"Kate is someone I'll be very interested to have around"
Simone Ashley’s Kate Bridgerton could return for a bigger role in future seasons of Bridgerton, according to showrunner Jess Brownell.
Simone led the second season of the hit Netflix series alongside Jonathan Bailey.
Their characters later returned in seasons three and four, acting as mentors to Anthony’s young siblings Colin and Benedict as they searched for love.
Kate is now the viscountess and a new mother. She also has close relationships with several members of the Bridgerton family.
One of those connections is with Eloise Bridgerton, played by Claudia Jessie.
The next two seasons of Bridgerton will follow Eloise and Francesca (Hannah Dodd), although it’s not known who will be the focus first.
Jess Brownell explained that when it comes to Eloise’s season, Simone will play a big role.
She told PEOPLE: “I also am really partial to the relationship between Kate and Eloise. That’s something that I’d like to continue following in the future.
“So when we eventually get to Eloise’s season, Kate is someone I’ll be very interested to have around, if I can.”
Brownell said the return of characters from previous seasons depends on scheduling and the storyline’s focus.
She said: “It comes down for me to obviously, availability and schedules is one part of it.
“But it’s also about the themes of the season and what the connection is like between the leads of that season and past leads.
“If we’re talking Eloise, for example, I would definitely expect to see Benedict in Eloise’s season, because they have a very close bond.”
“I would also really expect to see Kate in Eloise’s season, because the two of them have this runner where they have kind of a special relationship, and obviously Penelope (Nicola Coughlan).
“It does depend on who we’re focusing on.”
Fans were disappointed that both Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey were absent from season four, part one.
Brownell said the decision was linked to Benedict Bridgerton’s storyline.
She said: “I think for Benedict in particular, it was important for Anthony to be elsewhere in part 1, to give Benedict a moment to struggle with the weight of being the second son who’s filling in for the viscount.
“Benedict’s sense of responsibility or lack thereof, is a bit of a runner that we’re following with Benedict’s journey.
“And for Anthony to be in India, or later in Aubrey Hall, it allows Benedict the chance to rise or to fail.”
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