THE BED-HOPPING LORD IS LOOKING FOR A WIFE

The main love story for Bridgerton’s second season moves on to Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey, and his search for a wife. From the moment we saw Anthony’s bare bottom in the very first scene of season one, it was clear this was no Mr Darcy. ‘He’s incredibly complicated,’ says Jonathan. ‘He’s experienced such trauma with his father dying and his mum not being able to handle that, and then having to take on the responsibility of becoming a viscount. And this series can really take the time to dig into the psychology of a man of that era.’

After his messy break-up with opera singer Siena Rosso in series one, it’s back to the marriage mart for Anthony in season two — the balls, the courtship, the etiquette, the jealousies and the heaving bosoms that we saw as Daphne and Simon conducted their will-theywon’t-they courtship. Anthony finds himself in a love triangle with the Sharma sisters who have just returned from India. His eyes alight on girl-of-the-moment Edwina, but her wily sister Kate (left, with Anthony) may have other ideas.

There’s one change you’re sure to note in Anthony. ‘The sideburns have gone!’ says Jonathan. Showrunner Chris Van Dusen decided to ditch Anthony’s mutton chops to show that he’s no longer the ‘rakish party boy’. It’s time for the viscount to get serious.