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Hows that for a twist?
Victor Alli as John Stirling, James Duke as Minister Hughes, and Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton in episode 308
And just who is Michaela Stirling?
Unless youveread Julia Quinns books, that seems pretty insignificant.
And heres the kicker: Inthe books, Michaela Stirling doesnt exist…. ButMichaelStirling does.
From left: Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton, Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton, Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton, Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton, Victor Alli as John Stirling, Daniel Francis as Lord Anderson, and Adjoa Andoh as Lady Agatha Danbury in episode 308
So, what does this massive change mean for the series?
And how will Michaelas arrival affect Francesca and Johns future in Scotland?
Lady Violet is none too pleased about her daughters move, and understandably so.
From left: Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton, Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton, Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton, Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton, and Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington in episode 308
But Violet eventually comes around.
And with that, hey welcome the Earl and Countess of Kilmartin.
Mama will love the idea of me keeping an eye on you, she says.
Masali Baduza atThe Woman Kingred carpet in South Africa in September 2022
But in truth, I simply wish to live for a little while outside our tiny bubble.
I cannot change the world without seeing more of it.
Eloise promises to give her sister and her new husband their space, and with that, its settled.
From left: Lucas Aurelio as Paul Suarez, Hannah New as Lady Tilley Arnold, and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton in episode 306
Plus, Eloise isnt the only addition to the Kilmartins new living quarters.
John then introduces his cousin, Michaela Stirling, to his bride and sister-in-law.
Glamour:We meet John Stirlings cousin, Michaela Stirling, at the end of the episode.
But in the book, his cousin isMichaelStirling.
Can you tell us more about this change?
And what does that mean for Francesca and Johns relationship?
Francesca seems quite unsettled meeting Michaela for the first time.
I felt like there was fertile ground thematically in her book to nod toward telling a queer story.
In terms of John, I know people are really resonating with that relationship, as do I.
We love that relationship in the writers room.
I personally dont believe in a hierarchy of relationships.
Every relationship is different, and lots of different kinds of love are valid.
The kind of love she has for John is very real.
Its much more based on companionship and friendship and respect and shared interests than it is perhaps on passion.
But passion is just one element of a relationship.
Can you say whos going to be the main storyline for season 4?
All three of them have a lot of growth still ahead of them, and thats very intentional.
We will plan to be in Scotland at some point.
I cant say when.
But at some point, the oldBridgertonproduction will pick up its crew and do some shooting in Scotland.
Tell us about the actor who plays Michaela.
How hard was that role to cast, knowing the importance?
Masali Baduza plays Michaela, and shes absolutely fantastic.
She absolutely nailed it.
I remember the moment Hannah met Masali.
After Masali left, she said, Well, thats her.
Hannah could feel it.
Shes really stepped into it with wonderful energy.
I cant wait for people to get to know her more.
Yes, you will.
What else can you say about the character, especially knowing the gravity of this storyline?
I know for people who love the bookWhen He Was Wickedthat Michael Stirling is one of their favorite characters.
I would also just say that the book still stands.
Michael Stirling still exists in book world.
Why was that important this season?
It felt like him embracing his queerness was a great way to tell that story.
I think its nice to have different kinds of queer representation on the show.
There are as many different kinds of queer experiences as there are queer people.
