Netflix’s most-anticipated series of the year, Bridgerton season 3, is right around the corner, putting excitement at an all-time high, however, there are still questions about the new season that need answering, including Phoebe Dynevor’s absence. Back in 2020, when Bridgerton first premiered, British actress Phoebe Dynevor was the face of the series as Daphne Bridgerton. She was the first Bridgerton family member to get a season, and arguably, is part of why the series blew up the way it did. However, two seasons later, Dynevor is nowhere to be found and fans want to know why.
As far as promotion for Bridgerton season 3 goes, it quickly became clear to audiences that Phoebe Dynevor would not be appearing in Bridgerton season 3. Where all the other Bridgerton siblings, Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Eloise, Francesca, Hyacinth, and Gregory, were present, Daphne was glaringly absent. In many ways, this was the nail on the head for fans as well, after Dynevor only appeared briefly in season 2, and her love interest, Regé-Jean Page’s Simon Bassett, did not return at all. And yet, despite their unapologetic exits, viewers still want a reason for Dynevor’s slow pull away from Bridgerton.
The main reason why Phoebe Dynevor did not reprise her role as Daphne in Bridgerton season 3 is because she chose not to return. Fortunately, this decision was not made because of any bad blood between Dynevor and the Bridgerton cast or crew. In fact, Dynevor gave a pretty reasonable explanation for her absence. In an interview with Variety, Dynevor stated, “Well I did my two seasons…I’ve done what I wanted to do with that character and she had a great arc.” In this way, Dynevor believes Daphne has finished her Bridgerton story, and that is why she left.
Overall, Dynevor’s exit has been received with both indifference and disappointment. After following her touching and steamy love story with Simon in season 1, many are eager to see more of Daphne and the Duke, especially after Simon’s absence in season 2. Unfortunately, this will probably not happen, at least not for a while. Now that both Dynevor and Page have exited Bridgerton, any glimpse of their love story is unlikely. However, it also makes sense. The actors need to branch out into new projects, and luckily, the Bridgerton world still makes sense without them.
Fortunately, Phoebe Dynevor was quite right when she expressed that Daphne’s Bridgerton story is essentially finished. When looking at season 3, it is clear that Daphne would have little to do in the new installment, and in fact, might have hurt the show rather than helped it. Bridgerton season 3 follows the romance between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington. Since season 1, the two have orbited around each other, especially due to Penelope’s crush on Colin, and now their feelings will finally come to a head. Based on that premise alone, there is little Daphne would add to this story.
After marrying the Duke, Daphne moved to his home, and the couple began having children in season 2. Based on the world of Bridgerton and the Regency Era, it would make sense that Daphne would remain at home to care for her children and her and the Duke’s estate. As a Duchess, it seems likely that she would have plenty of duties to keep her busy. This also explains why Anthony and Kate would be returning, as the Bridgerton home is now theirs.
Luckily, Dynevor’s exit isn’t a complete upset. After explaining her reasoning for her absence, Dynevor was quick to note that if Bridgerton ever had a reason for bringing her back, she would be open to it. In an interview with Screen Rant, she said of her return to Bridgerton, “Potentially in the future.” Ultimately, this means that season 1’s star, Daphne, is not completely finished with the Netflix series. Though she has little to do in the current season, she could most certainly return in a later Bridgerton installment. In this way, Daphne-lovers can take a big sigh of relief.
Overall, Bridgerton has five more seasons to go after Bridgerton season 3 premieres, giving the series plenty of time to bring Daphne back. It would make sense for her to return later in the franchise, perhaps when the youngest Bridgertons come of age. Daphne has the potential to be a sisterly support system and a wise figure of love, just like her mother is in the current seasons. All in all, Phoebe Dynevor may not be in Bridgerton season 3, but her time with Bridgerton is certainly not over forever.