bridgerton novel, The Duke and I, which didn't feature the character of Kate Sheffield.

Instead, it focused on the relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Hastings.

The character of Kate Sheffield makes her first appearance in the second title in the series, The Viscount Who Loved Me. It's all about Anthony Bridgerton and the question of his marriage.

Jonathan Bailey plays Anthony Bridgerton in the hit Netflix series (Credit: Netflix / Screenshot)

Who is Kate Sheffield in Bridgerton?

Kate Sheffield is the main character in the second book, The Viscount Who Loves Me.

Things go full drama when Anthony is due to marry Kate's younger sister, Edwina. Kate, however, deems him unworthy of his sister's affections. Of course, there is some incredible chemistry between the Viscount and Kate, and it makes for a particularly juicy love triangle. We can't wait!

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The synopsis for The Viscount Who Loves Me reads: "Anthony Bridgerton hasn’t just decided to marry – he’s even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended’s older sister, Kate Sheffield – the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate is the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams…!"

Speaking about Anthony's role in the upcoming season, creator Chris Van Dusen said: "We left him at the end of the first season at a bit of a crossroads. So I’m looking forward to jumping in and see how he fares in the marriage market."

"We’ll be introducing a bunch of new characters. Anthony will have a love interest next season, and it will be as sweeping and as beautiful as viewers came to expect from the first season."

When does Bridgerton season 2 come out?

According to a press release from Netflix, the series will resume production later in 2021. But, as of now, there is no official premiere date.

But given that it aired around Christmas time last year, we're likely looking at a Christmas release. Fingers crossed, indeed! In the meantime, it looks like it's time for a rewatch of season one.