In episode 7 of season 3 the writers sent Kate and Anthony to India (even though Kate was pregnant), which Jess Brownell has said in interviews was a plot device to write them out, leaving the way open for a return if possible. For many fans this has led to the belief that Kate and Anthony won't be returning in season 4, despite the public comments from Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey about their commitment to the show. The belief that Kate and Anthony won't be returning has been reinforced by Luke Newton letting slip in an interview that he had already seen his first script and Polin's first scene, something that Simone and Jonathan don't appear to have had the privilege of (even for season 3 after being the season 2 leads), indicating that the new show runner is perhaps less than committed to Kate and Anthony. In interviews, Simone and Jonathan have repeatedly said they want to return, but it is up to the production, and so far the production - or rather the show runner - has come across as less than enthusiastic about the idea, and seems to be non committal about their return.
Image Credit: Netflix
I realise that many will come back saying that Jess said that she hasn't written Kate and Anthony outIn 2022, ahead of the filming for season 3 Jess Brownell, the new show runner, stated in an interview that Phoebe Dynevor (who plays Daphne, Duchess of Hastings) would be returning in season 3, however, as it transpired Phoebe did not return, leaving Jess Brownell looking less than truthful about her plans. Having it committed in writing from Jess about Daphne returning when she didn't has led many fans to be sceptical about anything that Jess says about the return of Kate and Anthony, which could be a fair assessment based on information of previous actions.
Whilst the past behaviour from Jess is not definitive, there are other things to consider when wondering if Kate and Anthony will be returning in Season 4, specifically the availability of Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey. Simone is currently filming the F1 movie, and travelling to a number of Grand Prix races around the world in order to film scenes, this is not due to complete until December, though it is hard to know if it will require a full time commitment from her for it, or if she is only required a few days a month. In an interview with Vogue India Simone also hinted that she is working on another project set in India, though it is unsure if it is in pre-production or if she has been filming it. Meanwhile Jonathan Bailey is currently filming Jurassic World in Malta, due to finish in October, but then he will soon after be beginning rehearsals for Henry II which runs in London from February to May 2025.
In addition to filming and theatre commitments, both Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley have projects coming out this year, in fact Simone Ashley has 2, possibly 3, movies all of which she is the lead (yes, one is animated), which will all require some form of promotion. It is hard to know how much these projects will be promoted and how involved in the promotion they both will be, but it is logical to assume Simone will be heavily involved in the promotion of her projects as the lead, as well as being an executive producer for one of them. With these commitments it is hard to see where they will have the time to commit to Bridgerton much, and if they do I don't expect them in it for more than a scene or two in one episode.
Further, it is being reported on social media today that the hair and makeup artists that have worked on Simone for Bridgerton are not returning for season 4. Farida Ghwedar and Jessie Deol have been the only team to work on Simone for Bridgerton, and whilst they also did Nicola in season 3, I do not believe that they had been the ones to work on her in previous seasons. If these two are departing Bridgerton, could there be a possibility it is in part because Simone is not returning? This is a possibility.
As much as this disappoints me, especially when you look at how badly Jess Brownell handled their story in season 3, and failed to complete their story arc in season 3, it is understandable as to why they may not return for season 4. I just wish we had received a good ending for them, and seeing at least one major life event for Kate onscreen.
