Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Downton Abbey star's daughter has huge role in Bridgerton season two - did you spot her?

Bessie is the couple's only child

bridgerton prudence
Emmy Griffiths
TV & Film Editor
Share this:

Fans have been loving the second series of Netflix's hit period drama, Bridgerton, but did you know that one of the Featherington sisters has famous parents? 

MORE: Downton Abbey star talks potential role in Bridgerton

The actress who plays Prudence Featherington, Bessie Carter, is the daughter of Downton Abbey stars Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton - can you see the resemblance? 

WATCH: Have you been enjoying Bridgerton season two? 

In the show, Prudence is a social climber who is determined to land a husband during the high society season, while being totally ignorant of her family's money woes. 

Bessie, 28, has starred in several shows before landing her role in Bridgerton, including Howards End and Beecham House. She also appeared on Downton Abbey alongside her dad as a maid. 

jim imelda

Imelda and Jim have both starred in Downton Abbey

Speaking about her daughter entering the acting profession, Imelda told The Times: "I feel very fortunate in that I’ve never had that empty-nest feeling because she’s in the business. Whereas I was catapulted into the theatre, she’s been born into it, and she's grown up with our mates who are like her uncles and aunts. 

MORE: Bridgerton's Jonathan Bailey reveals major on-set disaster: 'this is so embarrassing'

MORE: Bridgerton season two early reviews are in - and they are saying the same thing

"Honestly, there’s nothing nicer than the acting tribe, and knowing she's moved out to be with this extended family feels very good indeed. Jim and I would really like to be at the stage door every night going, Hi!' But you can’t do that. You have to keep your distance. The only unfulfilled ambition I have left is for us to one day work together." 

featheringtons© Photo: Netflix

Bessie is the couple's only child

Speaking about her parents in the same interview, Bessie added: "They’ve set the bar for romance high because they’ve been married 35 years and they're still incredibly happy and bonded. 

"They make each other laugh every day and that's something I look for in relationships. I've never seen either of them really stressed — we get nervous, but we're not worriers. All three of us are big list makers and we need to be constantly busy." 

Like this story? Sign up to our newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.

More TV and Film

See more