Bridgerton season three’s couple, Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, finally found their happily ever after on the hit show following the release of part two - and it has finally been confirmed that Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) will be taking centre stage for season four. Let's go Benophie fans!
Benedict, the second eldest Bridgerton brother, is the subject of the third novel, An Offer from a Gentleman. While the show changed order to conclude Colin and Penelope's romance, we're so ready for the long-awaited adaptation of book number three.
However, the show has yet to announce who has been cast to take on the role of his love interest, Sophie Beckett. Check out some fan suggestions for who would be perfect for the role…
Gemma Chan
The Eternals star is a very popular choice among fans, with one suggesting the casting on Reddit, writing: "If you've seen her in Crazy Rich Asians - or literally anything else she's ever been in - you'll absolutely see why. Because she's perfect… Sophie and Gemma's temperaments and overall grace are so similar and I think she would be incredible in the role.
© Steve Granitz"Plus she and Benedict/Luke Thompson would be so super cute together!" However, others pointed that Gemma, 39, might be a little too old for the role of Sophie, who is 20 years old when she is introduced in the novel.
Thomasin McKenzie
Thomasin is perhaps best known for starring in Last Night in Soho, and is about to star in the BBC Two drama Life After Life. The actress is a popular choice for the role, with fans also suggesting Imogen Poots and Poldark’s Eleanor Tomlinson.
© NetflixJessie Mei Li
Fans are keen to see Shadow and Bone star Jessie Mei Li take on the role. The actor, who has previously starred in All About Eve and Last Night in Soho, was also suggested by a fan on Reddit, who wrote: "I would be keen for someone like Jessi Mei Li," to which another person replied: "This!"
© Mike MarslandSai Bennett
The Spanish Princess star Sai Bennett is the most popular casting choice for Sophie on the site MyCast, with plenty of fans calling for her to take on the leading role. She is closely followed by The Politician actress Lucy Boynton.
© Gareth CattermoleThe role could be gender-swapped
After years of fan speculation, it was confirmed that Benedict is bisexual on the show after he has a polyamorous relationship in season three with Lady Tilley Arnold and her friend, Paul. After admitting to Tilley that he wasn't ready to settle down into a relationship yet, he admitted that he could be interested in men or women in the future, meaning that when he finally meets Sophie, her gender could be swapped for the storyline.
Speaking about his character’s sexuality to Entertainment Weekly, Luke previously said: "Benedict has such a lovely openness and fluidity about him generally, and that’s really, really fun to play because it could go anywhere… Obviously, there’s a way to go, so we’ll see what happens with Benedict, but we’re only on season two, so there’s lots of space for him to explore all sorts of things."
However, the Netflix description for season 4 appears to confirm that Sophie won't be gender-swapped, as it reads: "Despite his elder and younger brothers both being happily married, Benedict is loath to settle down -- until he meets a captivating Lady in Silver at his mother's masquerade ball." Interesting!
