Bridgerton’s Hannah Dodd Teases “Tornado” of Michaela’s Return

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It would appear to this author that Francesca Bridgerton is in for a bumpy ride.

Hannah Dodd hints that her character in the second part of Bridgerton season four, arriving on Netflix February 26th, will face some emotional struggles. This comes after the return of Masali Baduza as Michaela Stirling, the cousin of her husband John Stirling (Victor Alli), and Francesca finds herself unexpectedly attracted to her.

Hannah told TopMob News reporter Will Marfuggi that Michaela has a very strong and possibly unsettling effect on Francesca. She believes an event that occurred in Scotland revealed Michaela to be a challenging person for Francesca to deal with.

To make matters worse, her cousin-in-law is arriving in London at a really inconvenient moment. Francesca and John have just welcomed the Bridgerton family into their home, and their marriage, which got off to a slow start in season three, is finally starting to feel strong.

Hannah shared that John and Francesca have become much closer through dedicated effort and honest communication. They’ve navigated some tough talks and, as a result, are now in a very happy and strong place in their relationship.

She went on to explain that opening her home is a beautiful way to show how proud she is of her relationship and how welcoming she is. However, Michaela’s return is going to cause a lot of drama and disrupt everything.

Fans of the original Bridgerton books will recognize why Francesca feels uneasy around Michaela, who is Michael Stirling in the novels. However, in the fourth season of the show, Francesca is still trying to figure out her feelings.

Hannah believes the woman doesn’t completely grasp the nature of Michaela’s interactions with Francesca, but she recognizes they cause problems and disrupt her sense of order. Hannah also thinks she’s somewhat envious of John and Michaela’s relationship and the feelings it evokes within herself.

Hannah didn’t want to reveal too many details, so she just said that Michaela’s return would bring a lot of exciting things.

Also, there are still plenty of exciting moments between Francesca and John this season, including Francesca’s quest for ultimate intimacy.

Hannah believes the woman doesn’t completely grasp the dynamic between Michaela and Francesca, but she recognizes it creates complications and prevents her from seeing things clearly. Hannah also thinks she’s a little envious of John and Michaela’s connection, and of the emotions it brings up for her.

Hannah didn’t want to reveal too many details, so she just said that Michaela’s return would bring a lot of exciting things.

There’s also plenty more to come between Francesca and John this season, including Francesca’s pursuit of ultimate intimacy, as she describes it.

She explained that it’s crucial for Bridgerton to portray the realities of marriage, including the fact that it isn’t always perfect right away. The show highlights how unprepared and naive the women entering these marriages are, while also acknowledging that men were often allowed to explore their sexuality – something rarely discussed openly at the time.

 

Hannah explained that it’s especially hard for Francesca, who is an introvert, to talk about this. The issue is that Francesca doesn’t physically understand what should be happening to her body or what sensations she should be experiencing.

Francesca and John already have a strong and loving relationship, and this experience is helping them grow even closer.

Hannah explained that the story really captures the complexities of their relationship, and relationships in general.

Francesca and John already have a strong and loving relationship, and this experience is helping them grow even closer.

Hannah explained that the story is really symbolic of everything going on in their relationship, and also of relationships in general.

For some more behind-the-scenes insight into Bridgerton season four, read on. 

While filming, Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton) and Claudia Jessie (Eloise Bridgerton) passed the time by playing a clapping game.

Eloise and Penelope Featherington, portrayed by Nicola Coughlan, seemed very friendly and happy together while filming, suggesting a close bond between the actresses.

While filming on a cold day, Hannah Dodd (who plays Francesca Bridgerton) had some fun making silly faces with Claudia.

Oh my goodness, you guys, Victor Alli—John Stirling himself!—just shared the cutest story about filming Bridgerton season four! It was such a funny little behind-the-scenes moment, and I’m absolutely living for it! I mean, anything about him and the show is gold, but this was just perfect.

Even when it rained during filming, the actors – including newcomers Yerin Ha as Sophie, Katie Leung as Lady Araminta Gun, Michelle Mao as Rosamund Li, and Isabella Wei as Posy Li – were prepared with umbrellas.

There were clearly no ruff moments behind the scenes.

The actors smiled for the cameras while staying warm on set, where they’re filming a romantic story about characters named Benedict and Sophie.

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2026-01-30 14:17