Indulging in steamy scenes of pop orchestral covers is only half the fun of Bridgerton . For many viewers, the other half is looking for Easter eggs to analyze the plethora of love stories and those yet to come.
So when Nicola Coughlan (who plays Penelope) posted a series of behind-the-scenes footage from the filming of Season 3, fans were quick to notice an interesting detail: a mirror with a A sticky note with the name "Sophie" written on it.
Now, if you haven't read Julia Quinn's Bridgerton books, you might not understand the significance of such a detail. But on the show, Benedict's love interest is named Sophie Beckett, and fans have long predicted that Sophie might make her debut at the end of season three.
Accidental clue?
So if the actor who plays a character named Sophie is wearing makeup — that's going to be a big deal for those of you patiently waiting for Benedict and Sophie (or #Benophie) seasons. Fans shared their excitement in the comments of Coughlan's June 2 Instagram post. "'Sophie's' post made me scream," one user wrote, while another simply asked: "Sophie?!?"
On Reddit, one fan wondered if the note was indeed "another sign" for Season 4. (If you've been paying attention to fan theories, you know there's been a lot of speculation about Bridgerton 's lead in the next round.)
Lady Whistledown cleans the air
While her character's alter ego may enjoy stirring things up, Coughlan was quick to deny the suggestion that she accidentally spoiled Season 4. "Haha no that's @sophie.burton.33's makeup desk!!" she replied to one commenter, tagging a Bridgerton makeup artist.
So...case closed! But Benofi persisted and stayed strong. Even if this particular detail doesn't hint at a Season 4 lead, there are still plenty of compelling clues that Benedict will step into the spotlight.
For example, in the Bridgerton books, Benedict's marriage (and subsequent departure from the Bridgerton residence) sets the stage for Héloïse's love story. With no older siblings to talk to, she sought friendship in pen pals, who later became more important. So it makes sense that Benedict would get married before the second half of the Bridgerton romance really gets underway.
Additionally, showrunner Jesse Brownell revealed an important journey for Benedict in season three. "I think by the end of the season, he'll understand a lot more about what he wants out of life and where he belongs," she recently told The Hollywood Reporter .
Maybe the artistically gifted middle brother of Bridgerton is finally ready for a serious relationship of his own?
