Bridgerton season 3 won’t be the same without Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor)

We’re all patiently waiting for the highly anticipated Bridgerton season 3, and unfortunately, Netflix has yet to announce the official release date. Although we’re keeping our fingers crossed for an end-of-the-year release, there’s a possibility we might not see it until next year (2024). Obviously, we would like to see it sooner, but we’re trying to be realistic here.

The third season follows the friends-to-lovers romantic trope. Colin Bridgerton takes center stage along with close friend Penelope Featherington aka Lady Whistledown. Although Colin and Penelope don’t end on good terms at the end of Bridgerton season 2, it looks like they’ll find a way to work through their problems because the third season mainly focuses on their love story.

But while I’m excited to see Colin and Penelope’s love story unfold, I’m still not over the fact that Phoebe Dynevor won’t be returning as fan-favorite character Daphne Bridgerton in season 3. Back in January 2023, the Daphne actress herself announced this bad news to Variety Magazine. She said this to Variety about her exit, “Well I did my two seasons. I’ve done what I wanted to do with that character and she had a great arc. If they ask me back in the future, who knows?”

While I’m happy to know that Phoebe Dynevor is open to returning to the period drama series in the future, if asked, Bridgerton season 3 just won’t be the same without her character making an appearance. Here is why Daphne should’ve been in the third season.

Daphne is the glue that holds the Bridgerton family together

Some people might argue and say that Anthony is the Bridgerton sibling to hold the family together, but I beg to differ. Yes, Anthony’s job as the oldest sibling is to take care of the family, but Daphne does a good job of doing that by just being there for each of her relatives. Out of all of her siblings, she’s the most observant and is always willing to be of service if possible.

Remember in season 2 when she gave her brother Anthony some good advice regarding his love life? She truly wants the best for her family and wants to see them happy. Who’s going to take over this role in Bridgerton season 3? Who’s going to help Colin realize that Penelope is his soulmate? Daphne should’ve been that person, but sadly, this isn’t going to happen. I don’t even know who could replace her because there’s no one like her, in my opinion.

We already lost Simon/Duke of Hastings after the first season, with Daphne missing in action in season 3, we have no one from the Basset family representing this season.

I’m curious to know how the writers will address her absence. In season 2, it’s briefly mentioned that Simon is busy with work and that’s why he doesn’t show his face. Are they going to say Daphne’s off being a mom to baby Augie, and that’s why she couldn’t be there to support her older sibling in Bridgerton season 3? Whichever way the writers choose to explain her absence, I won’t be a happy camper, I can tell you that.

Although I wish Phoebe Dynevor had returned as Daphne Bridgerton in the third installment of the period drama, even if in a small capacity, I guess I’ll have to look forward to her possibly reprising her role in a future installment.

Stay tuned to Netflix Life for any new updates on Bridgerton season 3!