Who Is Hannah Dodd? Get To Know the Actress Replacing Ruby Stokes as Francesca on ‘Bridgerton'

Netflix series "Bridgerton" remains a sensation as the period piece continues to pull viewers in by the millions. With so many hearts stuck on their favorite characters, it's hard to tell what response the audience will have when one of their beloved Bridgertons is replaced with a new actress.

The ambiguous Francesca Bridgerton on the "Bridgerton" Netflix series silently makes her way through the back door as her more center-stage family chatters in the foreground.

But the character herself is not gone. Another actress will play her to embody the background enigma. Twenty-six-year-old Hannah Dodd will be replacing 21-year-old Ruby Stokes in Season 3 of "Bridgerton."

HANNAH DODD: EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT THE ACTRESS REPLACING RUBY STOKES AS FRANCESCA

Stokes is moving away from the backdrop and playing the main character in another novel-based Netflix series, "Lockwood & Co." — a book written by Jonathan Stroud.

Hints of the change began near the end of last year when a casting notice for a new regular on the Regency series was distributed. On May 12, 2022, the news became official on the mega-popular show's official Twitter account.

But, whether played by Dodd or Stokes, the question remains: who will claim the second-youngest daughter's hand in marriage?

Casanova Michael Stirling may be her final suitor as the two initially met at what many would deem the right place yet wrong time.

Although Michael was very much and secretly in love with Francesca, her wedding to John Stirling, Michael's relative, was only days away, leaving him in a tragic bind.

But, their story does not end there as John passes away after two years of marriage and Michael comes back from India.

As Julia Quinn's synopsis reads at this point, "dares not speak to her of his love ... until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms, and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets..."

If the series follows the sixth book, "When He Was Wicked," it is likely that the pair will enjoy their happily ever after.

As we welcome Dodd, the mysterious character she plays, and her unknown love story, we should take stock of who this actress is and shine a light on her.

While some may not recognize the actress beyond the Romantic Regency series, Dodd has a list of achievements, playing significant roles such as Sophie Whitehouse in the series "Anatomy of a Scandal" as well as "Find Me In Paris" and "Harlots."

She is also set to play alongside well-renowned actors Helena Bonham Carter, Millie Bobbie Brown, and Henry Cavill as the star in Enola Holmes 2.

Outside of her career and unlike her reserved character, Dodd is an avid poster on social media and does not shy away from the limelight.

She posts pictures of time spent with family and friends, keeping her followers in touch with her acting career as her star rises.

EVERYTHING TO KNOW SO FAR ABOUT THE UPCOMING "BRIDGERTON" SEASON

With a new actress comes a new storyline as the renewed season 3 of the mega-hit Netflix series looms on the horizon next year.

"

" centers around Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Beckett, who follow a Cinderella-like narrative after he runs into her

.

It also seems a lot of focus will be placed on Kathani Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton. The dynamic between Anthony and his brother Benedict may also find some significant screen time.

Of course, the entirety of the Bridgerton family will be making their way back too, and most of the characters will remain.

As for Dodd's interpretation of the elusive Francesca and whether the character will come out of her shell a little, we'll have to wait and see.

GROUNDBREAKING

While we will have to wait for Dodd to take her leading role as per the book "When He Was Wicked," one woman who struck us on screen was Season 2 star Simone Ashley.

She has paved the way as the first actress on this show of Indian heritage. Just like her co-star Dodd, Ashley has a growing résumé. She played Olivia on the hit Netflix series "Sex Education."

With this talented cast, inclusive approach, and the constant upward trajectory, it looks as if this show is not about to die out soon.