Bridgerton fans spot lesbian love twist for Francesca after huge departure from novels
In a pretty significant departure from the Bridgerton novels, the third series of the smash hit Netflix Regency drama has introduced an interesting plot swerve - a lesbian love plot.
The second part of the highly-anticipated series dropped on Thursday, delighting viewers, with Francesca, played by Hannah Dodd, 29, finding affections with the opposite sex.
The new romance changes a character in the books from Michael to Michaela - as Francesca Bridgerton falls in love with a woman in the third series, in stark difference to the source novels.
In Julia Quinn’s original books, Francesca falls for Michael Stirling after the death of her husband, John.
But fans of the show swiftly noticed that John Stirling is seen introducing new wife Francesca to his cousin Michaela Stirling, played by Masali Baduza.
When she sets eyes on the blushing bride she warns: “I caution you, every sordid detail John has spoken about me is a lie . . . the truth is far worse.”
And the response was divided. One fan wrote: “Happy Pride Month to Francesca Bridgerton!” But another wasn’t as pleased with what makers had done with the original story, adding: “It’s disrespectful to the couple’s fans. They shouldn’t have done it.”
Series three is already aa massive hit and has to date amassed 82 million streams, with the final part featuring a steamy six-minute sex scene.
Fans have loved seeing Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton's (Luke Newton) love story unfold and they weren't disappointed.
Irish actress Nicola previously revealed: 'I think we've won the sauciness for this series!' as she teased that she and Luke had damaged the set with their onscreen romps, telling Entertainment Weekly:
