Bridgerton hasn’t exactly done right by Daphne as of late, and I suspect that’ll continue when the show returns. Despite being the focus of season 1 (along with Simon), Daphne wasn’t in the next chapter at all, even though the events taking place in the story – specifically Bridgerton season 3’s ending – certainly would have made an appearance from the character seem relevant.

Although Phoebe Dynevor did return for the second season, her role was significantly reduced, with her only appearing in a handful of scenes. Although it was a shame that Dynevor wasn’t in the show as much, it made sense that Daphne would be busy off-screen tending to her family. She was there for her brother’s wedding (and when he needed a reality check), and overall her inclusion felt needed. Since then, though, things have changed significantly. With Daphne now missing the wedding of two of her siblings, her absence left a hole in the family dynamic that I can’t ignore going into Bridgerton season 4.

Bridgerton Season 3 Had A Big Problem With Daphne Not Returning For Her Siblings’ Weddings

Because Of Their Family Ties, She Should Have Attended The Wedding

Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington on their wedding day, they are looking at something off camera. Francesca and John holding hands as they are married Daphne Bridgerton sitting in a well-decorated room, mid-conversation. Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington speaking during a ball. Francesca and John share a kiss after they are married Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington on their wedding day, they are looking at something off camera. Francesca and John holding hands as they are married Daphne Bridgerton sitting in a well-decorated room, mid-conversation. Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington speaking during a ball. Francesca and John share a kiss after they are married

In season 3, however, Dynevor expressed early on that she felt her work with the character was done. Whilst it made sense that Dynevor may want to keep her schedule open rather than carving out several weeks for what would likely be a small role, the lack of Daphne’s presence, particularly at the weddings of her brother and sister, stands out. I fell in love with the show and its story partly because of the relationships between the Bridgerton siblings, and season 3 feels as though it was the start of that aspect of the show taking a back seat.

Bridgerton Season 4 May Have Daphne Miss Another Family Wedding

Benedict is set to become the next Bridgerton to get married

Benedict Bridgerton sitting on a sofa, grinning as he rests his head on a hand.

As with every season, season 4 will focus on a new Bridgerton family member falling in love, and this time it’s Benedict’s turn to find “the one.” We’ll likely see Benedict’s wedding by the end of the upcoming season, and with it, another chance for the Bridgerton family to get together. A question I’m now asking as production on the new season gears up is whether Daphne will miss another family wedding.

Presumably, the door for Phoebe Dynevor to return as Daphne is open for her, but there hasn’t been any indication she plans to return. With Daphne absent from the season, we’re probably going to see another Bridgerton wedding that she won’t be in attendance for. It’s a shame, as Dynevor plays the character so well, and there’s a lot of room for her to bestow wisdom as the first of the siblings to have been married and had children. Given how important family is to the Bridgertons, it’s hard to overlook Daphne being absent from so many big family moments.

Anthony’s Absence Could Make Bridgerton’s Daphne Problem Even Worse

Jonathan Bailey’s increasingly busy schedule could mean his role in Bridgerton is reduced further

Anthony walks Daphne down the aisle on her wedding day. Kate and Anthony Bridgerton laugh in each other's embrace outside. Benedict helps Eloise with her clothes. Daphne and Anthony Bridgerton have a serious conversation in a library. Kate and Anthony Bridgerton mid-conversation as they look at people out of focus of the camera. Anthony walks Daphne down the aisle on her wedding day. Kate and Anthony Bridgerton laugh in each other's embrace outside. Benedict helps Eloise with her clothes. Daphne and Anthony Bridgerton have a serious conversation in a library. Kate and Anthony Bridgerton mid-conversation as they look at people out of focus of the camera.

Much like Phoebe Dynevor did for season 2, Jonathan Bailey took a step back in season 3 as the show moved on to its new leads. Given the star’s busy schedule, he was understandably missing from a lot of moments in the show, but he was there for Colin’s wedding and to share with fans a glimpse into Anthony and Kate’s married life. However, Bailey’s schedule is only growing busier.

Bailey is a brilliant actor and I can’t wait to see him in more projects, but it’s hard not to wonder what his schedule could mean for the future of Anthony Bridgerton. Thankfully, he’s already confirmed that he’ll be in season 4 and that he’s carved out a few weeks for filming. However, given his role in recent series Fellow Travelers and his upcoming shows and films such as Heartstopper, Wicked, and the untitled Jurassic World film, there’s no guarantee that he’ll be available to film major scenes like Benedict’s (or any future Bridgerton siblings) weddings going forward.

Whilst I’m glad that the actors from Bridgerton are getting recognition and finding new roles outside of the show, it’s a shame to see the sibling dynamic that I loved so much begin to take a back seat in the overall themes of the show. I hope that going forward, the show may write more dialogue about the off-screen characters, what developments have been made in their life, and an explanation for why they may be absent from Bridgerton from major family events rather than ignoring the character’s absence. I’ll happily suspend my disbelief for whatever in-universe reason Bridgerton gives me.