Francesca's storyline was a huge part of Bridgerton Season 4, and potentially sets the scene for her becoming the lead in Bridgerton Season 5 (it's her or Eloise—we'll see!). But you might recall a completely different actress playing the role back in Seasons 1 and 2.
Ruby Stokes spent two years as Francesca, but left the show ahead of the Season 3 and was replaced by Hannah Dodd. And if you're wondering why, there was no drama at all! Ruby simply had another opportunity come her way, which she felt like she couldn't pass up.
As she told Variety, "It wasn’t an easy decision. But it was incredible being part of a cultural moment like Bridgerton. Every lesson I learned on Bridgerton was so valuable, and it propelled me, and allowed me to go on and take on a lead role on another show."
Ruby ended up joining the cast of Lockwood & Co, and told What To Watch that "Something about Lucy spoke to me. It was a chance to explore a very different character and I’ve learned a great deal playing a young adult at the helm of a show. I just felt it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down!"
Fair enough!
