Netflix Announces Simone Ashley as New Leading Lady for ‘Bridgerton’

Simone Ashley is confirmed to join the cast of Bridgerton as the headstrong Kate Sharma. 

February 15, a prelude to a day of mystery and wonder – such as in the Netflix hit Bridgerton. Confirmed for season two, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton (Johnathon Bailey) was announced as the male lead. With season one’s cliffhanger, many seemed to wonder who his love interest would be.

Season two of Bridgerton brings a plethora of new characters. Diving into the world of Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, we follow as he attempts to find a wife during the social season. After being rejected by his mistress, season two will follow the viscount and the new-to-town Kate Sharma. 

The official Bridgerton Twitter account did not miss out on the chance to add a bit of Lady Whistledown’s dramatic flair.

Quite the juicy bit of gossip, dear readers… This author is certainly looking forward to many a column covering Miss Kate Sharma 🐝 https://t.co/jOxQRcw0Gx

— Bridgerton (@bridgerton) February 15, 2021

The character, Kate Sharma is portrayed by Simone Ashley (Sex Education), the leading lady of season two. Introduced as Anthony Bridgerton’s love interest, she is new to London. Bringing in her fresh demeanor, “Kate is a smart, headstrong young woman who suffers no fools — Anthony Bridgerton very much included.”

Entertainment Online stated, “Her character is a reimagining of Anthony’s main love interest from the book, Kate Sheffield, who holds similar qualities. It is unclear whether other major characters featured in Quinn’s novel, such as Kate’s younger sister Edwina or her mother Mary, will also be reimagined.”

Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton 😍 #bridgerton pic.twitter.com/QMoZixicdq

— emma 🐝 (@threadofgoldenn) February 15, 2021

During the first season, Anthony attempts to be his younger sibling’s father. Appearing to cause much trouble between his mother and him, there is the constant disagreement of who takes care of the Bridgerton children. Rather than being a nobleman, his eyes are lofted on his mistress – opera singer, Siena Rosso (Sabrina Bartlett). A constant battle between family and lust overtakes his duties as viscount.

Following the thematics of the diversity of season one, Kate Sharma is of Indian descent. Not much is currently being shared of her character beyond what is already known.

Deadline stated, “In Season 2, Bridgerton continues to break conventions on race. Anthony’s love interest (named Kate Sheffield in Quinn’s novel) and her family were conceived by the series’ creative team as being of Indian descent in a continuation of the reimagined world created in Season 1, which included several major Black characters, including the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page), Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) and Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel).” 

It appears that Ashley will give Bailey’s character a run for his money, perhaps making him think about his actions. Ashley’s previous acting has appeared to make her a favorite among many. 

This fandom welcomes Simone Ashley with open arms and if anyone has a mean word to say about her I will SHOW YOU THE DOOR pic.twitter.com/hzMDp14wkm

— emma 🐝 (@threadofgoldenn) February 16, 2021

📲 Simone Ashley via Instagram Stories 😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/7gxaHbz9G6

— Simone Ashley Brasil (@SimoneAshleyBR) February 16, 2021

Season two of Bridgerton will start filming in the Spring. Season one is available to stream on Netflix.