Simone Ashley Joins 'Bridgerton' Cast as the Newest Leading Lady

While the Duke and Duchess of Hastings are off tending to adorable children and beautiful land, the show must go on in Bridgerton's London. In the Shondaland series' newest season, eager fans will follow Anthony Bridgerton on his quest to find a suitable wife. Enter Simone Ashely, the Sex Education standout star who has been selected to be Bridgerton's newest female lead, Kate Sharma. The union of Anthony and Kate is not bound to be easy, as her character is described as a "smart and headstrong woman," but audiences are already eager to see their love story ensue. 

Following the first successful season led by L'OFFICIEL star Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page, Bridgerton’s second season is based on author Julia Quinn’s sophomore book in the saga on which the show is based, The Viscount Who Loved Me, but it is not promised to follow the exact same plotline. Since the completion of the viral show's first season, fans have been left wondering about Lady Whistledown's motives, the status of the Featherington family, and the Duke and Duchess' new life together. If we're lucky, Season 2 will give loyal viewers some much-needed answers with a side of Bridgerton's signature sex appeal. Sparks will surely fly when Kate and Anthony meet.