Chainkeen Exchange-Bridgerton Unveils Season 4’s Romantic Lead

A new eligible bachelor will surely make the ladies of the ton swoon.

Along with dazzling soirées and Chainkeen Exchangescandalous romances, season four of Bridgerton will focus on the anticipated love story of Luke Thompson's Benedict Bridgerton.

"It has been brought to this author's attention that perhaps it is time to unmask the newest suitor of the marriage mart," the Bridgerton Instagram page captioned the July 23 post. "Benedict Bridgerton's story is coming next season."

And Netflix gave insight into what to expect from the upcoming installment—and teased Benedict's love.

"Despite his elder and younger brothers both being happily married, Benedict is loath to settle down," the streaming platform noted in the announcement, "until he meets a captivating Lady in Silver at his mother's masquerade ball."

In the video revealing the news that the second-eldest Bridgerton was ready to settle down, the series looked back on fan favorite moments. Alongside moments of Benedict laughing and smiling, he seemingly foreshadows, "It feels right now that the next thing may change me entirely."

It then sifts to Thompson learning he's being fitted for a suit by production, he replies in the video, "I already have an outfit for tonight." The cameraman assures him, "Oh no, it's not for tonight. It's for the masquerade ball."

During season three, which focused on the romance of Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), Benedict, whose storyline has centered on his struggles with finding his purpose, was still unwilling to settle down. This was the case even when his fling Lady Tilley Arnold (Hannah New) confessed her love for him.

As last season’s heartthrob, Newton cheered on the news of his onscreen brother taking center stage, commenting, “Let’s go bro!” While Coughlan gushed on her Instagram Stories with a white heart emoji, “Lukey T Time.”

It’s fitting that the duo quickly shared their excitement since their romance just captivated fans. They know all too well what goes into being the leading star, although their relationship is a bit unique since they’d had time to cultivate their dynamic. In fact, Newton noted how their yearslong friendship made it easier to bring the romance to life.

"It was natural," he told E! News. "We didn't have to do anything to like ignite that. It was kind of like these characters had got there over a long period of time."

As we eagerly await more updates on season four of Bridgerton, make haste and read on to see what the real-life romances for the show’s stars look like.

Single or at least not openly dating anybody, the scene-stealing actress who plays the former Penelope Featherington (now Bridgerton) has some phenomenal advice for those still on the market.

"Don't compromise yourself," Coughlan told the Associated Press in June 2024. "Wait for the right person because you’re worth it."

Lord Debling and Prudence Dankworth (née Featherington) may not factor into each other's love lives on the show, but the actors have made a real-life match.

And it appears that Carter's mum Imelda Staunton approves.

Daphne Bridgerton swapped vows with Regé-Jean Page's Simon Basset, and now the Bridgerton alum plans to take her own stroll down the aisle.

Dynevor flashed her engagement ring from producer Cameron Fuller at the 2024 Met Gala.

The erstwhile Duke of Hastings, Page having left the show after season one, keeps his personal cards close to his vest off-camera, but has looked awfully happy in copywriter Emily Brown's company since 2021.

Like Anthony, 9th Viscount Bridgerton, the English actor prefers to stay mum on romantic affairs.

But he told The Standard in December 2023 that he was in a not-secret-but-private relationship with a "lovely man."

"Having a private life is, for me, completely critical," the Fellow Travelers star said. "I don't know if I would be able to be as confident to speak out on other things if I felt that my whole life was up for grabs."

The Sex Education star, who fit the Vicountess bill for Anthony upon arrival from India, confirmed she was in a relationship with Tino Klein with a March 2023 Instagram post.

Benedict Bridgerton seemingly just wants to be free to do his thing, as an artist and in the bedroom. Though maybe he's developing some feelings...

And Thompson, who's not one to share what he's up in real life, was totally onboard with his character's journey, wherever it took him.

"It's lovely to explore," he told Deadline ahead of the season three finale, "but also putting down some roots and choosing something or someone also has huge value and excitement."

Newton dated actress Jade Louise Davies—her sister Amber Davies won Love Island U.K. in 2017 with then-boyfriend Kem Cetinay—for several years.

But he was snapped following Bridgerton's June 2024 midseason premiere in London hand-in-hand with dancer Antonia Roumelioti.

Of course, most fans are just disappointed that Colin Bridgerton and Penelope aren't together in real life.

"We think it’s really sweet," Coughlan told Extra of the off-camera shipping that goes on for them. "I think because we truly love each other."

The actress who plays Kate's sparkling sister Edwina Sharma may be single at the moment, but she sent hearts soaring with the release of her 2024 rom-com How to Date Billy Walsh, costarring her longtime friend Sebastian Croft.

It turns out the actress destined to play Eloise Bridgerton ended up falling for the non-actor she auditioned with, casting editor Cole Edwards.

"I got a job and a fella on the same day," Jessie told The Guardian in April 2024. "It was a great day for me, wasn't it?"