THE long-awaited Bridgerton season three has finally landed on screens.
Along with more drama and romance stories, the series have introduced new characters.
WARNING: Contains MAJOR spoilers from the Bridgerton TV series and books.
Fans might have noticed a new leading man on the horizon with Lord John Sterling making his first appearance in the episode three.
Penelope and Colin aren’t the only focus of the season, with Francesca Bridgerton making her debut into the society.
As the Bridgerton sister seeks a life partner, Lord John Sterling might have made her heart flutter.
The Earl of Kilmartin was first introduced to the audience when he and Francesca had a brief encounter outside of a ball.
But the book fans were already familiar with Lord Stirling from When He Was Wicked, the sixth novel in Julia Quinn’s series, which explores the beautiful love story of the two.
Victor Alli, who portrays Lord Stirling in the series, told Tatler: “For fans who have read the book, they will know who this character is and the journey he goes on with Francesca…If you’ve read the book or you know the story, you know what happens to John and what happens next.”
The reserved and introverted character will have a blossoming romance with Francesca but their tale has a rather tragic twist compared to lighthearted stories of other Bridgerton siblings.
Alli continued: “It’s something we have spoken about a lot; how unconventional this story is and how heartbreaking it is as well.
“It really does tackle the harder and darker sides of a relationship and love.”
Up-and-coming British actor Victor Alli graduated from Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London in 2019.
He has appeared in award-winning films like Belfast and Death on the Nile before catching an eye of casting directors during his West End performance in The Glass Menagerie opposite Amy Adams.
The rising star has also modelled for a luxury male clothing brand Oliver Spencer.
The Bridgerton newcomer was kept a secret until the season premiered and had to lie to his friends about his involvement in the show.
When photographs of Alli on the set were leaked online, the actor vehemently denied it was him.
He told Tattler: “I had loads of messages saying, ‘Is this you?’, and I just had to lie and deny it. I had to say, ‘That is not me’.
“I would say to close friends, ‘I don’t know who that is but he looks just like me. I wish I was in Bridgerton, that would be so, so cool.’
“It’s just so funny because they all believed it.”
Born and raised in London, Alli had originally wanted to become a drummer for a band and played multiple instruments.
He discovered his passion for acting by accident when his teacher threw him into a play when one of the leads didn’t turn up.
Alli told L’Officiel: “I found out that I really, really enjoyed it. From there I then went to The BRIT School, it’s a performing arts school.
“Amazing musicians and actors have gone there, Amy Winehouse, Adele. There, I discovered more about acting and Shakespeare and I loved it. It just happened.”
You can now watch the first half of season three of Bridgerton on Netflix.
The new series is split into two halves, with the second half being dropped later in the year.
The first few episodes aired on Thursday May 16, 2024.
Four more episodes of Bridgerton will be released on June 13, 2024.
