The fourth season of Bridgerton has brought renewed excitement for fans of the lavish Regency-era drama, especially with its shift in focus to a new central romance. The first half of the season premiered on January 29 and centers on Benedict Bridgerton, portrayed by Luke Thompson, and his love story with Sophie Baek, a housemaid played by Yerin Ha. As with previous seasons, the show continues its anthology-style structure, with each installment spotlighting a different sibling from the Bridgerton family and adapting the corresponding novel from Julia Quinn’s bestselling romance series. While this approach allows the narrative to stay fresh and explore new dynamics each season, it has also led to some notable absences that viewers have increasingly begun to question.

One of the most discussed absences is that of Daphne Bridgerton, the heroine of the show’s first season. Played by Phoebe Dynevor, Daphne was central to the series’ initial success, anchoring the story with her romance and eventual marriage to Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. Dynevor appeared in seasons one and two, but she did not return for season three, and her absence has continued into season four. For longtime viewers, this has raised understandable curiosity about whether Daphne’s story is truly finished or if the character might eventually make a return.

Dynevor herself has addressed the situation in past interviews, offering insight into her perspective on Daphne’s journey. In 2023, she spoke candidly about her decision not to appear in season three, explaining that she was simply excited to watch the show from the outside. She suggested that a return could be possible someday, but emphasized that she felt content with how Daphne’s arc had unfolded. In another interview that same year, she reflected more definitively on her time with the series, stating that she had completed two seasons and achieved everything she had hoped to with the character. From her point of view, Daphne’s story had reached a satisfying conclusion, complete with personal growth and a happy ending.

Despite those comments, hope for Daphne’s return briefly resurfaced the following year. In 2025, Dynevor expressed openness to rejoining the series if the opportunity arose. She revealed that she had not yet been contacted by the production team, even though filming for season four was already underway at the time. Her remarks suggested that while she was not opposed to returning, the decision ultimately rested with the show’s creators, who had not reached out to her. This left fans wondering whether her absence was a creative choice, a scheduling issue, or simply a reflection of the show’s evolving narrative priorities.

Adding further context to Daphne’s disappearance is the earlier departure of her on-screen husband, Simon Basset, played by Regé-Jean Page. Page famously exited the series after its first season, a move that surprised many viewers given his popularity. However, he later explained that Simon’s storyline had always been intended as a one-season arc. From his perspective, the role offered a complete narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end, allowing him to contribute meaningfully to the show without committing to a long-term role. Once Simon’s story concluded, the Bridgerton family saga was designed to continue without him.

The combination of Page’s early exit and Dynevor’s gradual withdrawal has effectively closed the chapter on Daphne and Simon as active participants in the series. While Daphne did make brief appearances in the second season, often serving as a supportive presence for her siblings, her role diminished as the show moved on to highlight other members of the Bridgerton family. By season three, her absence felt more pronounced, and by season four, it has become the norm rather than the exception.

So far, neither Netflix nor Shondaland has offered an official statement explaining Dynevor’s continued absence or clarifying whether Daphne might return in future seasons. This silence leaves room for speculation but also aligns with the show’s established format. Bridgerton is structured to evolve, allowing characters to step back once their primary love stories have been told. In that sense, Daphne’s absence may simply reflect the natural progression of the series rather than any behind-the-scenes conflict.

For fans who fell in love with Daphne in the first season, her absence may still feel bittersweet. Yet her story remains an essential foundation for the world of Bridgerton, setting the tone for the romances that followed. Whether or not she ever returns, Daphne Bridgerton’s journey has already left a lasting mark on the series, and her legacy continues to shape the unfolding stories of the Bridgerton family.