Bridgerton season 5 casts Mobland star as "cheeky Casanova" series regular

The world of Netflix's Bridgerton has just expanded, with the unveiling of a trio of new additions for the upcoming fifth season.

Viewers will remember that the previous chapter ended on a sombre note, as Fran (Hannah Dodd) lost her husband, Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli), suddenly to an aneurysm.

The devastating loss, which went unexplained by the medicine of the period, was a nasty surprise in the second half of Bridgerton season 4 – but it's not the end of Fran's story.

She and John's cousin, Michaela (Masali Baduza), are set to lead season 5 – and we now know a few of the new faces that will be popping up in their story.

Tega Alexander (above) has been cast as "Regency-era Casanova" Christopher Anderson, who "could give the Bridgerton bachelors a run for their money" according to the early details.

Netflix teases: "Behind his cheeky facade lies a current of self-doubt that threatens to unravel him. The son of Lord Anderson will make his mark on society, one way or another."

Alexander has recently appeared in Paramount+ drama MobLand, where he played Charlie the Jeweller. He also took a supporting role in ITV's Red Eye season 2 as Flying Officer Paul Edney.

Joining him in Bridgerton season 5 is Gemma Knight Jones as Michaela's longtime friend and confidante Lady Elizabeth Ashworth, who is described as a "grounded realist wise to the unspoken rules of society".

Meanwhile, Jacqueline Boatswain will step into the role of Michaela's mother, Helen Stirling, who is "the very source of her spirit".

Netflix teases: "Like any mama, she seeks to guide – and occasionally push – her daughter through London's social season, with equal measures vivaciousness and tough love."

Jones is another MobLand alum, playing DC Mukasa in the Guy Ritchie drama. Boatswain has appeared as Sarah Mackie in ITV's After the Flood, in addition to roles in The Marlow Murder Club and Prime Video's Carnival Row.

Reflecting on the future of their characters after season 4's shock twist, Baduza told TUDUM: "When you lose someone close to you, it really alters your whole life moving forward. I think the fact that Michaela and Francesca have each other is really important. It's something that you can't really understand until you go through it."

Dodd added: "I don’t think grieving is something that you get over. John's going to be with Fran, and the impact of John will be with Fran, forever. [But] I'm really excited for her to experience feeling loved [again]… I want her to fall in love with herself a little bit."

Bridgerton seasons 1-4 are available to stream on Netflix. Season 5 coming soon.

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