The third season of Bridgerton is still a few months away, but the show's resident relationship expert is keeping the love going. Adjoa Andoh, who plays Lady Agatha Danbury in the Netflix series, recently hosted a "Coffee & Woohoo" date with International Delight, featuring a series of limited-edition Bridgerton taste.
"The Regency world had a formality to it, a structure that would be hard for us in the 21st century to replicate," Andoh tells Bustle, adding that former dance cards and informal tea parties provided a way for future couples to The opportunity to get to know each other comes with less "pressure" than dating apps.
Of course, Bridgerton Season 3 isn't about making new connections, but finally realizing the ones that have always been there. The next installment of the show will follow old friends Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington as they confront their romantic chemistry.
It's also a moment of rediscovery, marking the first Bridgerton chapter since Lady Danbury's own romance was fleshed out in the prequel series Queen Charlotte . Ando teased that her character's backstory intersects with Penelope's in an exciting way.
Ahead of the show's return on May 16, Andor tells the story of Colin and Penelope's love story, a reunion with the Bridgerton family, and the future of Lady Whistledown's secret side project.
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During the Bridgerton virtual fan event, you talked about the impact of season three on "Wallflower." What does this mean to you?
Lady Danbury was sent to England and grew up to marry Lord Danbury - whether you liked him or not. As a woman, her thoughts, feelings, and desires are ignored. This means that she does resonate with Penelope's situation: [the expectation is] that she will be useful to her family, a bit like young Agatha was useful to her family. She saw Penelope carve a way for herself in the world through the gifts she had.
As far as wallflowers go, Azo is a wallflower. Countless of us have experienced being a wallflower. I think this season suits us. [It says], "You hang in there. You are glorious in your own right. You're going to have your moment."
What elements of Lady Danbury in Romancing Mr. Bridgerton are you most excited to bring to the screen?
Julia Quinn gave me this most wonderful role. She's rich, eccentric, and unapologetically going her own way, and in season three, [I also had] what we learned about Queen Charlotte's Lady Danbury. I'm really excited to show you a Lady Danbury who also rocks. Throughout this season, you'll see how she responds to situations where everything is under her control.
What surprised you about Penelope and Colin's love story?
Colin and Penelope have to find their own way, which is cute. Colin is not the big brother. At this time in British history - I mean, we have William and Harry now, don't we? —Brothers always have to find their own way in the world because no one assigns them based on their birth order. Colin travels; he's trying to find his own path. So, [Colin and Penelope] have to figure out if [their paths] are going to be mutually inclusive.
What are some memorable behind-the-scenes moments for the cast this time around?
It's a little cheesy, but we like each other. A lot of us go to theater, so we go to each other's shows. I was at the Baftas that night with Phoebe [Dynevor] and Jonny [Bailey]. We talk about plumbing, construction work, pets, parents - we are a very affectionate and kind bunch of people. So when you bring us together, that's what you get, professionalism on set, but also giggles and exhaustion and anything that has nothing to do with being on set.
We know that Lady Whistledown's identity is going to be a big thing this season. Do you think Lady Danbury would like the job if Penelope gave it up?
No, I think Lady Danbury absolutely appreciated and commended Lady Whistledown for her intelligence - unscrupulousness, if you like - and her excellent writing. But I think she has her own structures that she has successfully run since her feud with Princess Augusta at Queen Charlotte. She understands that knowledge is power and how to apply that knowledge can make you an effective operator in the world. I think she could have applauded Lady Whistledown, but that wasn't her way.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
